The Republic of Seychelles is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. The country is made up of 115 islands and has a population of approximately 100,000 people. Its capital and largest city is Victoria, located on the island of Mahé.

Seychelles has a tropical climate, with warm and humid weather throughout the year. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, with white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, making it a popular tourist destination. The main industries of the country are tourism, fishing, and agriculture, with vanilla and cinnamon being major exports.

Seychelles is a democratic republic with a president as the head of state and a multi-party system. The official languages are Seychellois Creole, English, and French. The country has a diverse population with people of African, European, and Asian descent, and the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.

Seychelles is known for its efforts to protect its natural environment, with over 50% of the country's land area designated as protected areas. The Aldabra Atoll, one of the world's largest coral atolls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many unique species of flora and fauna.

In recent years, Seychelles has made significant progress in economic development and poverty reduction, with high levels of human development and a relatively high GDP per capita compared to other African countries. However, the country still faces challenges such as income inequality, unemployment, and high levels of debt.

Telephone Code
248

Local Emergency Phone
999

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)

Currency (Code)
Seychelles rupees (SCR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages
Seychellois Creole, English, French

Major Religions
Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 10.5% (Anglican, Pentecostal Assembly, Seventh Day Adventist, other Protestant), other Christian 2.4%, Hindu 2.4%, Muslim 1.6%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Aldabra Atoll; Morne Blanc; Moyenne Island; Victoria (includes Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, Victoria Market)

Major Sports
Basketball, water sports

Cultural Practices
When greeting someone for the first time, and when saying goodbye, shake hands with both men and women. Wearing swimwear is fine for the beaches; otherwise, modest clothing is advised.

Tipping Guidelines
Most hotels, restaurants, taxis, and porters already include a 5-10% service charge so tipping is not obligatory. However, as a reward for exceptional service, a nominal tip is sure to be appreciated.

Souvenirs
Coco De Mer food and decorative items; batik fabric, sarongs, and scarves; shell and pearl jewelry; turtle shell-, coral-, and coconut-carved items; natural bath products, straw baskets, tea

Traditional Cuisine
Pwason griye — whole fresh fish, often red snapper or rabbit fish, flavored with crushed chili, garlic, and ginger and grilled; typically served over rice, with sweet potatoes or tamarind-tomato chutney on the side

Geography
Area
total: 455 sq km
land: 455 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)

Natural resources
fish, coconuts (copra), cinnamon trees

People and Society
Population
97,617 (2023 est.)

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.)

Population growth rate
0.6% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Victoria

Economy
Economic overview
high-income Indian Ocean island economy; rapidly growing tourism sector; major tuna exporter; offshore financial hub; environmentally fragile and investing in ocean rise mitigation; recently discovered offshore oil potential; successful anticorruption efforts

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$2.855 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$28,800 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
coconuts, vegetables, bananas, fruit, eggs, poultry, tomatoes, pork, tropical fruit, cassava

Industries
fishing, tourism, beverages

Exports
$1.751 billion (2021 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
$1.821 billion (2021 est.)

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)