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Seychelles
Introduction
Background
Seychelles was uninhabited prior to being discovered by Europeans early in the 16th century. A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. During colonial rule, a plantation-based economy developed that relied on imported labor, primarily from European colonies in Africa. Independence came in 1976. Following a coup d’etat in 1977, the country was a socialist one-party state until adopting a new constitution and holding free elections in 1993. President France-Albert RENE, who had served since 1977, was reelected in 2001, but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James Alix MICHEL took over the presidency and in 2006 was elected to a new five-year term; he was reelected in 2011 and again in 2015. In 2016, James MICHEL resigned and handed over the presidency to his vice-president, Danny FAURE.
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Geography
Location
archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar
Geographic coordinates
4 35 S, 55 40 E
Map references
Africa
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
491 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate
tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)
Terrain
Mahe Group is volcanic with a narrow coastal strip and rocky, hilly interior; others are coral, flat, elevated reefs
Elevation
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m
Natural resources
fish, coconuts (copra), cinnamon trees
Land use
agricultural land: 6.5% (2018 est.)
arable land: 2.2% (2018 est.)
permanent crops: 4.3% (2018 est.)
permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.)
forest: 88.5% (2018 est.)
other: 5% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land
3 sq km (2012)
Population distribution
more than three-quarters of the population lives on the main island of Mahe; Praslin contains less than 10%; a smaller percent on La Digue and the outer islands as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare; occasional short droughts
Geography - note
the smallest African country in terms of both area and population; the constitution of the Republic of Seychelles lists 155 islands: 42 granitic and 113 coralline; by far the largest island is Mahe, which is home to about 90% of the population and the site of the capital city of Victoria
People and Society
Nationality
noun: Seychellois (singular and plural)
adjective: Seychellois
Ethnic groups
predominantly Creole (mainly of East African and Malagasy heritage); also French, Indian, Chinese, and Arab populations
Languages
Seychellois Creole (official) 89.1%, English (official) 5.1%, French (official) 0.7%, other 3.8%, unspecified 1.4% (2010 est.)
Religions
Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 10.5% (Anglican 6.1%, Pentecostal Assembly 1.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.2%, other Protestant 1.7%), other Christian 2.4%, Hindu 2.4%, Muslim 1.6%, other non-Christian 1.1%, unspecified 4.8%, none 0.9% (2010 est.)
Demographic profile
Seychelles has no indigenous population and was first permanently settled by a small group of French planters, African slaves, and South Indians in 1770. Seychelles’ modern population is composed of the descendants of French and later British settlers, Africans, and Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern traders and is concentrated on three of its 155 islands – the vast majority on Mahe and lesser numbers on Praslin and La Digue. Seychelles’ population grew rapidly during the second half of the 20th century, largely due to natural increase, but the pace has slowed because of fertility decline. The total fertility rate dropped sharply from 4.0 children per woman in 1980 to 1.9 in 2015, mainly as a result of a family planning program, free education and health care, and increased female labor force participation. Life expectancy has increased steadily, but women on average live 9 years longer than men, a difference that is higher than that typical of developed countries.
The combination of reduced fertility and increased longevity has resulted in an aging population, which will put pressure on the government’s provision of pensions and health care. Seychelles’ sustained investment in social welfare services, such as free primary health care and education up to the post-secondary level, have enabled the country to achieve a high human development index score – among the highest in Africa. Despite some of its health and education indicators being nearly on par with Western countries, Seychelles has a high level of income inequality.
An increasing number of migrant workers – mainly young men – have been coming to Seychelles in recent years to work in the construction and tourism industries. As of 2011, foreign workers made up nearly a quarter of the workforce. Indians are the largest non-Seychellois population – representing half of the country’s foreigners – followed by Malagasy.
Age structure
0-14 years: 18.85% (male 9,297/female 8,798)
15-24 years: 12.39% (male 6,283/female 5,607)
25-54 years: 49.03% (male 25,209/female 21,851)
55-64 years: 11.46% (male 5,545/female 5,455)
65 years and over: 8.27% (male 3,272/female 4,664) (2020 est.)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 46.7
youth dependency ratio: 34.9
elderly dependency ratio: 11.8
potential support ratio: 8.5 (2020 est.)
Median age
total: 36.8 years
male: 36.3 years
female: 37.4 years (2020 est.)
