Seychelles, a land of pristine beauty and a luxury destination that is located in the western part of the Indian Ocean. An 115 island archipelago, the island nation is known for its exquisite natural beauty, spectacular beaches and luxury resorts. It is home to the world’s oldest oceanic islands and a large raised coral atoll.
The island is blessed with a warm climate throughout the year, which makes it a hotbed of aquatic activities such as diving and snorkeling in its turquoise crystalline waters. It is also a center for ecotourism and endemic wildlife observation that offers an incredible variety of flora and fauna with some of the most exotic trees, birds and marine life.
The entire population is concentrated in the inland region consisting of three islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Together these islands form the Economic, Cultural and Tourist Axis of the Country. Don’t miss the chance to explore Seychellois Creole cuisine and the country’s capital, Victoria, a city that can be explored entirely on foot in less than a day.
Because of its remote rental, the island nation is unlike any other island getaway. This tropical paradise provides an aura of seclusion marked by soft white and dusty sands and spectacular turquoise waters.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SEYCHELLES
Name: Republic of Seychelles
Origin of the name: Jean Moreau de Souchelles (Minister of Finances of King Louis XV)
First explorer of Seychelles: Joao de Nova (1501) discovers the Farquhar islands
Population: Approximately 97,871 people (2019) and 90% of the population living on the main island of Mahe
Total Island: 115 Islands (42 Granite Islands and 73 Coral Islands) A total of 455 km² (175 sq mi) in size
Climate: Tropical with constant temperature and high humidity.
Main seasons: Northwest monsoon from December to March and Southeast monsoon from May to October
Time zone: GMT/UTC +4
Call code: +248 or (00248)
Language: Seychellois Creole, English, French,
National currency: 1 Seychellois Rupee = 100 cents
National Day: July 18
National Flower: Orkid payanke
National Tree: Coco-de-Mer Palm
National Animal: Giant Tortoise
National Bird: Black Parrot
The national motto: “Finis Coronat Opus” (“The end crown the work”)
Seychelles Fauna: 13 species of amphibians, 30 reptiles, 220 species of birds and more than 1,000 species of invertebrates
Seychelles Endangered Birds: Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, Seychelles Warbler, Seychelles Robin, Seychelles White-eye, Seychelles Scops Owl, Seychelles Black Parrot
Flightless bird of the Indian Ocean: white-throated rail from the island of Aldabra.
Agricultural products: coconuts, cinnamon, sweet potato, cassava (tapioca) and exotic fruits.
Food and Dishes: Coconut Curry, Ladob, Salt Fish, Shark Chutney, Grilled Fish or Octopus, etc.
Coral reef area: about 600,000 km² (230,000 sq mi)
Highest Mountain: Morne Seychellois’, 905 m or 2,969 ft.
Seychelles pirate hideout: Anse Forbans (Pirate’s Cove) on Mahe and Cote d’Or on Praslin. It is believed that the famous Pirate Olivier Camsseur hid a treasure valued at more than $ 160,000 that remains without finding.
Forest Conservation: Around 50% of its Land is Occupied by National Parks and Reserves
Marine Conservation: By 2020, 410,000 km2 or 30 percent of Seychelles’ waters are Marine Protected Areas
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mai Vallee (Praslin Island) and Aldabra Atoll
More rare trees on Earth in Seychelles: jellyfish trees on the island of Mahe and Palmeras Coco-de -mer on Praslin Island
The second largest coral in the world: Atol: Atoll Aldabra (also the largest elevated coral area in the world) Area: 155.4 km²
First Marine Park in the Indian Ocean: Sainte Anne National Marine Park, 1973.
Older Oceanic Islands on Earth: Seychelles Granitic Islands
Large seed in the world: coco de mer seeds or nut of love in praslin island (about 20 kgs)
The largest arthropod in the world: the coconut crab (the robber crab or palm robber) in Seychelles
The largest colonies in the world of Leser Noddy Seabird: Aride Island.
The heaviest land turtle in the world: Esmeralda, is a boy, 363 Kgs, 170 years old who lives on Bird Island