Seychelles Facts and Culture

What is Seychelles famous for?

• Cultural Attributes: The capital, only city and port and where most people live is on the main island of Mahé.  In the... More
• Family: Women look after the children, and control the daily expenses as single parent families. Many children are born out of... More
• Personal Apperance: In Seychelles, clothing styles are influenced by the tropical climate, cultural traditions, and modern fashion trends. Lightweight Clothing: Given Seychelles'... More
• Recreation: In Seychelles, recreational activities revolve around the country's stunning natural beauty and diverse outdoor opportunities. Soccer is the most important... More
• Diet: In Seychelles, the diet is influenced by the country's diverse cultural heritage, abundant natural resources, and tropical climate. Fish and Seafood:... More
• Food and Recipes: In Seychelles, mealtimes typically follow a similar pattern to many Western countries, but with some unique aspects influenced by local... More
• Visiting: When visiting Seychelles, it's important to respect local customs and etiquette. Here are some customs to keep in mind: Respect for... More
• Dating: In Seychelles, dating rituals and customs are influenced by cultural traditions, social norms, and modern influences. While dating practices may... More

What is the capital of Seychelles?

Capital	Victoria
Government Type	presidential republic
Currency	Seychellese Rupee (SCR)
Total Area	176 Square Miles 455 Square Kilometers
Location	archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar
Language	English (official), French (official), Creole
GDP - real growth rate	3.5%
GDP - per capita (PPP)	$27,000.00 (USD)

What is the population of Seychelles?

Ethnic Groups	mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab
Nationality Noun	Seychellois (singular and plural)
Population	95,981
Population Growth Rate	0.9%
Population in Major Urban Areas	VICTORIA (capital) 27,000
Urban Population	53.600000

What type of government does Seychelles have?

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 a second term); election last held on 22 to 24 October 2020 (next to be held in 2025) election results: 2020: Wavel RAMKALAWAN elected president; Wavel RAMKALAWAN (LDS) 54.9%, Danny FAURE (US) 43.5%, other 1.6% 2015: President James Alix MICHEL reelected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - James Alix MICHEL (PL) 47.8%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN (SNP) 35.3%, other 16.9%; percent of vote in second round - James Alix MICHEL 50.2%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN 49.8%
Suffrage	18 years of age; universal
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
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
Independence	29 June 1976 (from the UK)

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What environmental issues does Seychelles have?

Climate	tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)
Environment - Current Issues	water supply depends on catchments to collect rainwater
Environment - International Agreements	party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Terrain	Mahe Group is granitic, narrow coastal strip, rocky, hilly; others are coral, flat, elevated reefs

How big is the Seychelles economy?

Economic Overview	Seychelles maintains a small but diverse economy driven primarily by tourism, fisheries, and offshore financial services. Tourism: Seychelles is highly dependent on tourism, which contributes significantly to the country's GDP. The pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant marine life attract tourists from around the world. Tourism-related activities include hotel accommodations, restaurants, water sports, and eco-tourism ventures. However, the sector is susceptible to external factors such as global economic conditions, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions. Fisheries: Fisheries play a crucial role in Seychelles' economy, providing income and employment opportunities for local communities. The country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is rich in marine resources, including tuna and other fish species. Seychelles has developed partnerships with foreign countries and international organizations for sustainable fisheries management and value-added processing of fish products. Offshore Financial Services: Seychelles has established itself as an offshore financial center, attracting investors and businesses seeking tax-efficient structures, asset protection, and confidentiality. The jurisdiction offers a range of financial services, including banking, insurance, trust management, and company registration. However, Seychelles faces challenges related to compliance with international regulatory standards and efforts to combat money laundering and illicit financial activities. Agriculture: Agriculture, including crop cultivation and livestock farming, contributes to food security and rural livelihoods in Seychelles. The sector produces fruits, vegetables, spices, and livestock products for domestic consumption and limited export. However, agricultural production is constrained by limited arable land, water scarcity, and vulnerability to climate change. Infrastructure Development: Seychelles has invested in infrastructure projects to support economic growth and development. Investments have been made in transportation, energy, telecommunications, and public services to improve connectivity, efficiency, and quality of life for residents and businesses. Debt Sustainability: Seychelles faces challenges related to high public debt levels, which have increased due to external borrowing for infrastructure projects and budgetary support. Efforts to maintain debt sustainability include fiscal consolidation measures, debt restructuring, and engagement with international financial institutions. External Trade: Seychelles engages in trade with regional and international partners, exporting goods such as fish products, processed food and beverages, and essential oils. Imports include foodstuffs, consumer goods, machinery, and petroleum products. The country seeks to promote trade diversification and value-added production to reduce dependence on imports and enhance export competitiveness. Sustainable Development: Seychelles places a strong emphasis on sustainable development and environmental conservation, recognizing the importance of preserving its natural resources for future generations. Initiatives include marine conservation, renewable energy development, waste management, and climate resilience strategies.
Industries	fishing; tourism; processing of coconuts and vanilla, coir (coconut fiber) rope, boat building, printing, furniture; beverages
Currency Name and Code	Seychellese Rupee (SCR)
Export Partners	UK 24.6%, France 17.1%, Mauritius 8.7%, Italy 7.5%, US 7.2%, Germany 6.7%, Japan 5.8%, Netherlands 5.8%, Spain 5.8%, Thailand 5.5%0
Import Partners	Saudi Arabia 14.8%, France 12.2%, South Africa 10.9%, Spain 9.4%, Italy 9.1%, Singapore 6.8%, UK 5.7%0

