Seychelles Country Profile

Thursday, February 09, 2012

Seychelles

The smallest country in Africa, both by population size and area, Seychelles has only been inhabited since the arrival of French colonists in the 18th century. After gaining independence from Britain in 1976 the country lurched from coup to attempted coup until multi-party electoral democracy was re-established in 1992.

Today, Seychelles has the highest level of human development in sub-Saharan Africa. However, economic instability in recent years and a lack of media freedom are both causes for concern.

The Facts

Capital: Victoria
Major religion: Christianity
Main Languages: English, French, Creole
Key exports: fish, cinnamon bark, copra
Government: Seychelles People's Progressive Front
President: James Michel
Most recent Presidential/National Assembly elections: 2006/2007
Next scheduled Presidential/National Assembly elections: 2011/2012

The Figures

HIV prevalence: 0.3% aged 15-49 (UK: 0.2%)
Adult literacy rate: 92% aged 15 and older (UK: >99%)
GDP per capita: US$20,828 (UK: US$34,340)
Life expectancy at birth: 73 years (UK: 79 years)
Under-five mortality rate: 12 per 1,000 live births (UK: 6 per 1,000 live births)
2009 Human Development Index Ranking (out of 182 countries): 57

For information on Seychelles' history, politics, economy and more, view ACTSA's full Seychelles County Profile

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