The Republic of Seychelles is an archipelago of 155 islands situated in the Indian Ocean, southeast of mainland Eastern Africa. With a territory of 177 square miles and a population of 92,000, the Seychelles is the smallest African country. Seychelles gained independence from the British in 1976 and has now evolved into a presidential republic. Seychelles’ economy heavily depends on tourism and the fishing/tuna exportation, and boasts the highest nominal per capita GDP in Africa. It is one of only a handful of countries in Africa with a high Human Development Index.
The cosmopolitan Seychellois are a colourful and harmonious blend of different races, which stem from African, European and Asian roots all of whom have brought something of their own customs and way of life to the islands. The result is a charming Creole culture enriched from the melting pot of many continents.
There are three official languages – English, French and Creole. Creole is spoken by everyone and is an adaptation of 17th Century French with additional words and expressions coming from African languages and from Madagascar. It has been elevated to national language status, earning the same respect as English and French. Today Creole is a written as well as a spoken language, which has resulted in an outburst of creativity in plays, poetry and prose.
The population of Seychelles stands at 92,000 of which 78,000 live on Mahe, in particular around the capital Victoria, some 7,000 on Praslin and the remainder on La Digue and scattered among the rest of the islands.
Roman Catholiscism is the dominant religion, but there are also Anglican and Protestant churches together with smaller Muslim, Hindu and Baha’i communities based on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.
Country Profile
| Titles | Information |
|---|---|
| Head of State | H.E. Danny Faure |
| Head of Government ( if applicable) | – |
| Capital City | Victoria |
| Independence Day | 29 June 1976 |
| Official Languages | Seychellois Creole, English, French |
| Currency | Seychellois Rupee (SCR) ( 1 Rs = 100 cents) |
| Area/Size of country (km²) | 455 |
| Natural resources | fish (mostly tuna), cinnamon, copra |
| Government website link | www.egov.sc |
| Statistical indicators |
MINISTRY RESPONSIBLE FOR COMESA AFFAIRS
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO COMESA
| Name of Permanent Representative | Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre |
|---|---|
| Address : | High Commission of the Republic of Seychelles, Delmondo Office Park, Block C, Positano, Ground Floor, 169 Garsfontein Road, Ashlea Gardens, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa |
| Phone Number: | + 27 123 480 270 / +27 123 464 68 |
| marosequatre@seychelleshc.co.za | |
| Website | www.mfa.gov.sc |
Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)
Address: H.I.S House, Providence Industrial Estate, Mahe, Seychelles
Tel: +248 432 38 12
Fax: +248 432 14 22
E-mail: admin@scci.sc
Website: www.scci.sc
Investment Centre
Seychelles Investment Board (SIB)
Address: Independence House Annex, P. O. Box 1167, Victoria
Tel: (+248) 429 5500
Investment Helpline: (+248) 261 5500 / (+248) 281 5500
E-mail: investinseychelles@sib.gov.sc
Website: www.investinseychelles.com
Travel/Tourism
Seychelles Tourism Board (STB)
Address : PO Box 1262, Botanical House, Mont Fleuri, Mahe, Seychelles
Tel: +248 467 13 00
E-mail: info@seychelles.travel
Website: www.seychellestourismboard.travel