Population distribution
more than three-quarters of the population lives on the main island of Mahe; Praslin contains less than 10%; a smaller percent on La Digue and the outer islands as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization
urban population: 57.5% of total population (2020)
rate of urbanization: 1.26% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
Major urban areas - population
28,000 VICTORIA (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.12 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2020 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 10.83 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 13.64 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 7.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 75.84 years
male: 71.39 years
female: 80.43 years (2021 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: total: 96.2% of population
unimproved: total: 3.8% of population (2017 est.)
Current Health Expenditure
5.1% (2018)
Physicians density
2.12 physicians/1,000 population (2016)
Hospital bed density
3.6 beds/1,000 population (2011)
Sanitation facility access
improved: total: 100% of population
unimproved: total: 0% of population (2017 est.)
Literacy
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 95.9%
male: 95.4%
female: 96.4% (2018)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 16 years (2019)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24
total: 11.6%
male: 12.6%
female: 10.4% (2018 est.)
Government
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Seychelles
conventional short form: Seychelles
local long form: Republic of Seychelles
local short form: Seychelles
etymology: named by French Captain Corneille Nicholas MORPHEY after Jean Moreau de SECHELLES, the finance minister of France, in 1756
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Victoria
geographic coordinates: 4 37 S, 55 27 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: founded as L'etablissement in 1778 by French colonists, the town was renamed in 1841 by the British after Queen Victoria (1819-1901); "victoria" is the Latin word for "victory"
Administrative divisions
27 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau, Anse Etoile, Anse Royale, Au Cap, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne, Beau Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand Anse Mahe, Grand Anse Praslin, Ile Perseverance I, Ile Perseverance II, La Digue, La Riviere Anglaise, Les Mamelles, Mont Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe Larue, Port Glaud, Roche Caiman, Saint Louis, Takamaka
Independence
29 June 1976 (from the UK)
National holiday
Constitution Day, 18 June (1993); Independence Day (National Day), 29 June (1976)
Constitution
history: previous 1970, 1979; latest drafted May 1993, approved by referendum 18 June 1993, effective 23 June 1993
amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the National Assembly; passage of amendments affecting the country’s sovereignty, symbols and languages, the supremacy of the constitution, fundamental rights and freedoms, amendment procedures, and dissolution of the Assembly also requires approval by at least 60% of voters in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2018
Legal system
mixed legal system of English common law, French civil law, and customary law
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Seychelles
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Wavel RAMKALAWAN (since 26 October 2020); Vice President Ahmed AFIF (since 27 October 2020); the president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Wavel RAMKALAWAN (since 26 October 2020); Vice President Ahmed AFIF (since 27 October 2020)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for 1 additional term); election last held on 22-24 Oct 2020 (originally scheduled for December 2020 but moved up to coincide with the 22-24 October National Assembly election in order to cut election costs)
election results: Wavel RAMKALAWAN elected president; Wavel RAMKALAWAN (LDS) 54.9%, Danny FAURE (US) 43.5%
Legislative branch
description: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (35 seats in the 2020 -25 term; 26 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and up to 9 members elected by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms)
elections: last held on 22-24 Oct 2020 (next to be held October 2025); note - the election was originally scheduled for 2021 but was moved up a year and will be held alongside the presidential election in order to cut election costs
election results: percent of vote by party - LDS 54.8%, US 42.3% , other 2.9%; seats by party - LDS 25, US10; composition - men 25, women 10, percent of women 29%
Judicial branch
highest courts: Seychelles Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices); Supreme Court of Seychelles (consists of the chief justice and 9 puisne judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 3 Supreme Court judges)
judge selection and term of office: all judges appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the Constitutional Appointments Authority, a 3-member body, with 1 member appointed by the president of the republic, 1 by the opposition leader in the National Assembly, and 1 by the other 2 appointees; judges serve until retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts of Seychelles; Family Tribunal for issues such as domestic violence, child custody, and maintenance; Employment Tribunal for labor-related disputes
Political parties and leaders
Lafors Seselwa Demokratik or LSD [Martin AGLAE]
One Seychelles [Alain St. ANGE]
Seselwa (Seychelles) United Party or SUP [Robert ERNESTA] (formerly the New Democratic Party or NDP)
