Seychelles

The Seychelles, comprised of 115 islands, were uninhabited when the British East India Company arrived on the archipelago in 1609. Thereafter, they became a favourite pirate haven. The French claimed the islands in 1756 and administered them as part of the colony of Mauritius. The British gained control of the islands through the Treaty of Paris (1814) and changed the island's' name from the French Séchelles to the Anglicized Seychelles.

Today the Seychelles is a Republic, with the main island of Mahé, containing the airport and the capital. Together with the neighbouring islands of Praslin and La Digue they comprise the economic and cultural hub where most of the Seychelles’ tourism facilities as well as its most spectacular pristine beaches can be found. The Seychelles population is vibrant and diverse and as society has evolved, it has stayed true to its multi-ethnic roots, and its people live in harmony.

Quick Facts

Capital: Victoria
Government: Republic
Currency: Seychelles rupee (SCR)
Area: total: 455 km2, water: 0 km2, land: 455 km2
Population: 92,000 (2012 est.)
Language: English (official), French (official), Creole
Religion: Majority Roman Catholic, Anglican, other Christian
Calling Code: +248
Internet TLD: .sc
Time Zone: UTC+4