Seychelles
The smallest country in Africa, with the highest per capita GDP on the continent.
Seychelles, officially the Republic of Seychelles, is an archipelagic country consisting of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. Its capital and largest city, Victoria, is 1500 km east of mainland Africa. Nearby island countries and territories include the Maldives, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and the French overseas departments of Mayotte and Réunion to the south; and the Chagos Archipelago to the east. Seychelles is the smallest country in Africa as well as the least populated sovereign African country, with an estimated population of 100,600 in 2022.
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Victoria
- Region
- Eastern Africa
- Languages
- Seychellois Creole
- English
- French
- Currency
- Seychellois rupee
- Continent
- Africa
- Capital city
- Victoria (on Mahé)
- Marine protected areas
- Over 30% of territorial waters
Lore & Background
The Seychelles archipelago was uninhabited prior to sustained external contact. The islands were first recorded by Europeans in the 16th century, but were not settled until the 18th century, when France formally claimed them. During the period of French colonization, enslaved Africans were brought to the islands for plantation labor. It faced competing French and British interests until it came under full British control in the early 19th century. After Britain assumed control, slavery was abolished and later replaced in part by indentured laborers from India. Since proclaiming independence from the United Kingdom in 1976, it has developed from a largely agricultural society to a market-based diversified economy. From 1976 to 2015, nominal GDP grew nearly 700%, and purchasing power parity nearly 1600%. Since the late 2010s, the government has taken steps to encourage foreign investment.
Reader's Guide
As of the early 21st century, Seychelles has the highest nominal per capita GDP and the highest Human Development Index ranking of any African country. According to the 2024 V-Dem Democracy indices, Seychelles is the 44th-ranked electoral democracy worldwide, the 1st-ranked liberal democracy in Africa, and the 2nd-ranked electoral democracy on the continent. Seychellois culture and society is an eclectic mix of French, British, Indian and African influences, with infusions of Chinese elements. The country is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, and the Commonwealth of Nations.
More in African Nations & Regions
Elsewhere in World Atlas
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced