Population
97,739 (2019)
Official languages
Creole, French and English.
Language Spoken
The most common language spoken is Seychellois Creole, a language derived from French, which 95% of the population speak. The remaining 5% speak predominently French and English.
People
The majority of Seychellois can trace their ancestry back to Africa, although some have European, Indian or Chinese roots. Minority groups include French, Indian, Chinese and Arabic communities.
Religion
Religious diversity characterises the Seychelles as 80% Catholic, 8% Anglican, 2% Hindu and 1.5% Muslim. A small proportion adhere to animist beliefs.
National Holiday
Independence Day is celebrated on 29 June.
Holiday Schedule
January 1: New Year's Day
March or April: Easter (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday)
May 1: Labour Day
May 30: Corpus Christi
June 5: Liberation Day
June 18: Constitution Day
June 29: The Independence Day
August 15: Assumption
November 1: All Saints Day
December 8: Immaculate Conception Day
December 25: Christmas Day
History
Despite Arab sailors recognising the presence of Seychelles and its existence in the 14th and 15th centuries, it wasn't until the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama (1469-1524) explored the land in 1502 (followed by other Portuguese sailors) that the Seychelles were officially put on the map. The English arrived in 1609 and French exploration of Mahe and the Bourbonnais Islands began in 1742, culminating in the French claiming the Seychelles in 1756.
Despite this, permanent colonies did not appear on the Seychelles Bourbonnais islands until 1770. Small settlements emerged in St. Anne and Mahe to exploit natural resources, particularly turtles. The first structure that would evolve into Victoria was constructed in 1778, housing a colony of just 250 people, including 200 black slaves. During the French Revolution, the Seychelles became a base for French corsairs and privateers harassing British vessels on route to India. In response, a squadron of three British ships attacked in 1794. The Seychelles surrendered.
The islands' population grew from 2,000 to 4,000 from 1800 to 1810, most of whom were slaves. During this period, Britain strengthened its grip on French Indian Ocean colonies, securing Reunion and Mauritius. But after the abolition of slavery in 1835, significant changes occurred on the islands. Many farmers departed the islands, leaving liberated slaves to occupy their plantations. This shift, coupled with a notable decline in exports, marked a downturn for the islands. The coconut industry revitalised the economy, and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 meant a plethora of fresh possibilities for the Seychelles. Palm oil, vanilla and cloves became thriving exports, and the Seychelles experienced a resurgence, boasting around 20,000 residents by 1900. However, the First World War ushered in a shift, leading to a period of isolation and economic downturn that cast a shadow over the 1920s. Despite Britain investing in fishing, forestery and irrigation post WWII, living standards remained low on the islands.
In the early 1960s, a wave of new political movements emerged: the Seychelles Democratic Party (SDP) aimed to maintain ties with the British Empire, while the Seychelles People's United Party (SPUP) campaigned for independence. The SDP secured victory in the 1966 election, but by 1975, both parties were advocating for independence from Britain, a goal realised in 1976. Exploiting a coup, the SPUP took control in 1977, establishing a socialist one-party state that lasted until 1993. The restoration of political pluralism in 1992 paved the way for today's prosperous and politically stable islands.
Policy
The Seychelles operates as a presidential republic with the president being elected for a five-year term through popular vote. The president serves as both the head of state and the government while the parliament is unicameral and made up of 34 members each elected for five years. The parliament must approve the President's government.
Famous Seychellois
Renowned Seychellois figures include Michael Adams (born 1937), an English-born painter celebrated for his impressionist style depicting the islands since 1972. Antoine Abel (1934 - 2004), a writer and poet, is a revered figure in Seychellois literature, drawing inspiration from indigenous culture, folklore, and the natural environment. Patrick Victor (born 1952) is a highly respected Seychellois musician, inspired by moutya, a traditional dance coupled with drumming and male choirs. Olivier Levasseur (hanged in 1730 in Réunion) was a French pirate, known as 'The Hawk,' who left behind a cryptogram believed to lead to hidden treasure.
Etiquette
Tipping is discretionary. Often small independent restaurants won't include a service charge so we recommend a tip of 25-50 rupees (£1.50-£3), while in luxury establishments, 50-100 rupees (£3-£6) is appropriate. Restaurants typically close early, so aim for a table around 7 or 8pm.
Shopping
While the Seychelles may not offer an abundance of crafts, there are items worth looking for, including hats, baskets, blinds and screens crafted from coconut fibres as well as bright textiles, sarongs, spices and wooden replicas of marine species. The islands also have a thriving arts scene, with galleries showcasing exceptional paintings of marine animals, folklore images and seascapes.
When it comes to the renowned coco de mer - the fruit exclusive to the islands of Praslin and Curieuse, from the endangered palm trees - tracking them down can be a bit of a challenge. However, once you discover a seller offering these giant coconuts, you're golden. Just make sure to obtain a certificate and an export permit from the merchant. It's all part of the process.
Food
The Seychelles offers a diverse culinary experience, blending African, French, Chinese and Indian influences and with the range of luxury restaurants and seaside shacks. You'll never go hungry. Due to its island nature, freshly caught fish (tuna, trevally, marlin, barracuda) served with rice, spices, vegetables, sweet potatoes and bananas are popular restaurant dishes. Be sure to try some the islands' wonderful shellfish and octopus on offer and, if you feel like adding some spice eat like a local, add a few splashes of Creole sauce to your dish - just be warned it packs a punch. For meatr lovers, chicken, beef and pork are popular while palm hearts are often served in accompanying salads. Go classic and try a kari koko - a spicy chicken or fish curry made with coconut milk. Restaurants may have a leisurely pace, but takeaways from places serving authentic Creole cuisine are quick options. Grab some curried squid, spicy chicken or a smoked fish salad on your explorations.
Drink
Tap water is technically drinkable, but bottled mineral water is recommended. The Seychelles offer a variety of beverages, from sodas and SeyBrew beer to tea flavoured with cinnamon or vanilla and lemongrass-infused teas. Fruit juices, including papaya, pineapple, guava, and passion fruit, are popular. The local liqueur, Coco Love, is made from coconut milk. Local products are often more affordable and just as good (sometimes better) as imported brands.
