The Seychelles is a group of about 115 islands that lie 990 miles (1600 kilometers) off the coast of east Africa. The three central islands - Mahé, Praslin and La Digue - are granite, while the outlying islands are coral atolls. Unlike most similar islands, the Seychelles are not volcanic - they seem to be the peaks of a huge underwater plateau that fell off the edge of India about 65 million years ago. The islands are rich in vegetation, but most of it is either coconut palms or casuarinas. The Seychelles is home to the extremely rare giant coco de mer palm. In high, remote areas you might also find the insect-eating pitcher plant, as well as a veritable bouquet of orchids, bougainvilleas, hibiscuses, gardenias and frangipani. Victoria, on the island of Mahé, is one of the smallest capital cities in the world and the only major port in the Seychelles. It is also the only town in the country - every other settlement is a village. The courthouse and main post office in the center of town have been untouched since colonial times, but the streets emanating from the center have been rebuilt over the past 20 years, giving the town a clean and modern look. There are a few old houses and shops in the city center, giving the town a unique character. Victoria’s Botanical Gardens are highly recommended for short and shady walks among a variety of native and introduced trees. The Seychelles are known for their beautiful beaches and serene waters, perfect for snorkeling or a relaxing day on the sand.
Nobody lived on the Seychelles until the 17th century. In 1609, a British East India ship made landfall, and in the next few years, shiploads of pirates moved their operations to the Indian Ocean from the Caribbean and used the islands as their base. In 1742 the governor of Mauritius sent a ship to check out the islands. The ship’s captain named the main island after his governor and laid the way for the French to claim the islands 12 years later. In 1770 the first load of French settlers and slaves arrived on the island and started growing spices, cassava, sugar cane, coffee, sweet potatoes and maize, as well as harvesting the giant tortoise. By the end of the 18th century, the islands were looking pretty choice and the British were taking an interest. The governor at the time lowered the French flag and gave in when attack looked imminent, but the British sailed on and the flag was raised again. This happened 12 times until 1814, when Britain took charge of the Seychelles after the Napoleonic Wars. French, however, remained the main language and French culture lived on. English and French are the two official languages of the Seychelles; however, Creole (a dialect of French) was made a semi-official language in 1981. Most Seychellois will conduct business in French, speak English to the tourists and Creole at home.
The Seychelles is a group of about 115 islands that lie 990 miles (1600 kilometers) off the coast of east Africa. The three central islands - Mahé, Praslin and La Digue - are granite, while the outlying islands are coral atolls. Unlike most similar islands, the Seychelles are not volcanic - they seem to be the peaks of a huge underwater plateau that fell off the edge of India about 65 million years ago. The islands are rich in vegetation, but most of it is either coconut palms or casuarinas. The Seychelles is home to the extremely rare giant coco de mer palm. In high, remote areas you might also find the insect-eating pitcher plant, as well as a veritable bouquet of orchids, bougainvilleas, hibiscuses, gardenias and frangipani. Victoria, on the island of Mahé, is one of the smallest capital cities in the world and the only major port in the Seychelles. It is also the only town in the country - every other settlement is a village. The courthouse and main post office in the center of town have been untouched since colonial times, but the streets emanating from the center have been rebuilt over the past 20 years, giving the town a clean and modern look. There are a few old houses and shops in the city center, giving the town a unique character. Victoria’s Botanical Gardens are highly recommended for short and shady walks among a variety of native and introduced trees. The Seychelles are known for their beautiful beaches and serene waters, perfect for snorkeling or a relaxing day on the sand.
Nobody lived on the Seychelles until the 17th century. In 1609, a British East India ship made landfall, and in the next few years, shiploads of pirates moved their operations to the Indian Ocean from the Caribbean and used the islands as their base. In 1742 the governor of Mauritius sent a ship to check out the islands. The ship’s captain named the main island after his governor and laid the way for the French to claim the islands 12 years later. In 1770 the first load of French settlers and slaves arrived on the island and started growing spices, cassava, sugar cane, coffee, sweet potatoes and maize, as well as harvesting the giant tortoise. By the end of the 18th century, the islands were looking pretty choice and the British were taking an interest. The governor at the time lowered the French flag and gave in when attack looked imminent, but the British sailed on and the flag was raised again. This happened 12 times until 1814, when Britain took charge of the Seychelles after the Napoleonic Wars. French, however, remained the main language and French culture lived on. English and French are the two official languages of the Seychelles; however, Creole (a dialect of French) was made a semi-official language in 1981. Most Seychellois will conduct business in French, speak English to the tourists and Creole at home.
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