+248 is the dialing code for Seychelles.
The Seychelles were for a long time a collection of uninhabited islands in the Indian Ocean. Only in the late 18th century did European settlers settle with African slaves. The islands ended up under British supremacy, and served as a naval and air base during World War II. Since 1976, Seychelles has been an independent nation with a relatively high standard of living. Tourism and fishing form the basis of the economy.
- Abbreviationfinder: Brief profiles of Seychelles, including geography, history, politics, economics as well as common acronyms about this country.
Geography and climate
The Seychelles are located in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa and just south of the equator. The archipelago comprises an estimated 115 islands, of which the vast majority are uninhabited.
The land area is one thousandth of Sweden, but the islands are spread over an area that is almost three times the size of Sweden.
More than 40 of the islands consist of granite, the others are coral. The granite islands, with lush tropical vegetation, descend steeply towards the sea, while the coral islands barely rise above the sea surface.
The main island of Mahé occupies about a third of the country’s area and is located approximately 100 km northeast of Madagascar and just over 150 km east of the African mainland. Other major islands are Praslin and La Digue.
Country Facts
Geography
| Cultivated land | 6.5 % |
| Land area | 455 km 2 |
Population and health
| Population development | 0.83 ‰ |
| Urban population (Urbanization) | 53.9 % |
| Death rate | 6.89 per 1000 residents |
| Life expectancy: Women | 79.2 years |
| Life expectancy: Men | 69.92 years |
| Birth rate | 14.19 births per 1000 residents |
| HDI index | 0.772 |
| Population | 92430 |
| Infant mortality | 10.49 deaths / 1000 births |
Population Graph Source: Countryaah.com
Energy
| Electricity, production | 316 million kWh |
| Energy consumption per resident | 2410.8 kg. oil per resident |
| Natural gas, production | million cubic meters |
| Crude oil, production | million tons |
Infrastructure
| Internet users | 53.8 per 100 residents |
| Mobile subscriptions | 165 per 100 residents |
| Passenger cars | 176 per 1000 residents |
Business and economics
| Unemployment | 3% of the workforce |
| GDP | 26300 per resident |
| Primary occupations | 3 % |
| Secondary profession | 23 % |
| Tertiary professions | 74 % |
The Seychelles have a maritime tropical climate, which means even and quite high temperature and high humidity. The archipelago has two seasons that are controlled by monsoon winds.
In December, the northwest monsoon comes and brings with it a lot of rain. The rain begins to subside in March. From May to October the south-east monsoon blows, when it rains less and the climate is somewhat cooler. However, the temperatures do not vary much, but are usually between 24 and 30 degrees.
FACTS – GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
Surface
454 km2 (2018)
Time
Swedish +3 hours
Capital with number of residents
Victoria 28,000
Other major cities
Anse Royal
Highest mountain
Morne Seychellois (at Mahé, 912 m above sea level)
Average Precipitation / year
Victoria 2 360 mm
Average / day
Victoria 27 °C
2013
October
Party renames
New Democratic Party (NDP) changes name to Seychelles United Party (Seselwa United Party, SUP).
July
Report on criticized election system is presented
A government-appointed group, made up of representatives of a number of political parties, presents a report on the country’s electoral system, which is criticized by the opposition for favoring the ruling party. The group recommends that party funding be reviewed to increase transparency and clarify the rules. The group also recommends that the current voting lengths, which have been questioned, be replaced.
April
In-law to former dictator is granted asylum
A son-in-law of Tunisia’s former dictator Ben Ali is granted political asylum in Seychelles. The decision strained relations with Tunisia, which requires the man to be extradited to his home country.
January
Disaster status is announced after a storm
A tropical storm at the end of the month causes flooding and landslides. Authorities are announcing disaster states in three districts on the main island. No deaths should have been claimed, but at least 150 homes have been destroyed. President Michel appeals for international assistance.