Seychelles National Party or SNP [Wavel RAMKALAWAN] (formerly the United Opposition or UO)
Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy or SPSD [Alexia AMESBURY]
Seychelles Patriotic Movement or SPM [Vincent LARUER]
Seychelloise Alliance (Lalyans Seselwa) [Patrick PILLAY]
Seychellois Democratic Alliance (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa) or LDS [Roger MANCIENNE] (includes SNP, SPSD, and SUP)
United Seychelles or US [Vincent MERITON] (formerly People's Party (Parti Lepep) or PL; (formerly SPPF)
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, C, CD, COMESA, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Ronald Jean JUMEAU (since 8 September 2017)
chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400C, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 972-1785
FAX: [1] (212) 972-1786
consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Seychelles; the US Ambassador to Mauritius is accredited to Seychelles
Flag description
five oblique bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, red, white, and green (bottom) radiating from the bottom of the hoist side; the oblique bands are meant to symbolize a dynamic new country moving into the future; blue represents sky and sea, yellow the sun giving light and life, red the peoples' determination to work for the future in unity and love, white social justice and harmony, and green the land and natural environment
National symbol(s)
coco de mer (sea coconut); national colors: blue, yellow, red, white, green
National anthem
name: "Koste Seselwa" (Seychellois Unite)
lyrics/music: David Francois Marc ANDRE and George Charles Robert PAYET
note: adopted 1996
Economy
Economic overview
Since independence in 1976, per capita output in this Indian Ocean archipelago has expanded to roughly seven times the pre-independence, near-subsistence level, moving the island into the high income group of countries. Growth has been led by the tourism sector, which directly employs about 26% of the labor force and directly and indirectly accounts for more than 55% of GDP, and by tuna fishing. In recent years, the government has encouraged foreign investment to upgrade hotels and tourism industry services. At the same time, the government has moved to reduce the dependence on tourism by promoting the development of the offshore financial, information, and communication sectors and renewable energy.
In 2008, having depleted its foreign exchange reserves, Seychelles defaulted on interest payments due on a $230 million Eurobond, requested assistance from the IMF, and immediately enacted a number of significant structural reforms, including liberalization of the exchange rate, reform of the public sector to include layoffs, and the sale of some state assets. In December 2013, the IMF declared that Seychelles had successfully transitioned to a market-based economy with full employment and a fiscal surplus. However, state-owned enterprises still play a prominent role in the economy. Effective 1 January 2017, Seychelles was no longer eligible for trade benefits under the US African Growth and Opportunities Act after having gained developed country status. Seychelles grew at 5% in 2017 because of a strong tourism sector and low commodity prices. The Seychellois Government met the IMF’s performance criteria for 2017 but recognizes a need to make additional progress to reduce high income inequality, represented by a Gini coefficient of 46.8.
As a very small open economy dependent on tourism, Seychelles remains vulnerable to developments such as economic downturns in countries that supply tourists, natural disasters, and changes in local climatic conditions and ocean temperature. One of the main challenges facing the government is implementing strategies that will increase Seychelles' long-term resilience to climate change without weakening economic growth.
Real GDP growth rate
5.3% (2017 est.)
4.5% (2016 est.)
4.9% (2015 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
1.8% (2019 est.)
3.7% (2018 est.)
2.8% (2017 est.)
Credit ratings
Fitch rating: B+ (2020)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$2.852 billion (2019 est.)
$2.709 billion (2018 est.)
$2.611 billion (2017 est.)
note: data are in 2010 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$1.748 billion (2019 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$29,223 (2019 est.)
$27,997 (2018 est.)
$27,243 (2017 est.)
note: data are in 2010 dollars
Gross national saving
12.4% of GDP (2019 est.)
13.1% of GDP (2018 est.)
13.4% of GDP (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 2.5% (2017 est.)
industry: 13.8% (2017 est.)
services: 83.7% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 52.7% (2017 est.)
government consumption: 34.4% (2017 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 26.7% (2017 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.)
exports of goods and services: 79.4% (2017 est.)
imports of goods and services: -93.2% (2017 est.)
Ease of Doing Business Index scores
Overall score: 61.7 (2020)
Starting a Business score: 78.8 (2020)
Trading score: 71.8 (2020)
Enforcement score: 51.2 (2020)
Agricultural products
coconuts, vegetables, bananas, fruit, eggs, poultry, tomatoes, pork, tropical fruit, cassava
Industries
fishing, tourism, beverages
Labor force - by occupation
agriculture: 3%
industry: 23%
services: 74% (2006)
Population below poverty line
25.3% (2018 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
46.8 (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 21Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 4.7%
highest 10%: 15.4% (2007)
Budget
revenues: 593.4 million (2017 est.)
expenditures: 600.7 million (2017 est.)
