The Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The 115 islands of the Seychelles make up a total of only 107 square miles. A group of 43 islands, known as the "Inner Islands," form the main living areas of the Seychelles. The islands are closest to Madagascar to the south and, on mainland Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia and Mozambique to the west.
Although there is some archaeological evidence that the Seychelles was occupied as early as the 1500s, the islands were first settled by the French in 1770. The Seychelles remained under French control for 34 years, until the British took over in 1814 under the Treaty of Paris. Britain ruled the Seychelles as a commonwealth until 1976, when the Seychelles was granted independence. The country was briefly ruled as a socialist republic before becoming a constitutional democracy in 1992.
The Seychelles has the lowest population of any African nation. The majority of the people who live in the Seychelles are descendants of the British and French. This is further reflected in their official languages--English, French and Creole. Although the Seychelles was a French colony for only 34 years, French culture dominates present day life. Compared to other African nations, the Seychelles culture is quite liberal. According to the U.S. Department of State, the Seychelles is run by predominately matriarchal households, with "no overt discrimination in housing, employment, education or other social services based on race, gender, ethnicity, nationality or disability."
The islands of the Seychelles are served by Seychelles International Airport, located near the capital city of Victoria. As of 2010, Air Seychelles provides service from African, Asian and European airports. Within the country, "island hopping" is common and is facilitated by ferries, helicopters and domestic flights. The Seychelles is one of the rare countries in the world that does not require a visa for any visitors. However, a valid passport, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds and a return ticket are required to clear Seychelles immigration at the airport.
The Seychelles is a quaint place to go if you want to experience a variety of things to do. Monuments, nature reserves and beaches are all plentiful. The islands also have two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve and Aldabra Atoll (not accessible to the public). Vallee de Mai is a rich, green palm forest located on the island of Praslin. Cousin Island Reserve and the Morne Seychellois National Park are other popular nature reserves in the archipelago. The Seychelles also has 44 public beaches spread out mostly on the three main islands--La Digue, Mahe and Praslin.
