Seychelles is Africa’s smallest country in terms of both area and population. Having been a poor colony, the island state today is one of Africa’s richest and most developed countries.
Key figures and facts
- Capital: Victoria
- Ethnic groups: Creole (mainly of East African and Malagasy origin), French, Indian, Chinese, Arabic
- Language: Seychelles Creole (official) 89.1%, English (official) 5.1%, French (official) 0.7%, other 3.8%, unspecified 1.4% (2010)
- Religion: Catholics 76.2%, Protestants 10.5%, other Christians 2.4%, Hindus 2.4%, Muslims 1.6%, others/none 6.8% (2010)
- Population: 95,235 (2018)
- Control Form: Republic
- Area: 460 km2
- Currency: Seychelles Rupee
- GNP per capita: 28 384 PPP $
- National Day: June 18th
Seychelles Population
The population of Seychelles in 2013 was estimated at 89 173 (World Bank). The average life expectancy for women is 78 years and for men 68 years (2012).
The population is composed of descendants of the African workers who were imported to the islands, Indians who settled there, and British and French colonial officials. Almost the entire population lives in the northern archipelago, and close to 90% on the island of Mahé, where the capital Victoria is located.
Religion
Christianity is almost one-sided; the Catholic Church, which has support from approximately 76.2% of the population is strongly dominant.
Language
Official languages are seselwa (Seychelles), English and French. Seselwa is a Creole language, a local variant of French mixed with many words from Swahili and other African languages. English and French are widely used in teaching and media.