Independence Year : 1976
Population : 77000
Life Expectancy : 70.4
Capital : 3206
GNP : 536.00
GNP Old : 539.00
Local Name : Sesel/Seychelles
Government Form : Republic
Location : Eastern Africa, group of about 115 islands scattered over 1.3 million square kilometers of the western Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar
Terrain : About half of the islands are of granitic origin, with narrow coastal strips and central ranges of hills rising to more than 900 m;
Climate : Tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)
Ethnic Group : Creole (European, Asian, and African).
Religions : Catholic 86.6%, Anglican Church 6.8%, other Christians 2.5%, other 4.1%.
Official Website :
www.mfa.gov.sc
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General Information - Seychelles
Background
Some say that the uninhabited islands of Seychelles were sighted by Vasco de Gama in 1502, however recorded landings did not occur until 1609. In 1756 the French made a formal claim to the islands.
Settlement began in 1778 under a French military administration but barely survived its first decade.
A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. 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
Socialist rule was brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. .
(Source: various sources)
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