Seychelles

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. President France-Albert RENE, who had served since 1977, was re-elected in 2001, but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James Alix MICHEL took over the presidency and in July 2006 was elected to a new five-year term; he was reelected in May 2011.

Capital: Victoria

Government: Republic

Economy:

• Economic growth has been fueled by the tourist sector, which employs about 30% of the labor force and provides more than 70% of hard currency earnings, and by tuna fishing.

Population: 86,500 (UN 2011)

Land Size: 455 sq km (176 sq miles)

Major Ethic Groups:

• mixed French
• African
• Indian
• Chinese
• Arab

Religions:

• Roman Catholic: 82.3%
• Protestant: 7.5% (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%

Language(s):

• Creole: 91.8%
• English (official): 4.9%
• Other: 3.1%
• Unspecified: 0.2%

For more information about Seychelles, please visit:

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/se.html