Seychelles
The Seychelles (official name Republic of Seychelles ) is an archipelago (group of chain of islands) in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar, consisting of 115 islands of which 84 are named and rest are permanently uninhabited. Mahe is the principal island comprising of about 142 square km. with the islands of Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette being the next important ones. Seychelles is about 1500 km. east of mainland Africa, north of Mauritius and east of the Zanzibar Island.The Seychelles archipelago represent one of the most interesting geological and geographical puzzles known to humanity. Seychelles are the oldest oceanic islands to be found anywhere on the Earth. The granitic islands in Seychelles are also the only islands based on continental rock. Seychelles archipelago detached from othe African mainland at a time before modern mammals of today had evolved. Because of this there are no native land mammals occurring in Seychelles naturally, which has allowed a great diversity of biological life to develop. The mammals that can be seen on the islands today are mammals such as rats, cats dogs, etc. that are carried over to Seychelles by humans.
Seychelles is divided into twenty-five administrative regions that comprise all of the inner islands. 8 of the districts make up the capital of Seychelles and are referred to as Greater Victoria. While another 14 districts are considered the rural part of the main island of Mahe, 2 districts are located on Praslin Island and one on La Digue Island. The rest of the Outer Islands of Seychelles are not considered part of any district.
Mahe is the biggest island in Seychelles. Mahe is dominated by a mountain range that forms the backbone of this island. The highest peak of Mahe, the Morne Seychellois, reaches a peak of 900 meters and provides a perfect view of the capital city Victoria. Nearby Victoria is the beautiful Saint Anne Marine National Park.
Praslin is the second biggest island in Seychelles. About 100 years ago, General Gordon visited this island and became convinced that it was the location of the original earthly paradise, the Garden of Eden.
But La Digue island is accepted to be the most beautiful island in Seychelles. La Digue island is accessible both by boat and helicopter; by boat about 1.5 hours from Mahe and 30 minutes from Praslin. For years the way of life on La Digue has remained unchanged, transport is mostly by bicycle.
The current estimated population is around 82,000. The Seychelles is has a mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese and Arab descent. Besides other Christian churches, approximately 82 % of the population are Roman Catholics and 6.5 % are Anglican. Hinduism and Islam also are practiced. Creole is the native language of 94% of the people. On the other hand English and French are also very commonly used in Seychelles. English remains the official language of government and commerce.