Brief History of Seychelles
The Seychelles is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa. Here’s a detailed history of the Seychelles.
The Seychelles islands were first discovered by Arab traders around the 9th century, but there is no evidence of any permanent settlement until the arrival of the French in the 18th century. Prior to European contact, the islands were likely visited intermittently by Malay and African sailors.
The first recorded landing on the Seychelles was made by French explorer Lazare Picault in 1742. The French established a colony on the islands in 1770, which was later ceded to the British in 1814 as part of the Treaty of Paris. During this time, the islands were primarily used as a stopping point for ships traveling between Europe and the East Indies.
Under British rule, the Seychelles became a center for coconut plantations, and many African slaves were brought to the islands to work on them. In the late 19th century, the Seychelles became a British crown colony, and many Indian and Chinese laborers were brought to the islands as well. During World War II, the Seychelles became an important Allied naval and air base.
The Seychelles gained independence from Britain in 1976, and a one-party socialist state was established. This regime was eventually overthrown in a bloodless coup in 1977, and a multi-party democracy was established.
In the decades that followed, the Seychelles experienced significant economic growth, largely driven by tourism and fishing industries. In recent years, the government has implemented policies to promote sustainable development and protect the country’s fragile ecosystem.
About Seychelles
Country Code: +248.
Crime: The Seychelles is generally considered to be a safe country to visit and live in. However, like any other country, it does have some level of crime.
The most common types of crime in Seychelles include theft, burglary, and drug-related offenses. The government of Seychelles has taken steps to address crime in the country.
It has increased police presence in high-crime areas and implemented policies to combat drug trafficking. In addition, the government has established community policing initiatives to engage with local communities and promote public safety.
Despite these efforts, visitors to Seychelles are still advised to exercise caution and take common-sense precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Overall, while Seychelles is generally considered to be a safe country, visitors should still take steps to protect themselves and their belongings.
Currency: Seychellois Rupee.
Electricity: Type G (3-pin rectangular, triangular pattern).
Language: Seychellois Creole is spoken by 95% of the population.
Latitude and Longitude: 4.6796° S, 55.4920 ° E.
LGBT: The Seychelles is generally considered to be one of the more socially liberal countries in Africa, and the government has taken steps to protect the rights of the LGBT+ community. While homosexuality is legal in Seychelles, the country does not have specific legislation that provides legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
In practice, discrimination against LGBT+ individuals is not widely reported in Seychelles, and there are no laws criminalizing same-sex sexual activity. The government has also taken steps to recognize and support the LGBT+ community.
For example, in 2015, the government introduced a bill that would allow for same-sex couples to enter into civil unions, although the bill has not yet been passed. However, despite these positive steps, the LGBT+ community still faces some challenges in Seychelles.
Some members of the community report experiencing harassment and discrimination, particularly in more conservative areas of the country. There is also some social stigma attached to being LGBT+ in Seychelles, and many individuals may feel the need to keep their sexual orientation or gender identity private.
Population: 99,258 (2021).
President: Wavel Ramkalawan.
Embassies
As a small island nation, the Seychelles does not have a significant number of foreign embassies on its territory. In fact, there are currently only six foreign embassies in the Seychelles:
High Commission of India in Victoria Address, Independence Avenue, Victoria, Seychelles, +248 422 41 00.
High Commission of Pakistan, Palm Street, Victoria, Seychelles, +248 422 58 44.
High Commission of Bangladesh, Francis Rachel Street, Victoria, Seychelles, +248 422 82 02.
High Commission of Mauritius, Manglier Street, Victoria, Seychelles, +248 422 62 52.
Embassy of China, Le Chantier Road, Victoria, Seychelles, +248 432 11 77.
Embassy of France, 5th June Avenue, Victoria, Seychelles, +248 429 94 00.
National Parks
The Seychelles is a small island nation that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several unique and endangered species. To protect and preserve this natural heritage, the government of Seychelles has established several national parks and nature reserves throughout the islands.
Morne Seychellois National Park
Located on the island of Mahé, Morne Seychellois National Park is the largest national park in Seychelles. It covers over 20% of the island and includes a range of habitats, from tropical forest to montane heathland.
The park is home to several endemic species, including the Seychelles scops-owl and the Seychelles sunbird.
Praslin National Park
This national park is located on the island of Praslin and covers over 3,000 hectares of land. It includes several hiking trails that take visitors through the island’s unique ecosystems, including mangrove forests and palm groves.
The park is also home to several rare species, including the black parrot and the Seychelles bulbul.
Cousin Island Special Reserve
This nature reserve is located on Cousin Island, a small island off the coast of Praslin. It was established in 1968 to protect the island’s unique ecosystem and is home to several endemic species, including the Seychelles warbler and the Seychelles magpie-robin.
Visitors to the reserve can take guided tours to learn more about the island’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
Aldabra Atoll
This remote atoll is located over 1,000 km from the main island of Mahé and is one of the largest raised coral atolls in the world. It is home to several endemic species, including the Aldabra giant tortoise and the Aldabra rail.
The atoll has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected as a nature reserve.
Aride Island Nature Reserve
This nature reserve is located on Aride Island, a small granitic island off the coast of Praslin. It is home to several rare and endangered species, including the Seychelles warbler, the Seychelles fody, and the Seychelles magpie-robin.
Visitors to the reserve can take guided tours to learn more about the island’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
Top Tourist Attractions
The Seychelles is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning natural scenery, and unique wildlife.
Anse Lazio
This beach on the island of Praslin is often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal-clear water and white sand.
Aldabra Atoll
This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises, as well as other rare and endemic species.
Anse Source d’Argent
This beach on the island of La Digue is known for its striking granite rock formations and shallow turquoise waters.
Beau Vallon Beach
This beach on the island of Mahé is known for its calm waters and a variety of water sports, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving.
Cousin Island
This small island is a popular destination for bird watching, with over 300,000 seabirds and landbirds nesting there each year.
La Digue Island
This smaller island is known for its relaxed and rustic atmosphere, as well as its picturesque beaches, such as Anse Cocos and Grand Anse
Morne Seychellois National Park
This park on the island of Mahé is home to the highest peak in the Seychelles and offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and ocean.
St. Anne Marine National Park
This park consists of six small islands off the coast of Mahé and is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
Located on the island of Praslin, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the rare coco de mer palm tree and many other unique plant and animal species.
Victoria
The capital city of the Seychelles is located on the island of Mahé and offers a mix of colonial and Creole architecture, as well as markets, shops, and restaurants.