Country Profile: Seychelles

Seychelles is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. With a population of approximately 98,000, the country boasts a rich cultural heritage primarily influenced by Creole, French, Indian, and Chinese heritages. Its economy is largely driven by tourism, tuna exports, and offshore financial services, despite facing challenges related to environmental fragility. Seychelles operates as a presidential republic, having transitioned from a socialist one-party state to a multi-party democracy in the 1990s.

Geography

Seychelles comprises 155 islands, with the largest being Mahé, which houses around 90% of the population and the capital, Victoria. The islands are characterized by a tropical marine climate, with volcanic terrain on Mahé and flat coral atolls elsewhere. The country is strategically located in the Indian Ocean, with a coastline of 491 km and no land boundaries.

• 455 sq km: Total area of the country.
• 491 km: Length of the coastline.
• 905 m: Elevation of the highest point, Morne Seychellois.
• 3.4%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
• 58.6%: Percentage of forest cover (2023).
• 3.4%: Agricultural land percentage (2023).
• 0%: Permanent pasture (2022).

People and Society

With an estimated population of 98,187 in 2024, Seychelles has a diverse ethnic composition, predominantly Creole, with significant French, Indian, Chinese, and Arab communities. The official languages are Seychellois Creole, English, and French, while Roman Catholicism is the most practiced religion. The population is relatively young, with a median age of 39.2 years.

• 58.8%: Urban population (2023).
• 11.59 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025).
• 76.6 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
• 2.25 physicians/1,000: Physician density (2019).
• 100%: Access to improved sanitation facilities (2022).
• 2.6%: Share of income for the lowest 10% of the population (2018).
• 0.71 migrant(s)/1,000: Net migration rate (2025).

Economy

Seychelles has developed a high-income economy primarily driven by tourism, tuna fishing, and financial services. The country is experiencing rapid growth, although its vulnerability to environmental issues poses challenges. Recent discoveries of offshore oil potential could further influence economic dynamics.

• $3.549 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimate for 2024.
• 65.8%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2024).
• -6.4%: Industrial production growth rate (2024).
• 25.3%: Population living below the poverty line (2018).
• 1.5%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024).
• $29,200: Real GDP per capita (PPP) for 2024.
• $2.375 billion: Exports (2023).

Government

Seychelles operates as a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The government consists of a president who serves as both the head of state and government, alongside a National Assembly. The legal system is a mix of English common law, French civil law, and customary law.

• October 2025: Patrick Herminie assumes the presidency.
• 34: Total seats in the National Assembly.
• 18 June: Constitution Day, commemorating the adoption of the current constitution in 1993.
• 18 years: Universal suffrage age.
• 2.5%: Current president’s party elected from the recent election (2025).

Military and Security

The Seychelles People's Defense Forces (SPDF) is responsible for the country's defense, comprising the army, coast guard, and air force. With an active personnel strength of around 500, the military is focused on maritime security to combat illegal activities as well as providing police assistance.

• 1.5%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).
• 500: Approximately active military personnel (2025).
• 18-35 years: Voluntary military service age range.
• 1977: Year SPDF was formed.
• 1.6%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2023).

Energy

Seychelles enjoys a high electrification rate, with 100% of the population having access to electricity. The energy sector is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, supplemented by renewable sources like solar energy.

• 156,000 kW: Installed electricity generation capacity (2023).
• 581.227 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
• 86.4%: Percentage of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023).
• 98.847 million Btu/person: Total energy consumption per capita (2023).
• 500 metric tons: Coal imports (2023).

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Seychelles includes a network of ports, an extensive number of airports, and a small merchant marine. The capital, Victoria, serves as the key node for both air and sea transport.

• 16: Total airports (2025).
• 30: Merchant marine vessels (2023).
• 1: Main port in Victoria (2024).
• 6: Heliports (2025).
• 1: Oil terminal at the port (2024).

Communications

Seychelles has a well-established communication network, with high mobile and internet penetration rates. The country has a mix of state-run and private broadcasters providing various media services.

• 87%: Internet users as a percentage of the population (2023).
• 165,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
• 39,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
• 18,000: Fixed-line subscriptions (2023).
• 14: Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	98,187	2024 estimate
Area	455 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$3.549 billion	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	76.6 years	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	11.59 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Unemployment Rate	N/A	Data not provided
Energy Consumption	98.847 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Military Expenditure	1.5% of GDP	2024 estimate
Electrification	100%	2022 estimate
Urban Population	58.8%	2023 estimate