Seychelles: Indian Ocean Archipelago Paradise

Location & Geography

• Position: 4°-10°S, 46°-56°E (Indian Ocean)
• Distance: 1,600 km (1,000 mi) east of Kenya; 1,100 km (680 mi) northeast of Madagascar
• Composition: 115 islands (42 granitic inner, 73 coralline outer)
• Land area: 459 km² (177 mi²)
• EEZ: 1.37 million km²

Island Groups

Unique Natural Heritage

• Endemism: 75% of plants, 50% of birds, 90% of amphibians/reptiles
• Flagship species: Coco de mer (Lodoicea), Seychelles black parrot, giant tortoises (Aldabra)
• UNESCO Sites: Vallée de Mai (Praslin), Aldabra Atoll
• Marine protection: 30% of EEZ designated (2020)

Climate

• Tropical: 24-32°C (75-90°F) year-round
• Seasons: NW monsoon (Nov-Mar, wetter), SE trade winds (May-Oct, drier/cooler)
• Cyclone-free: Outside main cyclone belts

Economy & Tourism

• GDP per capita: Highest in Africa (~$18K)
• Pillars: Tourism (50%+), tuna fishing/canning, offshore finance
• Visitors: ~350,000/year (pre-COVID)
• Accommodation: Luxury resorts, guesthouses, liveaboards

Practical Info

• Capital: Victoria (Mahé) — smallest capital in world
• Language: Seychellois Creole, English, French
• Currency: Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
• Visa: Visa-free for all nationalities (visitor permit on arrival)
• Access: Direct flights from Europe, Middle East, Africa; via hubs from Americas/Asia

Seychelles combines geological uniqueness (mid-ocean granites), evolutionary isolation, and proactive conservation into a globally significant island nation.