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Seychelles

Country information

Flag of Seychelles, symbol of news from the country on Innovando News

Discover how Seychelles protects its unique biodiversity, promoting sustainable tourism and ecological development on Innovando.News: Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, offers breathtaking landscapes with white sand beaches, granite mountains and lush vegetation. With a surface area of ​​459 km² and a population of around 100.000, the country boasts one of the highest GDP per capita in Africa. The economy is based on tourism, fishing and offshore finance, supported by stable growth and structural reforms. The capital, Victoria, is among the smallest in the world, but is the political and cultural hub. Seychelles stands out for its biodiversity, with reserves such as Vallée de Mai, and for a vibrant Creole culture that mixes African, French and Asian influences. Pioneers in environmental conservation, they are a model of marine sustainability. Celebrations such as the Creole Festival reflect a unique identity that fascinates visitors from all over the world.

Summary data on Seychelles

  • Total population: Approximately 100.000 inhabitants (2023).
  • Population growth rate: Approximately 0,8% annually.
  • Capital: Victoria – Approximately 26.000 inhabitants (2023).
  • Main cities: Victoria (only significant city), several tourist resorts on other islands.
  • Countries it borders: None, it is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
  • Nominal GDP: Approximately USD 1,6 billion (2023).
  • Pro-capite GDP: Approximately USD 15.000 (2023).
  • GDP growth rate: Approximately 4,3% annually (2023).
  • Inflation: Approximately 4,5% (2023).
  • Unemployment rate: Approximately 3% (2023).
  • Trade balance: Significant trade deficit; tourism is the main source of revenue.
  • Major business partners: UE, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Mauritius, India.
  • Public debt: Approximately 70% of GDP (2023).
  • Public spending on R&D: Very low, less than 0,2% of GDP.
  • Main economic sectors: Tourism, fishing, agriculture, offshore financial services.
  • Currency: Seychelles Rupee (SCR).
  • Interest rate: Approximately 2,0% (2023).
  • Foreign exchange reserves: Approximately USD 600 million (2023).
  • Main exports: Processed fish (especially tuna), copra, handicraft products.
  • Main imports: Machinery, vehicles, food, fuels.
  • Human Development Index (HDI): 0,796 (2021), classified as a country with very high development.
  • Literacy rate: Approximately 96% (2021).
  • Life expectancy: About 73 years old (2023).
  • Position in the Global Innovation Index: Not recently classified.
  • Corruption Perception Index: 70/100 (2022), 23th place out of 180 countries.

Insights into Seychelles

1. Country Name

The official name is Republic of Seychelles (Republic of the Seychelles in French, Republic of Seychelles in English).

2. Geography

  • Geographic location: Seychelles is an archipelago located in the western Indian Ocean, about 1.500 km east of the coast of East Africa. It borders only international waters.
  • In total area: The total area is approximately 459 km², distributed across 115 islands.
  • Description of the landscape: The archipelago has granite and coral islands, with spectacular landscapes characterized by mountains, sandy beaches and lush tropical vegetation. The climate is equatorial, with warm temperatures all year round and a rainy season between November and April.

3. Population

  • Number of inhabitants: Approximately 100.000 inhabitants (2023).
  • Population growth rate: Moderate, with growth supported by migration.
  • Major cities and population distribution: Most of the population lives on the main islands, in particular Mahé, where the capital, Victoria, is located.

4. Capital and main cities

  • Capital: Victoria, located on the island of Mahé, is one of the smallest capitals in the world, with just over 26.000 inhabitants.
  • Other major cities: There are no other significant cities, but places like Praslin e La Digue they are important for tourism.

5. economy

  • Nominal GDP and GDP per capitaNominal GDP is around USD 1,4 trillion, with per capita GDP exceeding USD 13.000, among the highest in Africa.
  • Main economic sectors: The economy is based mainly on tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services. Agriculture and industry play a marginal role.
  • GDP growth rate and inflation: GDP is growing at a stable pace around 3%, while inflation is under control, although vulnerable to external shocks.
  • Unemployment rate and trade balanceUnemployment is low, around 3%, but the trade balance is negative due to dependence on imports.
  • Public debtPublic debt is high but declining thanks to economic reforms and international support.
  • Main exports and importsIt exports fish (mainly canned tuna), while imports consumer goods, fuel and equipment.

6. Political system and government

  • Type of government: presidential republic.
  • Political structure: The President is both head of state and head of government. The parliament is unicameral.
  • Main political partiesAmong the main ones are the Lepep Party and Seychelles National Party.

7. History and culture

  • Brief historical overview: The islands were discovered by the Portuguese in the 1976th century and colonized by the French in the XNUMXth century. They later came under British control, gaining independence in XNUMX. Today they are a stable democracy.
  • Cultural and linguistic traditions: Creole culture, a mix of African, French and Asian influences, is dominant. The official languages ​​are Seychellois Creole, French and English.
  • Cultural heritage: Seychelles are known for their unique biodiversity, such as the Valley of May, UNESCO heritage.

8. Innovation and development

  • Position in the Global Innovation Index: Seychelles is considered an emerging country in terms of innovation.
  • R&D expenditure: Limited, but growing thanks to attention to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
  • Advanced technology sectors: Significant progress in renewable energy and marine technology.

9. Education and health

  • Literacy rate: Nearly 95%, among the highest in Africa.
  • Education system: Mandatory until age 16, with local universities and international scholarships.
  • Sanitary system: Free for citizens, with adequate infrastructure despite the size of the country.
  • Life expectancy: About 73 years old.

10. International rankings

  • Human Development Index (HDI): Tall, with a prominent position in the African context.
  • Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI): Better than the regional average.
  • Global Economic Indices: Valued for its stability and ease of doing business.

11. Environmental policies

Seychelles is a global example of innovative environmental policies, engaging in marine protection and the use of renewable energy. They have pioneered conservation financing through "debt for nature".

12. Curiosities and peculiarities

  • Interesting facts: Seychelles is home to the coconut tree "Coco de Mer", known for its gigantic seeds and unique shape.
  • Important events: The Creole Festival celebrates the country's cultural identity.
  • Gastronomic specialitiesGrilled fish and Creole curries are typical dishes loved by residents and tourists.

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