About Seychelles
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Seychelles Travel Information
Somewhere in the Indian Ocean, far from the African coast, a bunch of islands offers to its visitors a range of tastes, smells and visions at the crossroad of Asia and Africa. Whatever you are looking for - white sandy beaches, rocky mountains or luxuriant forests - you'll be fully satisfied.
If your fascination relates to snorkelling in coral reefs, trekking, or birdwatching in a unique nature, you will enjoy what you'll discover there.
Away from commercial ways, the, Seychelles can offer all the above, thanks to its isolation, preserved among its inhabitants an incomparable kindness.
Archipelago of 115 islands in western Indian Ocean , northwest of Madagascar.
This group of small islands covers an area of 455 sq km. The biggest one is Mahe,(144 sq km) which is granite. The other islands , including the biggest atoll in the world (Aldabra) , are coral.
After Mahe , the most visited islands are Praslin, La Digue, Bird, Fregate, Silhouette, and Desroches.
Climate
The tropical marine climate is cooler from June to November. The temprature varies from 26-31 degree centigrade all year around.
History
These inhabited islands were sighted by Vasco de Gama in 1502, and France claimed them in 1756. The French from Mauritius were the first settlers . Seychelles and Mauritius were given to England by the Treaty of Paris in 1814.
During the 19th century, chinese and indian tradesmen, together with former slaves settled in the island. They founded their own colony seperated from the Crown in 1903.
Seychelles became independant and members of the Commonwealth in 1976, with James MANCHAM (from Democratic Party) as Prime Minister. In 1977, France Albert RENE organized a coup d'etat and became President of the Republic with a single party : the Socialist Party.
1991 Seychelles came back to democracy with multipartism.
Mr RENE won 59% of the votes in the presidential elections of July 93.
Population
Around 84,000 inhabitants (per last census), among whom 40,000 in Victoria (Mahe).
Languages
English French and Creole are the 3 official languages.
Religions
90% of the Seychellois are roman catholics . 8% are anglicans
The Republic of Seychelles exists since the 29th of june 1976. James Alix Michele is the President, Chief of State and Government. The Parliament is called the Peoples ' Assembly , elected for 5 years on universal franchise. The main party is the SPPF (Seychelles People's Progressive Front).
Economy
The tourist industry employs about 30% of the labor force and provides more than 70% of hard currencies earnings. After the collapse of 91/92 due to the Gulf's war, the government started developing alternative activities like farming, fishing and small-scale manufacturing in order to reduce dependency on tourism. Among the main crops : coprah, cinnamon, tea and banana.
Now tourism, fishing and offshore banking are the main economy. Currency : The Seychelles rupee.
Time
GMT + 4
Communication-Transport
14 small airports, the most important being Point Larue, 10 kms from Victoria, on Mahe island. Roads are surfaced in Mahe, plus a small section on Praslin.
The main port is in Victoria.
Mahe offers regular bus service , whereas Praslin has a limited service.
Taxis are to be found on both islands, rates are fixed by the government (about 135 taxis).
Inter-island ferries are regular between Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.
Air Seychelles operates daily flights between the main islands.
For hiring a boat, contact The Marine Charter Association near the Yacht Club in Victoria.
Bicycles can be hired in Praslin and La Digue.
Drive on the left.
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