Eastern Africa · AfricaSeychelles
Discover Seychelles - 115 Indian Ocean islands with prehistoric granite boulders, the world's largest nut, giant tortoises, and Africa's smallest population.
Where Is Seychelles?
Seychelles is a country in Eastern Africa. Its capital is Victoria.
- Capital Victoria
- Population 123K
- Area 452 km²
Seychelles is what happens when geology, biology, and sheer luck conspire to create paradise. These 115 islands scattered across the western Indian Ocean are the only mid-oceanic granite islands on Earth - ancient fragments of the supercontinent Gondwana that broke away 75 million years ago. The result is beaches that look like they were designed by a sculptor rather than by erosion, with massive smooth boulders framing powdery white sand and turquoise water so clear you can count fish from the shore.
But Seychelles is far more than a honeymoon backdrop. With a population of just 100,000, it is Africa's smallest country and one of the most unusual nations anywhere. The Vallee de Mai on Praslin island is home to the coco de mer palm, which produces the world's largest seed - a suggestively shaped nut that can weigh up to 25 kilograms. Aldabra Atoll hosts the world's largest population of giant tortoises, outnumbering the entire human population of the islands. And the Seychellois themselves are a Creole blend of African, French, Indian, and Chinese heritage, speaking three official languages and cooking a fusion cuisine that is entirely their own.
At a glance
Largest cities in Seychelles
Victoria
Anse Royale
Beau Vallon
Famous people from Seychelles
France-Albert Rene
PoliticsSecond president who ruled for 27 years after a coup, transformed Seychelles with free healthcare and education while maintaining one-party rule
James Mancham
PoliticsFirst president of independent Seychelles and founding father who envisioned the islands as a tourism destination
David Savy
ConservationPioneer conservationist who led efforts to protect Aldabra Atoll's giant tortoise population and marine ecosystems
Traditional cuisine of Seychelles
- Grilled Fish with Satini
- Freshly caught fish grilled over coconut husks and served with chili and fruit chutneys, the quintessential Seychellois beach meal
- Octopus Curry
- Tender octopus slow-cooked in a Creole coconut curry sauce with turmeric and cinnamon, a local specialty that combines Indian and African flavors
- Ladob
- Plantains and sweet potatoes cooked in coconut milk with sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla - served as either a savory side or sweet dessert
- Bat Curry (Civet)
- Fruit bat stewed in curry sauce, an unusual traditional delicacy that surprises visitors but remains part of authentic Seychellois cuisine
Nature and landmarks in Seychelles
- Aldabra AtollIsland
- UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's second-largest coral atoll, home to 100,000 giant Aldabra tortoises - more than the human population of Seychelles
- Vallee de MaiForest
- UNESCO-listed primeval palm forest on Praslin island, the only place where the coco de mer palm grows wild, producing the world's largest seed
- Anse Source d'ArgentLandmark
- La Digue island's iconic beach consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful, with weathered granite boulders framing shallow turquoise lagoons
- Morne Seychellois National ParkNational Park
- Covers 20% of Mahe island with dense cloud forest, rare endemic plants, and the country's highest peak at 905 meters
Sports in Seychelles
- Football
- The national team competes in Indian Ocean Island Games and AFCON qualifiers, football is the most popular sport despite the tiny population
- Sailing
- Seychellois sailors have competed at the Olympics and sailing is deeply woven into island life, with annual regattas drawing international competitors
Did you know?
Seychelles is Africa's smallest country by population with around 100,000 people, and the smallest in Africa by land area
The coco de mer produces the world's largest seed, weighing up to 25 kilograms, and its suggestive shape led early sailors to believe it grew on underwater trees
Aldabra Atoll's giant tortoise population of around 100,000 outnumbers the entire human population of Seychelles
Seychelles was uninhabited until the 18th century - there are no indigenous people, and the population is entirely descended from settlers and their workers
The islands are the only mid-oceanic granite islands on Earth, fragments of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana that separated 75 million years ago
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Can you find Seychelles on a map?
Drop a pin where you think it is and see how close you got. A few rounds and you will place Seychelles and its neighbours without a second thought.
