Africa, Seychelles

Written by Helga McLeod Monday, 01 March 2010 09:29

Africa's Eco gem, the Seychells, has every quality for a romantic holiday or honeymoon. The hotels and other accommodation types are stunning, the beaches of all its 115 islands pristine and the city of Mahe is great for shopping.

The Republic of Seychelles comprises 115 islands occupying a land area of 455 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.4 million km in the western Indian Ocean. It represents an archipelago of legendary beauty that extends from between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator and which lies between 480km and 1,600km from the east coast of Africa.

Of these 115 islands, 41 constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the low-lying coral atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands. The granitic islands of the Seychelles archipelago cluster around the main island of Mahe, home to the international airport and the capital, Victoria, and its satellites Praslin and La Digue. Together, these Inner Islands form the cultural and economic hub of the nation and contain the majority of Seychelles� tourism facilities as well as its most stunning beaches.

This section provides comprehensive information about the geography, climate, history, society, government, people, language, religion, culture, cuisine, recipes, arts, architecture, folklore, flora and fauna of Seychelles, and the 6 island groups that, together, make up Seychelles' Inner and Outer Islands and lastly about investing in Seychelles.

Climate
Seychelles' enviable climate is always warm and without extremes. In this tropical haven the temperature seldom drops below 24degreeC or rises above 32degreeC. All but the remotest southern islands lie comfortably outside the cyclone belt making Seychelles a year round destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers.

During the north-west trade winds that visit between the months of October and March, the sea is generally calm and the weather warm and humid, with average winds of 8-12 knots.

In January and February the islands receive their life-giving rains, rejuvenating the rivers and streams and teasing the vibrant foliage into rainbows of colour.

The months between May and September bring drier, cooler weather, and livelier seas - particularly on south-eastern coasts and winds of 10-20 knots.

The table below is a summary of statistical averages for the Seychelles International Airport from 1972 to 2005. (Courtesy of the Seychelles Meteorological Services). For more detailed weather information, please visit the official website for the Seychelles Meteorological Services.
Rainfall (mm) Temperature(�C) Relative Humidity (%) Predominant Wind Direction Wind Speed (kts)
Jan 402.6 26.9 82 NW 6.3
Feb 283.2 27.4 80 NW 6.3
Mar 194.9 27.8 80 NW 5.2
Apr 186.7 28.1 80 SW-NW 4.9
May 151.6 27.8 79 SE 7.8
Jun 105.1 26.7 79 SE 10.4
Jul 76.6 26.0 80 SE 11.4
Aug 119.3 26.0 80 SE 12.1
Sep 154.0 26.5 79 SE 11.3
Oct 189.7 26.9 79 SE 7.9
Nov 206.3 26.9 80 SW-NW 5.4
Dec 302.8 26.9 82 NW 5.4

Geography
Seychelles' 115 granite and coral islands extend from between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator and lie between 480km and 1,600km from the east coast of Africa in the western Indian Ocean.

This Indian Ocean republic occupies a land area of 455 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.4 million km. It represents an archipelago of timeless beauty, tranquillity and harmony that is famous for its world-beating beaches and for its great diversity which rolls from lush forests down to the warm azure ocean.

Of these 115 islands, 41 Inner Islands constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the 5 groups of low-lying coral atolls and reef islets that are the Outer Islands.

Seychelles is home to no less than two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the legendary Vallye de Mai on Praslin where the wondrously shaped Coco-de-mer nut grows high on ancient palms and fabled Aldabra, the world�s largest raised coral atoll, first seen by early Arab seafarers of the 9th century A.D.

Seychelles, one of the world's very last frontiers, promises adventure and breathtaking natural beauty in pristine surrounds still untouched by man.

History
Seychelles is a comparatively young nation which can trace its first settlement back to 1770 when the islands were first settled by the French, leading a small party of whites, Indians and Africans. The islands remained in French hands until the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, evolving from humble beginnings to attain a population of 3,500 by the time Seychelles was ceded to Britain under the treaty of Paris in 1814.

During this period Seychelles came to know the enlightened policies of administrators such as Pierre Poivre, the brilliant politicking of Governor Queau de Quinssy and, of course, the terrible repercussions of the French Revolution.

Under the British, Seychelles achieved a population of some 7,000 by the year 1825. Important estates were established during this time producing coconut, food crops, cotton and sugar cane. During this period Seychelles also saw the establishment of Victoria as her capital, the exile of numerous and colourful troublemakers from the Empire, the devastation caused by the famous Avalanche of 1862 and the economic repercussions of the abolition of slavery.

Seychelles achieved independence from Britain in 1976 and became a republic within the commonwealth. Following a period of single party rule by the government of Mr. France Albert Rene, on December 4, 1991, President Rene announced a return to the multiparty system of government, 1993 saw the first multiparty presidential and legislative elections held under a new constitution in which President Rene was victorious. President Rene also won the 1998 and 2003 elections before transferring the Presidency to James Alix Michel in June 2004.

Language
There are three official languages in Seychelles: Creole (a lilting, French-based patois), English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German.

Religion
Roman Catholicism remains the dominant religion of Seychelles but there are also Anglican and Protestant churches and the places of worship of other denominations. These live in harmony alongside, Muslim, Hindu communities based on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.

Source: Seychelles Tourism Board - For more information please visit www.seychelles.travel

Whether you are residing in a Seychelle hotel or guesthouse, make sure to ask about land and sea transport to visit the exquisite islands, attractions and villages of the Seychelles.

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