Country Profile: Seychelles

Seychelles is a stunning archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. Comprised of 155 islands, it boasts a tropical marine climate and a diverse population primarily of Creole descent. The economy is largely driven by tourism and fishing, with recent developments in offshore oil exploration. Since gaining independence in 1976, Seychelles has evolved from a socialist one-party state to a presidential republic, reflecting a vibrant democratic governance structure.

Geography

Seychelles is the smallest African country, both in area and population, consisting of 155 islands, with Mahe being the largest and most populated. The islands feature a variety of landscapes from volcanic mountains to coral atolls, with a total area of 455 square kilometers. The country enjoys a tropical marine climate, with seasonal changes due to the southeast and northwest monsoons.

491 km of coastline
905 m elevation at Morne Seychellois, the highest point
3.4% of land used for agriculture as of 2023
58.6% of the area covered by forests
0 km of land boundaries, as it is entirely surrounded by the ocean

People and Society

Seychelles has a population of approximately 98,187 as of 2024, predominantly ethnic Creole, alongside communities of French, Indian, Chinese, and Arab descent. The official languages are Seychellois Creole, English, and French, reflecting the nation’s colonial history. The country exhibits a high urbanization rate, with nearly 58.8% of its population living in urban areas.

76.2% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic
10% of the population is aged 65 years and older
76.6 years is the average life expectancy at birth for the total population
11.59 births/1,000 population birth rate expected in 2025
100% of the population had access to improved sanitation facilities in 2022

Economy

Seychelles has emerged as a high-income economy, primarily driven by tourism, fisheries, and offshore financial services. The GDP (PPP) is expected to reach $3.549 billion in 2024, with a growth rate of 3.5% for that year. The nation is also investing in mitigating environmental challenges while exploring offshore oil opportunities.

2.5% of GDP contributed by agriculture as of 2024
65.8% of GDP from services in 2024
$2.375 billion in exports in 2023
25.3% of the population was below the poverty line in 2018
$773.678 million in foreign exchange reserves as of 2024

Government

Seychelles operates as a presidential republic with a mixed legal system incorporating English common law and French civil law. The capital city is Victoria, which plays a crucial role in the political and economic life of the country. The government has transitioned through various leadership and constitutional changes since independence in 1976, with the most recent elections held in October 2025.

President Patrick Herminie has been in office since October 2025
The National Assembly consists of 34 directly elected members
18 June is celebrated as Constitution Day, marking the adoption of the current constitution in 1993
Universal suffrage is granted to citizens aged 18 and over
2.5% of GDP allocated to military expenditures in 2024

Military and Security

The Seychelles People's Defense Forces (SPDF) includes the Army, Coast Guard, and Air Force, focusing primarily on maritime security. The military is relatively small, with around 500 active personnel and operates under a voluntary service model without conscription.

Military expenditures accounted for 1.5% of GDP in 2024
The SPDF was formed in 1977 and has a light armament inventory
The SDF plays a key role in countering illegal fishing and piracy
Military service is voluntary for ages 18-35
Close security ties with India enhance the country's maritime security operations

Energy

Seychelles has achieved 100% electrification of its population as of 2022, with a total installed electricity generation capacity of 156,000 kW. The energy mix consists largely of fossil fuels, supplemented by solar and wind energy sources.

581.227 million kWh of electricity was consumed in 2023
12.7% of installed capacity comes from solar energy
6,000 bbl/day of refined petroleum was consumed in 2023
98.847 million Btu/person was the total energy consumption per capita in 2023
500 metric tons of coal was imported in 2023

Communications

The Seychelles boasts well-established communication infrastructure, with a high rate of internet connectivity and mobile subscriptions. As of 2023, approximately 87% of the population uses the internet.

165,000 mobile cellular subscriptions, equating to 192 per 100 inhabitants
39,000 fixed broadband subscriptions, at 31 per 100 inhabitants
The state-run Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) dominates broadcasting
18,000 fixed line subscriptions reported in 2023
14 fixed lines per 100 inhabitants

Transportation

Seychelles has a well-connected transportation network, featuring several airports and a merchant marine fleet. The main port is located in Victoria, serving as a crucial hub for trade and travel.

16 airports and 6 heliports as of 2025
The merchant marine consists of 30 vessels
1 primary port with oil terminals is operational
30% of the merchant fleet is involved in cargo transport
The civil aircraft country code prefix is S7

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	98,187	Estimated for 2024
Total Area	455 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$3.549 billion	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	76.6 years	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	11.59 births/1,000 people	Expected in 2025
Military Expenditures	1.5% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Electricity Access	100%	As of 2022
Internet Users	87%	Estimated for 2023
Urban Population	58.8%	As of 2023
Total Energy Consumption Per Capita	98.847 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023