Country Profile: Seychelles
Seychelles is a small archipelagic nation situated in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. With a population of approximately 98,187 people, it is the smallest African country by both area and population. The economy is predominantly driven by tourism and fisheries, along with a growing offshore financial sector. Governed as a presidential republic, Seychelles has a history marked by colonial rule and a transition to multi-party democracy since the 1990s.
Geography
Seychelles consists of 155 islands, with the main island of Mahé home to about 90% of the population and the capital city, Victoria. The country features a tropical marine climate with a mix of volcanic and coral atoll terrains. It has a total land area of 455 square kilometers and an impressive coastline of 491 kilometers.
- 491 km of coastline
- 3.4% of land used for agriculture (2023)
- 58.6% forest cover (2023)
- Morne Seychellois, the highest point, reaches 905 m
- Located 4°35 S, 55°40 E
People and Society
The estimated population of Seychelles is 98,187 as of 2024, with a cultural mix predominantly comprising of Creole, French, Indian, Chinese, and Arab ethnic groups. The official languages are Seychellois Creole, English, and French. The country has a life expectancy of 76.6 years and a literacy rate above average, supported by substantial government spending on education.
- 76.2% Roman Catholic
- 58.8% urban population (2023)
- 10 deaths/1,000 live births infant mortality rate (2025)
- 1.08 male(s)/female sex ratio (2024)
- 39.2 years median age (2025)
- 44.6% of currently married women aged 15-49 (2022)
Economy
Seychelles boasts a high-income economy, heavily reliant on tourism, with a GDP of approximately $3.549 billion (PPP) in 2024. It is one of the leading tuna exporters in the world and is exploring offshore oil potential. Despite its affluent economy, around 25.3% of the population lived below the poverty line in 2018.
- 65.8% of GDP derived from services (2024)
- 85.2% of GDP from exports (2024)
- 3.5% projected GDP growth rate for 2024
- $29,200 GDP per capita estimated for 2024
- 1.5% military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024)
Government
Seychelles operates as a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The current president, as of 2025, is Patrick Herminie. The National Assembly plays a crucial role in legislative processes, with 34 elected members. The mixed legal system incorporates elements of English common law and French civil law.
- Constitution adopted in 1993
- Universal suffrage at 18 years of age
- 27 administrative districts
- 2.5% of GDP spent on education (2023)
- Participates in various international organizations including the UN and AU
Military and Security
The Seychelles People's Defense Forces (SPDF) encompass the army, coast guard, and air force, with approximately 500 active personnel. The military is primarily tasked with maritime security to combat illegal activities such as fishing and smuggling.
- 1.5% of GDP allocated to military expenditures in 2024
- No conscription; voluntary service between 18-35 years
- Formed in 1977, it is among the smallest militaries worldwide
- Received support for maritime operations from India
Energy
Seychelles has achieved 100% electrification, with an installed electricity generation capacity of 156,000 kW. The energy sector relies predominantly on fossil fuels, which constitute 86.4% of total installed capacity.
- 581.227 million kWh of electricity consumed in 2023
- 98.847 million Btu/person energy consumption per capita (2023)
- 12.7% of installed capacity from solar energy (2023)
Environment
Seychelles faces environmental challenges including limited freshwater resources and biodiversity loss. The government is a party to several international environmental agreements focused on biodiversity and climate change.
- 58.6% of land is forested (2023)
- 893,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions estimated for 2023
- 24.4% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022)
Transportation
Seychelles has a total of 16 airports and a modest maritime fleet, which includes a small merchant marine. The main port, located in Victoria, supports the nation's trade and tourism.
- 30 ships in the merchant marine (2023)
- 1 operational port (2024)
- 6 heliports (2025)
Communications
The country has embraced modern communication technologies, with an internet penetration of 87% and a growing number of mobile subscriptions.
- 165,000 mobile subscribers (2023)
- 39,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
- The national broadcaster operates one TV station and multiple radio frequencies.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 98,187 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 455 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $3.549 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Energy Consumption | 581.227 million kWh | 2023 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 11.59 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | Data not provided | |
| Life Expectancy | 76.6 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | Data not provided | |
| Military Expenditures | 1.5% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Forest Cover | 58.6% | 2023 estimate |
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