Country Profile · No. 43

Seychelles

Capital / Admin Capital

VictoriaPopulation: ~100kIndependence: 1976 (June 29)

First President

James Mancham (1976–1977, overthrown in a coup by France-Albert René)Current President: Wavel Ramkalawan (Serving since October 2020)

Geography & Borders

Archipelago island nation consisting of 115 granite and coral islands located in the western Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. The least populous sovereign African nation.

Demographics & Language

Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic, ~75%+). Official: Seychellois Creole, English language, French language. Major groups: Seychellois Creole (mixed French, African, Indian, and Chinese descent).

Economy & GDP

High-end luxury tourism, tuna commercial fishing, financial offshore services.

Global Diaspora

1. United Kingdom (~15k), 2. Australia (~10k), 3. France (~5k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): California, Florida, New York.

Major Conflicts

Historic colonial naval rivalries between France and Great Britain for control of the Indian Ocean spice routes during the 18th and early 19th centuries; 1977 political coup d'état.

3 Must-See Sites

1. Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve (Praslin Island) (UNESCO-listed prehistoric palm forest nurturing the legendary double-lobed Coco de Mer nut), 2. Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue Island) (Frequently ranked among the most breathtaking and photographed beaches on Earth, framed by giant pink granite boulders), 3. Aldabra Atoll (Remote UNESCO coral atoll housing the world's largest population of giant tortoises).

Quick Facts

Boasts the highest nominal GDP per capita of any sovereign nation in Africa; home to the rare Coco de Mer, which produces the largest and heaviest seed in the plant kingdom.