When in 1503 Vasco da Gama and his fourth Portuguese India Armada saw and mapped a group of seven Islands, which they named “The Seven Sisters,” they had discovered part of what would, centuries later, become the Republic of Seychelles. This East African country is composed of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean and is located 1,000 miles east of Kenya and 700 miles northeast of Madagascar. Its other island neighbors include Mauritius, Maldives, and Comoros.
Seychelles was a transit point for trade between Asians and Africans, but was seized by the French in 1756, and named after Louis XV’s Minister of Finance, Jean Moreau de Séchelles. That’s how the country got its name. The British took control of the islands in the late 18th century. But in 1976, Seychelles got independence from Britain. It retained its old French name, Seychelles. Today, the name is almost synonymous with paradise, a top destination for tourists all over the world. Granted, Seychelles has gorgeous beaches, lush tropical vegetation, first-rate resorts, and physical attractions that will be etched on your memory forever; but there are some more amazing things about this well-loved country that should make you love it even more.
Check out 5 impressive things about Seychelles you’ll absolutely love…
#1. Its population and culture
Africa is often associated with large populations. But it is not the case with Seychelles. It is the least-populated African country with an estimated population of 98,000 in 2020. Estimates for 2023 hover around 100,000. That’s still a low number. So, if you fancy visiting to a top tourist destination that’s not too crowded, this should be your perfect fit.
Interestingly, Seychelles is a country with no indigenous population. The current Seychellois population descended from immigrants of East African, Malagasy, and Creole origin. Thanks to its trading ties with Asia and colonial history with Europe, some Seychellois are of Indian, Chinese, French, and British origins. This makes Seychelles a truly melting pot of cultures.
French, English, and Seychellois Creole (French-based creole) are official languages, but the latter is the most widely spoken. These cultures lend their peculiarities to the overall Seychellois culture; as an example, Seychellois food fuses aspects of Indian, African, French, and Chinese cuisine. With the influx of tourists flocking to bask in the aura of Seychelles’ exotic attractions, it will continue to grow in diversity. And that’s a good thing.
#2. A thriving economy
Seychelles is the most prosperous country in Sub-Saharan Africa. That’s something to be proud of. At $13,306, Seychelles has the highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in Africa. Since its independence from Britain, this small archipelagic nation has been able to grow a thriving economy largely based on tourism and fisheries. There is a growing investment in protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable blue economy in the country.
Travelers to the island nation appreciate these efforts; no wonder they keep coming back for more of its calm, laid-back ambiance, pleasant beaches, blue waters, picturesque vegetation, majestic hills, diverse marine life, and captivating sunbirds – a perfect getaway from the hassles and encumbrances of city life.
#3. The rights of women
Seychellois society scores a high point with regard to its appreciation of the rights of women. Their society is matrilineal, essentially. The role of mothers is dominant in the home. Seychellois law requires fathers to support their children, even when the men are not wedded to the women; but the women control household expenditures and matters concerning the children.
Seychelles is truly outstanding in a world where the rights of women continue to be neglected and trampled upon. Under Seychellois law, women enjoy the same social, political, and economic rights as men; inheritance laws do not discriminate against women. Although Seychellois society isn’t flawless with regard to women’s rights, it has made laudable progress toward achieving gender equality.
#4. Education and literacy
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No society can advance in our world without educating its population. Seychelles knows that and tops the literacy charts among the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa: 95.9% of the Seychellois population aged 15 and above can read and write. That is the fruit of steady efforts made since independence to provide opportunities for formal education in the country. It is a shining example to nations whose literacy rates are low or in decline.
#5. The rights of LGBTQ people
Seychellois society seems to understand that a society built on discrimination and oppression cannot thrive. Therefore, in 2016, it unanimously passed a bill decriminalizing homosexuality. That says a great deal about this destination — a country that respects the rights of minorities such as LGBTQ people and provides a safe space for them.
Travelers, tourists, vacationists, and explorers who visit this nation of picturesque islands will feel at home in a place that opens its arms to everyone. That hospitality, you’ll agree, is as pleasant as the beaches that adorn this beloved East African country.
Featured image: @theeescapeartist via @visitseychelles/Instagram
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