What current events are happening in Seychelles?
Source: Google News

What makes Seychelles a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

The Republic of Seychelles consists of 115 islands off the east coast of Africa. The main islands of the archipelago include Mahé, which is the largest, followed by Praslin and La Digue. Seychelles has a stable government and a per capita GDP of US $11,200, one of the highest in the region. Facilities for tourism are well-developed. The total population is approximately 90,000. The capital, Victoria, is located on Mahé. The three official languages spoken in the Seychelles are Creole, English, and French. Seychelles lies within the consular jurisdiction of the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius.

Crime

Petty crime is a problem, but violent crime against tourists is rare. To reduce the risk of theft, travelers should keep valuables in hotel safes and close and lock hotel windows at night, even while the room is occupied. Hotels that do not have private safes in the rooms will usually have one at the reception desk. Travelers are also advised to take precautions and not leave bags unattended either on the beach while swimming or in plain sight of their vehicles. Foreigners should exercise caution on beaches and poorly-lit or deserted areas at night.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Bootlegs are illegal in the United States, and their purchase may also violate local laws in Seychelles.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Seychelles, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. It may be illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Seychelles, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Persons violating Seychellois laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines in Seychelles.

Arrest notifications in host country:

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

Medical Facilities and Health Information

The 24-hour emergency number for all medical emergencies is 999. Medical facilities in Seychelles are limited, especially on the isolated islands where doctors are often unavailable. There is one government-owned hospital and several clinics, private and government-run. The Seychellois Ministry of Health operates an ambulance service on the islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue which can be reached by dialing 999. Waiting times can vary considerably based on location. For more information, contact the Ministry of Health at P.O. Box 52, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles; telephone ( 248) 388-000. It is recommended that travelers bring and use insect/mosquito repellent while in Seychelles and apply it at night on all exposed areas. Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus and yellow fever virus have been reported in recent years, as well as Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted to humans and animals by exposure to water contaminated by infected animals. For more information on these diseases and current outbreaks, please see the CDC’s fact sheets on chikungunya, leptospirosis, and yellow fever.

Safety and Security

U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations. It is dangerous to swim alone at some beaches due to strong currents. U.S. citizens should exercise caution when planning ocean activities. Currently, travel by ship to the Outer Islands including the Amirantes group, Coetivy, and Platte requires prior approval from Seychellois authorities. Two fatal shark attacks occurred in the waters off of Praslin Island in 2011. The Government of Seychelles is monitoring the waters and, in some locations, installing safety nets around swimming areas.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

While in Seychelles, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Driving is on the left side of the road. Roads are generally not well-maintained and are narrow and winding. Drivers should exercise caution due to a lack of shoulders and inadequate street lighting. Speed limits range from 25 to 50 miles per hour. Drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seatbelts. There are no laws regarding child safety seats.

Public transportation by bus is available but tends to be crowded during rush hours and may require a transfer to reach a desired destination. Taxis are also available.