Country Profile: Seychelles

Seychelles is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. The nation is characterized by its tropical marine climate and is composed of numerous islands, with the majority of its population residing on Mahé, where the capital city, Victoria, is located. The Seychellois economy is heavily reliant on tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services, making it a notable high-income country in the region. Governance is structured as a presidential republic, with a history of transitioning from a socialist one-party state to a more democratic political system in the 1990s.

Geography

Seychelles consists of 155 islands, primarily granitic and coralline, with a total land area of 455 square kilometers. The terrain includes volcanic islands with a rocky, hilly interior and coral atolls. The country has a total coastline of 491 kilometers and boasts a tropical marine climate that features a cooler season during the southeast monsoon and a warmer season in the northwest monsoon.

2.5x the size of Washington, D.C. (area comparison)
491 km of coastline
12 nm territorial sea claim
200 nm exclusive economic zone
58.6% of land covered by forest (2023)
3.4% of land used for agriculture (2023)
Morne Seychellois at 905 m is the highest point

People and Society

Seychelles has a population of approximately 98,187, with a slight male majority. The society is predominantly Creole, with diverse ethnicities including French, Indian, Chinese, and Arab influences. The nation recognizes three official languages, though Seychellois Creole predominates. The population enjoys a relatively high life expectancy of 76.6 years and demonstrates a moderate urbanization rate.

98,187 population (2024 est.)
58.8% urban population (2023)
17.7% aged 0-14 years
72.4% aged 15-64 years
10% aged 65 and older
76.2% Roman Catholic (largest religion)
24.4% of population below the poverty line (2018 est.)

Economy

Seychelles has emerged as a high-income economy, bolstered by a strong tourism sector and tuna exports. The GDP per capita stands at approximately $29,200, and the nation continues to explore its offshore oil potential. The economy is sensitive to environmental changes and is taking steps to mitigate climate risks while promoting sustainable development.

$3.549 billion GDP (PPP) (2024 est.)
3.5% projected GDP growth rate (2024 est.)
65.8% of GDP from services (2024 est.)
$2.375 billion in exports (2023 est.)
$2.437 billion in imports (2023 est.)
1.5% of GDP for military expenditures (2024 est.)
25.3% of the population below poverty line (2018 est.)

Government

Seychelles operates as a presidential republic, with a legal system that combines English common law and French civil law. The President serves as both head of state and head of government, with recent elections demonstrating a transition towards a competitive political landscape. The National Assembly is unicameral, comprising 34 directly elected members, reflecting a mixed electoral system.

President: Wavel RAMKALAWAN (elected 2020)
Capital city: Victoria
Independence: 29 June 1976
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Next election expected: 2025
Total administrative districts: 27
Constitution effective since: 23 June 1993

Military and Security

Seychelles maintains a small military, the Seychelles People's Defense Forces (SPDF), consisting of approximately 500 active personnel. The military's primary focus is on maritime security, countering illegal fishing and piracy. The nation also contributes to regional security efforts and has developed close ties with India for maritime operations.

1.5% of GDP allocated to military spending (2024 est.)
500 active military personnel (2025)
No conscription policy
Military formed in: 1977
Primary responsibility: Maritime security
Modern equipment received from: India, Bahrain, and China
Military service age: 18-28 years

Energy

Seychelles boasts full electricity access for its population. The majority of its electricity generation comes from fossil fuels, although it is increasingly incorporating solar power into its energy mix. The nation is working on enhancing its energy infrastructure to meet growing needs sustainably.

100% electrification rate (2022 est.)
156,000 kW of installed generating capacity (2023 est.)
581.227 million kWh of electricity consumption (2023 est.)
86.4% of power from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
12.7% of power from solar sources (2023 est.)
6,000 bbl/day refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.)
98.847 million Btu/person energy consumption per capita (2023 est.)

Communications

Seychelles has a growing telecommunications sector with a high penetration of mobile cellular subscriptions. The country features a state-run broadcaster and various internet and media services, supporting a large percentage of internet users in its population.

87% of the population are internet users (2023 est.)
165,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.)
39,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)
18,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 est.)
Television and radio services from state-run and private broadcasters
31 fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023 est.)
14 fixed telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023 est.)

Transportation

Transportation in Seychelles is facilitated by a network of airports and a merchant marine fleet, including cargo vessels. The nation has a singular port, located in Victoria, which serves as the hub for maritime activities.

16 airports (2025)
30 vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
1 port, serving as the main maritime hub (2024)
6 heliports (2025)
Main port located: Victoria
Merchant marine composition: Includes general cargo, oil tankers, and more

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	98,187	2024 estimate
Area	455 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$3.549 billion	2024 estimate
GDP per capita	$29,200	2024 estimate
Military expenditures	1.5% of GDP	2024 estimate
Electricity access	100%	2022 estimate
Life expectancy	76.6 years	2024 estimate
Urban population	58.8%	2023 estimate
Birth rate	11.8 births/1,000 people	2024 estimate
Current account balance	-$155.194 million	2023 estimate