Fiscal year
calendar year
Current account balance
-$307 million (2017 est.)
-$286 million (2016 est.)
Exports - partners
United Arab Emirates 17%, United Kingdom 13%, France 12%, British Virgin Islands 11%, Zambia 9%, Mauritius 5%, Japan 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, fish, recreational boats, cigarettes, animal meal (2019)
Imports - partners
United Arab Emirates 21%, Qatar 13%, British Virgin Islands 7%, Germany 6%, France 6%, China 5%, Spain 5%, South Africa 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities
recreational boats, refined petroleum, fish, aircraft, cars (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$545.2 million (31 December 2017 est.)
$523.5 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external
$4.802 billion (2019 est.)
$4.613 billion (2018 est.)
Exchange rates
Seychelles rupees (SCR) per US dollar -
13.64 (2017 est.)
13.319 (2016 est.)
13.319 (2015 est.)
13.314 (2014 est.)
12.747 (2013 est.)
Energy
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Electricity - installed generating capacity
88,000 kW (2016 est.)
country comparison to the world: 181Electricity - from fossil fuels
91% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
country comparison to the world: 55Electricity - from nuclear fuels
0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
country comparison to the world: 181Electricity - from hydroelectric plants
0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
country comparison to the world: 199Electricity - from other renewable sources
9% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
country comparison to the world: 83Refined petroleum products - consumption
7,300 bbl/day (2016 est.)
country comparison to the world: 166Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy
1.15 million Mt (2017 est.)
country comparison to the world: 165Communications
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 19,627
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 20.59 (2019 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 188,879
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 198.15 (2019 est.)
Telecommunication systems
general assessment: effective system; direct international calls to over 100 countries; radiotelephone communications between islands in the archipelago; 3 ISPs; use of Internet cafes' for access to Internet; 4G services and 5G pending (2020)
domestic: fixed-line 21 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity is 198 telephones per 100 persons (2019)
international: country code - 248; landing points for the PEACE and the SEAS submarine cables providing connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia; direct radiotelephone communications with adjacent island countries and African coastal countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2019)
note: the COVID-19 outbreak is negatively impacting telecommunications production and supply chains globally; consumer spending on telecom devices and services has also slowed due to the pandemic's effect on economies worldwide; overall progress towards improvements in all facets of the telecom industry - mobile, fixed-line, broadband, submarine cable and satellite - has moderated
Broadcast media
the national broadcaster, Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), which is funded by taxpayer money, operates the only terrestrial TV station, which provides local programming and airs broadcasts from international services; a privately owned Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) channel also provides local programming multi-channel cable and satellite TV are available through 2 providers; the national broadcaster operates 1 AM and 1 FM radio station; there are 2 privately operated radio stations; transmissions of 2 international broadcasters are accessible in Victoria
(2019)Internet users
total: 55,616
percent of population: 58.77% (July 2018 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 19,696
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (2018 est.)
Transportation
National air transport system
number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020)
inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 7
annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 455,201 (2018)
annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 7.79 million mt-km (2018)
Airports - with paved runways
total: 7 (2019)
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 1
Airports - with unpaved runways
total: 7 (2013)
914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2013)
under 914 m: 5 (2013)
Heliports
1 (2013)
Roadways
total: 526 km (2015)
paved: 514 km (2015)
unpaved: 12 km (2015)
Merchant marine
total: 26
by type: general cargo 4, oil tanker 6, other 16 (2020)
Ports and terminals
major seaport(s): Victoria
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF): Army (includes infantry, special forces, and a presidential security unit), Coast Guard, and Air Force (2020)
Military expenditures
1.3% of GDP (2019)
1.4% of GDP (2018)
1.5% of GDP (2017)
1.4% of GDP (2016)
1.2% of GDP (2015)
Military and security service personnel strengths
the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) have approximately 500 personnel (2020)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the SPDF's inventory primarily consists of Soviet-era equipment delivered in the 1970s and 1980s; since 2010, the SPDF has received limited amounts of more modern equipment (mostly donations of patrol boats and aircraft) from several suppliers led by China and India (2021)
Military service age and obligation
18-28 years of age for voluntary military service (18-25 for officers); 6-year initial commitment; no conscription (2021)
Transnational Issues
Disputes - international
Mauritius and Seychelles claim the Chagos Islands (UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory)