| Geographical Information |
| Map Location |
Africa |
| Geographical Location |
4° 35' South Latitude
55° 40' East Longitude |
| Surface Area |
455 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, copra, cinnamon trees |
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| Political Information |
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| Country Name |
Republic of Seychelles |
| Capital City |
Victoria |
| Government Type |
Republic |
| Administrative Divisions |
23 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau, Anse Etoile, Anse Louis, Anse Royale, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne, Beau Vallon, Bel Air,
Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand' Anse (on Mahe), Grand' Anse (on Praslin), La Digue, La Riviere Anglaise, Mont Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance,
Pointe La Rue, Port Glaud, Saint Louis, Takamaka |
| Independence Day |
29 June 1976 (from UK) |
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| Demographical Information |
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| Population |
81,188 (July 2005 est.) |
| Nationality |
Seychellois |
| Ethnic Groups |
Mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab |
| Religion |
Roman Catholic 82.3%, Anglican 6.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.1%, other Christian 3.4%, Hindu 2.1%, Muslim 1.1%, other non-Christian 1.5%,
unspecified 1.5%, none 0.6% (2002 census) |
| Languages |
Creole 91.8%, English 4.9% (official), other 3.1%, unspecified 0.2% (2002 census) |
| Population Growth Rate |
0.43% (2005 est.) |
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| Economical Information |
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| Currency |
Seychelles rupee (SCR) |
| Industries |
Fishing; tourism; processing of coconuts and vanilla, coir (coconut fiber) rope, boat building, printing, furniture; beverages |
| Labor Force |
30,900 (1996) |
| Labor Force by Sectors |
Agriculture 10%, industry 19%, services 71% (1989) |
| Agriculture Products |
Coconuts, cinnamon, vanilla, sweet potatoes, cassava (tapioca), bananas; broiler chickens; tuna fish |
| Export Commodities |
Canned tuna, frozen fish, cinnamon bark, copra, petroleum products (reexports) |
| Export Partners |
UK 29.1%, France 17.1%, Spain 11.8%, Japan 9.2%, Italy 8.1%, Germany 6.2%, Netherlands 4.3% (2004) |
| Import Commodities |
Machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals |
| Import Partners |
Saudi Arabia 15.6%, Spain 14.1%, France 11%, Singapore 7.5%, Italy 7.3%, South Africa 7.3%, UK 5% (2004) |
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| Transportation |
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| Railways |
- |
| Highways |
373 km |
| Pipelines |
- |
| Airports |
15 (2004 est.) |
| Ports and Harbors |
Victoria |
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| Communication |
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| Phone Code |
+248 |
| Internet Abbreviation |
.sc |
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| Other |
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| Short History |
A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came in 1976.
Socialist rule was brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. The most recent presidential elections were held in 2001; President RENE,
who had served since 1977, was re-elected. In April 2004 RENE stepped down and Vice President James MICHEL was sworn in as president. |
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