According to geological history, the Seychelles archipelago formed when the ancient supercontinent Gondwana broke apart around 250 million years ago. As Africa and India drifted apart, granite mountain peaks remained above sea level, forming the Inner Islands. Over time, surrounding coral islands developed, giving Seychelles its full complement of 115 islands today.

Economy of Seychelles is High Income, Tourism Driven, and Service Focused, with Tourism contributing around 72% of GDP and over 70% of foreign exchange earnings. Visitor numbers have rebounded strongly post-pandemic, now reaching approximately 500,000 arrivals annually. Seychelles ranks among Africa’s highest income countries, with a per capita income of over USD 16,000. Due to its high-income status and reliance on imports, the cost of living is significantly high, making accommodation relatively expensive and limiting access for low- and middle-income travellers. Key sectors include Tourism & Services, Fisheries, Industry, and Agriculture.

Seychelles protects over 32% of its marine waters, making it a global pioneer in large-scale ocean conservation and sustainable marine management. It is recognized worldwide for marine parks, blue economy initiatives, and ecosystem protection.

Seychelles is a stable Presidential republic noted for strong governance and progressive environmental policy with an Executive led by the President (Head of State & Government), a Legislature with a Unicameral National Assembly (single chamber parliament), and an Independent Judiciary. The current President is Dr. Patrick Herminie (in office since 26 October 2025).

Major Tourist Attractions are: 1. Anse Source d’Argent (La Digue) – often called one of the world’s most photographed beaches, famous for its pink-hued sands and iconic granite rock formations; 2. Mahé – home to Victoria, one of the smallest capitals in the world. Key attractions include Botanical Gardens, lively local markets, Beau Vallon Beach, Morne Seychellois National Park; 3. Praslin – features the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, home of the legendary coco de mer palm and believed by some to be the biblical “Garden of Eden”.

Seychelles is “open for business” with strong investor confidence and an enabling environment for global partnerships.

Promising Sectors are Eco-tourism & sustainable hospitality, Green technology & renewable energy, Fisheries & aquaculture, Financial services & FinTech, Education, training & skilling, Sustainable real estate & infrastructure, ICT & digital services.

Entrepreneurs emphasize Seychelles’ stable democracy, strategic Indian Ocean location, and innovation-friendly policies as major advantages.

Official Languages are English and French, whereas the National Language is Seychellois Creole (Kreol Seselwa).

The Indian diaspora has played a vital role in shaping Seychelles’ cultural, economic, and social identity for centuries. Indian population is about 10,000 Indo-Seychellois (≈7% of the national population of 134,000), with first arrivals dating back to 1770, followed by indentured labourers during the colonial period. The majority are Hindus (60%), alongside Jains, Muslims, and Christians. Over 82% of Seychellois have some Indian heritage, reflecting long-term intermarriage and cultural blending. Indian influence is visible in business, cuisine, festivals, language, and commerce.

Seychelles maintains one of the strongest airline networks in the Indian Ocean, connecting Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Major international carriers include Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, IndiGo, Ethiopian, and Kenya Airways, all operating through Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé.

Seychelles stands at the crossroads of natural splendor, economic resilience, cultural diversity, and visionary environmental leadership. Its thriving tourism sector, stable political climate, strong connections with the Indian diaspora, and expanding global air links make the archipelago a model island nation and a premier destination for tourists, investors, and global travelers alike.