Seychelles is the hidden treasure of the Indian Ocean with its clear turquoise sea, unique beaches covered with soft sands, sunsets that you can’t get enough of looking at, and unique volcanic rock formations. We have brought together all the interesting details of Seychelles, such as its history, climate, culture and cuisine.
Seychelles, which is the most popular archipelago country in the region after the Maldives, consists of more than 100 islands. The capital of the country is the town of Victoria on Mahe, the largest island in Seychelles. The surface area of Seychelles is about 493 km2, including 92 islands and islets. The highest point of the country is Morne Seychellors Hill, which is also located on Mahe Island, and its length is about 900 meters. Other important islands of the country are Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette, Destroches and Aldabra. These islands, which have a mountainous terrain, are in granite and usually volcanic forms.
The island is on the spot by treasure hunters
Although there is not much information about the history of the Seychelles, it is believed that it was used by pirates before being discovered by the French in 1756. Treasure hunters, in search of precious burials dating back hundreds of years, are still flocking to this archipelago. There is an intense French influence on the islands. The islands, which left Mauritius and passed to the British in the early 1900s, declared their independence in 1976. English and French are the most widely spoken languages in the country. The natives of the island are originally from Creole race and speaks a language called “Seselwa”. The literacy rate in the country is about 60%.
Priorities, sustainable tourism
Although the country’s economy is mainly based on agriculture and tourism, export is also an important source of income. The main agricultural products grown in the country are bananas, sweet potatoes, cassava (and its by-product starch), coconut and vanilla. The most important industry of the country is the food industry. In addition, seafood is an important source of income. 19% of the labor force is employed in agriculture, 20% in mining and construction, 14% in the public sector and social services, and 11% in restaurant and hotel management. The country mainly carries out its foreign trade activities with the United Kingdom, France, South Africa, Yemen and Pakistan. The main export products are dried coconut oil, cinnamon, soap and perfume oil, vanilla and fish. Other important sources of income are guano, turtle shell, shark fin and fish products. Seychelles, which prefers a sustainable tourism approach instead of mass tourism, attaches maximum importance to preservation of its nature. As a result, the island, which appeals to a financially elite tourist audience, hosts a maximum of 150 thousand tourists per year, but is also referred to as one of the countries that earn the most income from tourism. There are quite strict laws aimed at protecting nature in the country, where great importance is attached to environmental cleanliness. Investments that will be made are accepted only if they will have no harm to natural life. There are no direct flights from Türkiye to Seychelles. The islands can be accessed via transfer from Dubai. With a flight of about 8-9 hours from Istanbul Airport, you can reach Victoria’s airport in Mahe, the capital of Seychelles. From the airport, which is about 10 km from the capital, you can use buses or taxis.
There are quite strict laws aimed at protecting nature in the country, where great importance is attached to environmental cleanliness. Investments that will be made are accepted only if they will have no harm to natural life.
Mild climate throughout the year
Although the archipelago is very close to the equator, the climate is mild due to the southeastern trade winds. This warm climate continues from June to November. On Mahe Island, the temperature varies between 24° and 29°. The annual precipitation on the capital Victoria and its surroundings is about 2300 mm. This figure increases in high areas and almost reaches up to 3550 mm. The country’s population consists of about 90,000 people. The annual population growth is about 2%. More than 60 percent of the population is young, and those who live in cities are about 37%. The ethnic structure of the population consists of Creoles. Creoles are those of French descent born in Louisiana and of Spanish descent born in the Caribbean Islands. This complex structure is also reflected in the culture of the country.
The star of Seychelles cuisine: Seafood
The indispensable elements of Seychelles cuisine are fish and seafood. These are often served with rice. Fish dishes are cooked in many different ways, such as steamed, grilled, wrapped in banana leaves, baked, salt and smoked. Another feature of the country’s cuisine is curry sauce dishes served with rice. In addition, coconut, mango, breadfruit, and cardonian fish also have an important place in this cuisine. The plates are mostly decorated with fresh flowers. Chicken curry, coconut curry, lentils saffron rice, fish curry and tropical fruits are among the most popular dishes.
DON’T RETURN WITHOUT SEEING
Seychelles is a country that should be visited with its unique nature and architecture. We have compiled for you the places that should definitely be visited in Seychelles, including the wonderful buildings, where you can easily see the landscape and reflections of western culture:
- Tempio Hindu
- Clock Tower
- Seychelles National History Museum
- Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
- Mission Lodge Lookout
- Trois Freres Trail
- Cassedent
- French Cultural Center
- National Library and Art Gallery
