Country Profile: Seychelles

Seychelles is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. Comprising over 150 islands, the archipelago has a population of approximately 98,000, with the majority residing on the main island of Mahé. The economy is largely driven by tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services, making it a high-income nation. Since gaining independence from the UK in 1976, Seychelles has transitioned from a one-party socialist state to a presidential republic, reflecting a commitment to democratic governance.

Geography

The Seychelles archipelago is characterized by its beautiful islands, with Mahé being the largest and home to the capital, Victoria. The islands are primarily volcanic, featuring a rocky interior and a narrow coastal strip, while others consist of flat coral atolls. The climate is tropical marine, with a humid environment and seasonal monsoons.

455 sq km: Total land area, making Seychelles the smallest African country by area.
491 km: Total coastline, offering stunning beaches and marine biodiversity.
73.3% (2022): Forest cover, highlighting the country’s rich natural resources.

People and Society

Seychellois people are predominantly of Creole descent, with a rich cultural mix including French, Indian, Chinese, and Arab influences. The official languages are Seychellois Creole, English, and French. The population stands at around 98,000, with notable urbanization, as over half of the population lives in urban areas, particularly in the capital.

11.8 births/1,000 population (2024): Birth rate, indicating a stable demographic environment.
Life expectancy: 76.6 years, reflecting advancements in healthcare.
38.7 years (2024): Median age, indicative of a maturing population.

Economy

Seychelles boasts a high-income economy largely dependent on tourism, which notably contributes to GDP growth. It is also a key player in the tuna export market and is diversifying into offshore oil exploration. The economic landscape continues to evolve with successful anticorruption measures and investment in sustainable practices.

$29,200 (2024 est.): GDP per capita, highlighting a relatively affluent economy.
65.8% (2024 est.): Services sector contribution to GDP, showing a reliance on tourism and related industries.
3.5% (2024 est.): GDP growth rate, indicating a recovering economy post-pandemic.

Government

Seychelles operates as a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The government has undergone significant changes since independence, with a focus on democratic processes. The current president, Wavel Ramkalawan, was elected in 2020, marking a significant political shift.

35: Number of seats in the National Assembly, promoting a unicameral legislative approach.
18 June: Constitution Day, marking the adoption of the current constitution in 1993.
October 2020: Date of the most recent presidential election.

Military and Security

The Seychelles People's Defense Forces (SPDF) encompass the army, coast guard, and air force, focusing primarily on maritime security. The country's military expenditures are modest relative to its GDP, reflecting its small size.

1.5% of GDP (2024 est.): Military expenditure, demonstrating a commitment to safety without extensive military spending.
500: Active duty personnel in the defense forces, one of the world's smallest militaries.
1977: Year the SPDF was established, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to national defense.

Energy

Seychelles enjoys 100% electricity access, with a significant portion generated from fossil fuels, although there is a growing emphasis on renewable sources like solar energy.

156,000 kW (2023 est.): Installed electricity generating capacity, indicative of its energy infrastructure.
581.227 million kWh (2023 est.): Total electricity consumption, showing the country's energy needs.
86.4%: Percentage of total installed capacity from fossil fuels, revealing the dependency on conventional energy sources.

Environment

The islands face environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and biodiversity loss, necessitating active engagement in international environmental agreements.

73.3% (2022): Forest area, vital for biodiversity and natural habitat preservation.
0%: Total renewable water resources, highlighting the scarcity of freshwater.
2: Total World Heritage Sites, underscoring the ecological significance of the islands.

Transportation

Seychelles has a well-developed transportation system, with a focus on air travel given its island geography, and a single essential port of entry.

16 airports (2025): Ensuring connectivity for tourism and transportation.
30: Total ships in the merchant marine, facilitating trade and transport.
1 port: Key port located in Victoria, central to maritime activities.

Communications

The communication infrastructure in Seychelles is progressing, with high mobile phone subscription rates and increasing internet usage among the population.

87% (2023 est.): Internet penetration rate, indicating widespread digital connectivity.
165,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions, showing high mobile phone usage.
39,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions, reflecting growing internet access.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	98,187 (2024 est.)	Total population estimate
Area	455 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$3.549 billion (2024)	Estimated purchasing power parity
GDP per capita	$29,200 (2024 est.)	Per capita based on purchasing power
Life expectancy	76.6 years (2024 est.)	Average lifespan
Electricity access	100% (2022 est.)	Electrification of the population
Military expenditure	1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)	Military spending as a percentage of GDP
Birth rate	11.8 births/1,000	Annual birth rate
Internet users	87% (2023 est.)	Percentage of population using the internet
Urban population	58.8% (2023)	Proportion of inhabitants living in urban areas