| Area |
455.3 sq km (175.8 sq miles) |
| Population |
80,800 (2002). |
| Capital |
Victoria (Mahé). - population 60,000 (1994). |
| Climate |
The islands lie outside the cyclone belt but receive monsoon rains from November to February with the northwest trade winds. This hot and humid season gives way to a period of cooler weather, though the temperature rarely falls below 23°C, and rougher seas when the trade winds blow from the southeast (May to September). |
| Language |
The official language is Seselwa; Creole, English and French are also spoken. |
| Religion |
92 per cent Roman Catholic with Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim, Baha'i and other minorities. |
| Time |
GMT + 4
|
| Highlights |
One of the main attractions of these islands are the stunning white beaches - Mahe Island alone offers over 70 beaches, naturally decorated by the famous and unique coco-de-mer trees. The Seychelles is also home to the remarkable Black Paradise Flycatchers, which are endemic on the islands. The islands also boast to be the home of the giant tortoises, one of the largest in the world! Other islands worth visiting are Praslin, Cousin and Bird for the large variety of birds, Desroches for superb snorkelling and Denis, a deep-sea fisherman's paradise.
|
| Country Facts |
The Seychelles Archipelago spreads over 150,000 square miles of Indian Ocean; located northeast of Madagascar there are 115 islands and islets divided into two groups; Granitic and Coralline. Both groups differ from each other in their distinct geologies. Mahe, the largest of the Seychelles islands, houses the international airport and bulk of modern tourist facilities. The capital Victoria is a port town set amongst the island's lush vegetation and wide selection of classic white sand beaches. |