Seychelles

The Republic of Seychelles is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, located northeast of Madagascar and celebrated for its exceptional natural beauty, political stability, and comparatively high standard of living. Comprising 155 islands, Seychelles is the smallest African state by both area and population but ranks among the continent’s most prosperous economies. Its success rests on a diversified base of tourism, tuna exports, and offshore financial services, while its strategic maritime position enhances its role in regional security and environmental diplomacy.

Historical Background

Seychelles remained uninhabited until the sixteenth century, first recorded by Portuguese explorers and later claimed by France in 1756, which named the archipelago after Jean Moreau de Séchelles, the French finance minister. During the Napoleonic Wars, the islands were seized by Britain, and the Treaty of Paris (1814) confirmed British sovereignty.
Under British colonial rule, Seychelles developed a plantation economy dependent on enslaved Africans and indentured labourers from Madagascar, India, and Asia, producing coconut oil, vanilla, and spices. The islands gained independence on 29 June 1976, with James Mancham as president and France-Albert René as prime minister.
A year later, René led a 1977 coup d’état, establishing a socialist one-party state under the Seychelles People’s Progressive Front (SPPF). His government pursued ambitious social reforms, expanded education and healthcare, and aligned with the Non-Aligned Movement and socialist partners.
Following the end of the Cold War, Seychelles transitioned back to multiparty democracy under the 1993 Constitution, restoring competitive elections and a market-based economy. René remained in power through democratic contests in 1993 and 1998, stepping down in 2004 in favour of James Michel, who oversaw economic liberalisation and international engagement.
The 2020 presidential election marked a historic shift when Wavel Ramkalawan, leader of the opposition Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS), won 54.9% of the vote, ending four decades of SPPF rule. His administration continues to strengthen democratic institutions, environmental governance, and economic diversification.

Geography and Environment

Situated between 4° and 10° south latitude, Seychelles encompasses 455 square kilometres of land surrounded by an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 1.3 million square kilometres—nearly 3,000 times its land area. The islands fall into two main groups: the granitic Inner Islands, including Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, and the coralline Outer Islands, composed mainly of low-lying atolls.
Mahé, the largest island, hosts 90% of the population and the capital city Victoria. The topography is mountainous and forested, with Morne Seychellois (905 m) as the highest point. The tropical marine climate is moderated by trade winds: a cool southeast monsoon (May–September) and a warm northwest monsoon (March–May). The country lies outside the cyclone belt, facing minimal extreme weather.
Seychelles is a world leader in conservation, with 73% of land forested and nearly 50% designated as protected area. The main ecological concerns include freshwater scarcity, waste management, and vulnerability to rising sea levels. The state is a signatory to major environmental treaties, including the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Law of the Sea Convention.
Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Aldabra Atoll and Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, exemplify the country’s biodiversity and commitment to ecological preservation.

Population and Society

In 2024, Seychelles’ population was estimated at 98,187, making it Africa’s least populous country. Around 76% live on Mahé, with smaller communities on Praslin and La Digue. The population growth rate is 0.56%, while the median age of 38.7 years indicates an ageing demographic profile.
The Creole identity—a blend of African, Malagasy, French, Indian, Chinese, and Arab ancestry—defines the national character. Seychelles has three official languages: Seychellois Creole, English, and French, reflecting its multicultural heritage. Roman Catholicism (76%) dominates religious life, alongside Protestant, Hindu, and Muslim minorities.
Life expectancy averages 76.6 years (men 72.2, women 81.1), among the highest in Africa. Infant mortality is 10.2 per 1,000 live births, and maternal mortality stands at 42 per 100,000. Health expenditure equals 5.3% of GDP, with physician density at 2.25 per 1,000. Access to clean water and sanitation exceeds 96%, while education, funded by the state, achieves near-universal literacy and a school life expectancy of 13 years.

Government and Politics

Seychelles operates as a presidential republic under the 1993 Constitution, which reinstated multiparty democracy and the separation of powers. The President, both head of state and head of government, is elected by direct popular vote for a five-year renewable term. Wavel Ramkalawan has served as president since October 2020.
The National Assembly, a unicameral legislature of 35 members, is chosen through a mixed electoral system of direct and proportional representation. The Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) currently holds 25 seats, and United Seychelles (US) holds 10. Women occupy about 28.6% of parliamentary positions.
The judiciary—comprising the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, and Court of Appeal—is independent, drawing from English common law, French civil law, and customary law. Judges are appointed by the president upon recommendation from the Constitutional Appointments Authority.

Economy

Seychelles has evolved into one of Africa’s most advanced and high-income economies, supported by prudent fiscal policies and effective governance. In 2024, GDP (PPP) was approximately $3.55 billion, with per capita income of $29,200. The economy is led by services (65.8%), followed by industry (12.3%) and agriculture (2.5%).
Tourism remains the main foreign exchange earner, complemented by tuna fishing and processing, and offshore finance. Inflation remains low at 0.3%, while GDP growth reached 3.5% in 2024. Despite moderate inequality (Gini index 32.1), 25.3% of citizens live below the national poverty line.
Key trade indicators (2023):

• Exports: $2.38 billion (fish, ships, scrap iron, animal meal)
• Imports: $2.44 billion (refined petroleum, vehicles, plastics)
• Foreign reserves: $774 million (2024)
• Exchange rate: 1 USD = 14.53 SCR

Major trade partners include France, Mauritius, the UK, Japan, Italy, and the UAE. Seychelles pursues blue economy initiatives, linking ocean sustainability with economic growth, alongside renewable energy and marine spatial planning.

Infrastructure, Energy, and Communications

Electricity coverage is universal, with 156 MW installed capacity. Energy production relies on fossil fuels (86%), but solar energy (12.7%) is rapidly expanding through national incentives. Per capita energy use (98.8 million Btu) ranks among the highest in Africa.
Telecommunications are modern and extensive: mobile penetration exceeds 190 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, internet access reaches 87%, and broadband coverage stands at 31 per 100. The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) operates the public network alongside private digital and satellite platforms.

Defence and Security

The Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF), established in 1977, comprise an Army, Coast Guard, and Air Force, with about 500 personnel. The SPDF focuses on maritime security, combating piracy, illegal fishing, and drug trafficking. The Coast Guard, crucial for policing the 1.3 million sq km EEZ, received enhanced powers in 2022 to support law enforcement.
Defence partnerships with India, France, China, and the UAE provide training, patrol vessels, and surveillance capabilities. Military expenditure remains modest at 1.5% of GDP, while domestic security is managed by the Seychelles Police Force.

Culture and National Identity

Seychellois culture reflects a dynamic blend of African, European, and Asian influences. Creole, the national language, embodies the islands’ mixed heritage and unity. Music and dance traditions such as moutya and sega, along with cuisine rich in seafood, coconut, and spices, express a shared cultural identity.
The national flag, adopted in 1996, features five radiating bands—blue, yellow, red, white, and green—symbolising the sea, sunlight, unity, justice, and land. The national anthem, “Koste Seselwa” (“Seychellois Unite”), reinforces themes of solidarity and pride.