Population: 76,000 (UN, 2003)
Capital: Victoria
Area: 455 sq km (176 sq miles)
Major languages: English, French, Creole
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: n/a Monetary unit: 1 Seychelles rupee = 100 cents

Backpacking in Seychelles

The Republic of Seychelles are tiny jewel islands in the Indian Ocean. The nation does represent at the Miss Universe pageants, so that makes them relevant. Now, if you’re looking for a tropical paradise that’s a thousand miles away from anywhere, Seychelles fits the bill. Its 115 islands are plundered into the middle of the Indian Ocean in solitude. However, word may travel faster by water because regardless of its geographic constitution or location, the Seychelles is a top destination choice for travellers who want to soak up some sun and local atmosphere. The name alone is onomatopoeic to the gushing sound of sea water rolling in and hitting the shore. That could account for instant recall.

Among its many associations to the ocean, the name Seychelles sounds Cockney for “seashells”. And it is true, seashell- and palm-fringed beaches is characteristic of Seychelles. At this point, Seychelles is still a developing tourist industry, and that’s why it’s perfect for independent travel. Although this lush country serves as escape to high profile individuals like Tony Blair and Co., the natural surroundings come without a price tag – that is if you’re imaginative enough. True and blue, Seychelles is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

GEOGRAPHY

Seychelles (4 35 S, 55 40 E) is only 455 km² of tropical paradise. Half of the granitic islands have narrow and rugged coastal strip with coves, rolling to central ranges that rise to 900 m. The highest peak is the Morne Seychellois, 905 m above the sea level. Other islands are flat, elevated coral atolls.

CLIMATE

The topography and location renders a tropical marine climate where there are basically two seasons – the southeast monsoon and the northwest monsoon. The southwest monsoon is cool and pays a visit from May to September. The northwest monsoon is warmer and takes place from March to May. It is also generally humid the year round.

PEOPLE

There are 88,340 Seychellois according to the latest estimates. Seychelles has no indigenous populations, just people who have emigrated to the island. The largest ethnic groups are of French, African, Indian, and Chinese descent, in essence creoles. About 90% of the Seychellois live on Mahe Island as around half of the islands are coral atolls, thus sparsely inhabitable to totally uninhabitable. Others live on Praslin and La Digue.

LANGUAGE

FRENCH and ENGLISH are the official languages on the island, as well as the French creole SEYCHELLOIS CREOLE, the local and most-widely spoken vernacular. There are 94% of the population that are speakers of this creole language, while 4.9% are English-speakers. English remains the language of the government and of commerce. Also, there are either no case of AIDS in the islands, or simply no cases reported.

RELIGION

With remarkable European influences, the majority of the population are Christians, divided amongst Roman Catholics (82.3%), Anglicans (6.4%), Seventh-Day Adventists (1.1%), other Christians (3.4%). Hindus comprise 2.1% of the population, and Muslim, 1.1%. A few others prefer not to be strictly affiliated with any religion.

ATTRACTIONS

“Seychelles…a romantic getaway” is quite catchy, but rather too becoming of Seychelles. I’m sure the place is romantic as God intended, but it’s just too redundant. There ought to be many other aspects that should make a travel to Seychelles phenomenal. Mostly the local atmosphere is overshadowed by the beaches, and if you’ve been here, the topaz of the ocean effortlessly makes anyone oblivious of anything else. What comes with a tropical paradise, one can expect of Seychelles, such as great diving and snorkelling, wilderness and wildlife, and the whole shebang. Sports both on and off the water can be enjoyed whilst others lay around doing nothing. Back on dry land, the birds are magical while the vegetation is Jurassic-like as the islands themselves, with their gigantic coconuts that are oddly-shaped and triple the normal size. There’s Mahe, the main island, but Praslin boasts the best beaches, definitely less built-up and more lush.

Despite the fame it lavishes in, there’s plenty of elbow room. And while service in Seychelles may be sullen in places, one thing without fault is the natural surroundings, as a country leading in ecotourism. The beaches are amazingly quiet and stunning to look at, even better with a bird’s eye view from the sky, but at one point, when civilization is craved for, the Victoria Market has to be in the traveller’s visit list, named after you-already-know-who. As with most markets and souks across the globe, the Victoria Market is ideal for soaking some local life in addition to getting unique items at incredible discounts. The range of fruits, veggies, and fish is wide, fresh, and clean, early morn at least. More secrets for the independent traveller who wants to create a personalized trail. Pick a cove from hundreds or a hill, perhaps.

FOOD

The Seychellois cuisine is as delightful as the place and wonderfully sums up the flavours of the land and sea. Yes, fish and rice is the food of the land, and the traveller will inevitably be trying anything from barracuda, octopus, to shark chutney. For the more mundane tastebuds, there are your everyday things as grouper and snapper. Seychellois cuisine might have the best of creole cuisine out of all the islands in the Indian Ocean. Most importantly, it caters to all classes of eaters, even vegans. They can do so much with herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables. This is one thing why Seychelles is well-loved, even by pirates. Did I tell you how cool the flag is?

***