Seychelles Profile

A Seychelles Islands profile including a social and economic profile together with details of daily life in the Seychelles, news and video. Located in the Indian Ocean off the west coast of Africa, the islands were likely known to Arab sailors for centuries before being sighted by the Portuguese in the 16th century, followed by the British East India Company in 1609. However it was the French, led by Lazare Picault, who explored them in 1742 and 1744 before formally annexing them in 1756, naming them after Jean Moreau de Sechelles, Louis XV's Minister of Finance. They were later ceded to Britain in 1810 during the Napoleonic Wars following the defeat of French Mauritius by whom they were administered. In 1903 the islands became a separate British Crown colony and the Seychelles officially became the Republic of Seychelles following their full independence from the UK in 1976.

The archipelago of 115 islands in total, with a population of 121,354 (2025) making it the smallest country in Africa both in terms of landmass and population, is comprised of more than forty central, mountainous granitic islands, but there are three main land masses, Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Mahe, the largest, measures 28km long by 8km wide and is home to the majority of the country's population, 90%, and is also home the to country's capital Victoria which is officially the smallest capital city in the world. Mahe is also home to the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and beaches, including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka. The wider archipelago is home to a wide range of wildlife including giant tortoises.

A year after achieving independence, the Seychelles suffered their first coup d'etat in which President James Mancham was replaced by France Albert Rene, the country's Prime Minister, who, two years later declared a one party state that survived until 1991. As a result of the coup, some 10,000 islanders fled the country and the following years saw mutinies and failed counter-coup attempts to restore Mancham to power. By 1991 Rene had bowed to increasing pressure to restore multi-party politics and introduced a new constitution that led to elections in 1993 which he duly won. He was re-elected in 1998 and 2001, standing down in 2004 in favour of his deputy, who in turn was elected democratically in 2006. On 25th October 2020, Wavel Ramkalawan won the presidential election, the first such victory for an opposition candidate since independence.

Today the Seychelles is run by the President and his appointed cabinet, who are subject to approval by the country's legislature and it is generally considered a politically and economically stable country, ranking highly in governance and transparency indexes, allowing for focused development efforts.

On the international stage, Seychelles plays an active and vocal role, particularly in advocating for climate action, marine conservation, and maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Its leadership on these issues, despite its size, underscores its commitment to global cooperation and sustainable development, ensuring its voice is heard on matters crucial to its future and the broader international community.

Seychelles Profile

Volunteer Seychelles

Check out all the latest fee paying and free African volunteer work placements in Seychelles.
More >

Victoria Profile

Facts, video and information about Victoria, the small capital of the beautiful Seychelles Islands.
More >

Seychelles Map

Use this satellite map of the Seychelles islands to explore and take a virtual tour of the archipelago.
More >

Seychelles News

Read all the latest news and current events from Seychelles online in our Seychelles news page.
More >

Auto

The social profile of Seychelles is a testament to its diverse history. A melting pot of African, Asian, and European influences, its population is a harmonious blend of cultures, primarily Creole. This rich heritage is evident in the Seychellois language (Kreol Seselwa), music, cuisine, and traditions. Despite its small size, Seychelles boasts impressive human development indicators, with high literacy rates and comprehensive healthcare access for its citizens. Education is highly valued, contributing to a skilled workforce and a relatively high standard of living. The close-knit communities foster a strong sense of national identity and social cohesion, underpinned by a shared appreciation for their unique environment and cultural heritage.

The economic profile of Seychelles is predominantly tourism and fisheries. Its stunning natural beauty, from the iconic Vallée de Mai on the island of Praslin (decribed by British Army officer General Gordon of Khartoum as "the original site of the Garden of Eden,") now a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the vibrant coral reefs, attracts tourists worldwide, making tourism the largest contributor to its Gross Domestic Product. The islands are also home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises, with over 150,000 residing on the UNESCO-listed Aldabra Atoll. The fisheries sector, particularly tuna, is another vital industry, contributing significantly to exports and employment. However, like many small island developing states (SIDS), Seychelles faces economic vulnerabilities, including reliance on external markets, susceptibility to global economic fluctuations, and the impacts of climate change on its coastal resources. In response, the government has focused on diversification strategies, including promoting sustainable blue economy initiatives, encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises, and exploring renewable energy sources to build a more resilient and sustainable economy.

Outcomes for children are good, with high levels of literacy and health care. The Seychelles are in 54th place out of 193 countries and territories in 2025 when ranked in terms of life expectancy, literacy, access to knowledge and the living standards of a country, positioning it in the high human development category and the highest in Africa.