Seychelles

I

Introduction

Seychelles, republic, consisting of an archipelago of some 90 islands, scattered across the western Indian Ocean, north-east of the island of Madagascar, a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The archipelago’s total area is 454 sq km (175 sq mi). The capital of Seychelles is Victoria.

II

Land and Resources

Seychelles consists of two distinct island groups: the Mahé group in the north and the low-lying coral islands stretching to the south. The 40 islands of the Mahé group are formed of granitic rocks and have hilly interiors rising as high as 900 m (2,952 ft). All the country’s principal islands belong to this group; they include Mahé Island (the largest), Praslin, Silhouette, and La Digue. The 50 or so coral islands are largely without water resources, and most are uninhabited. Tourism is the main industry in the Seychelles, and nearly the entire country has been designated as protected land. There is some pressure on wildlife habitat, causing some species to be threatened, although a number of wildlife parks have now been established, including marine parks for the preservation of giant tortoises and green sea turtles.

III

Population

The Seychelles has a population of about 82,247 (2008 estimate). About 90 per cent lives on Mahé. The capital, principal city, and leading port is Victoria (population, 2003 estimate, 25,000), on Mahé. Most people are of mixed French and African descent; Indian and Chinese minorities are also present.

A

Religion

About 88 per cent of the population is Roman Catholic.