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Seychelles

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Seychelles

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After an ominous, post-independence start which saw them lurch from a coup, through an invasion by mercenaries to an abortive army mutiny and several coup attempts, the Seychelles have attained stability and prosperity.

Citizens of the Indian Ocean archipelago enjoy a high per capita income, good health care and education.

But just a year after independence in 1976, the Seychelles appeared to be heading down the path of instability which has plagued many African states.

The prime minister, France Albert Rene, overthrew the president, James Mancham, and embarked on a programme aimed at giving poorer people a greater share of the country's wealth.

His coup, though bloodless, resulted in about 10,000 islanders fleeing the country. Four years later, with the help of Tanzanian troops, Mr Rene thwarted an attempt by South African mercenaries to restore Mr Mancham.

An army mutiny in 1982, followed by several attempted coups, suffered a similar fate.
But in 1991, possibly in response to pressure from foreign creditors and aid donors, Mr Rene restored multi-party democracy.

The country's economy depends heavily on a fishing industry and upmarket tourism; the latter is vulnerable to downturns in the global travel market. Fine beaches and turquoise seas are among the main attractions.

The archipelago is home to an array of wildlife, including giant tortoises and sea turtles. Much of the land is given over to nature reserves.

-BBC News

Seychelles ( in: Africa ) Details and Statistics

Seychelles

Local Time:

Weather:

weather

National News:

National News

Climate:

Tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)

Population:

76,000 (UN, 2003)

Capitol:

Victoria

Area:

455 sq km (176 sq miles)

Major Language:

English, French, Creole

Major religion:

Christianity

Life Expectancy:

n/a

Monetary Unit:

1 Seychelles rupee = 100 cents

Main Exports:

Fish, cinnamon bark, copra, petroleum products (re-exports)

GNI per capita:

US $8,290 (World Bank, 2006)

Internet Domain:

.sc

Int. dialing Zone:

+248

click title to collapse or expand

Poverty

The Seychelles has the highest per capita income in Africa, and social conditions are comparable to upper and middle-income countries. However, the distribution of income is highly unequal, and despite the small population almost 20% live below the poverty line. And almost 7% of the population lives in absolute poverty. The majority of the poor are single mothers with low education.

The country has not been able to recover from an economic slowdown in the 1990s. If no changes in policy are made it is projected that the economy will slowly decline.

Human Rights

Though Seychelles ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in 1990s, there is still a high incidence rate of violence against women. Domestic violence, including wife beating, is generally not cause for police intervention. Police also do not vigorously investigate charges of child abuse either. Sexual abuse of children in low-income families is usually perpetrated by stepfathers and older brothers, and is a common occurrence.

Political and police corruption is a problem, especially in the areas of prolonged detentions and fair trials.

The government holds a virtual monopoly on the media. The one daily newspaper is published by the government in three languages and the president has the authority to censor. Also, television and radio services are controlled by the government, and internet usage and access is very limited.

Aids/Disease

The government is committed to providing basic health care to its citizens. Child malnutrition rates are around 6% and infant mortality rates are low.

Currently, the UN and UNAIDS does not publish fact sheets on HIV/AIDS for the Seychelles. Some sources estimate less than 0.5% of the population to be infected with HIV/AIDS. The main objective of the government is to spread knowledge of HIV/AIDS and to promote anti-discriminatory campaigns for those infected. A majority of those living with HIV/AIDS are men, though between the ages of 15-29 there are more women than men infected.

Since the beginning of 2006 almost 5,000 cases of the virus chikungunya have been reported. This virus, spread by mosquitoes, is not fatal. However there is no cure or vaccine and the symptoms are painful.

Environment

It is very difficult to monitor and regulate the environment when the Seychelles is spread over 15 islands. The island nation must import all fresh water since it has no natural fresh water resources. Industrial and sewage waste is polluting the oceans, and oil leaks pose an occasional problem.

Literacy/Education

Over 85% of adults in the Seychelles are literate. Public education is free and compulsory between the ages of 6 and 16. Five years of secondary education follow, though enrollment rates decrease after primary school.

Seychelles’s expenditure on secondary education is major reason for the country’s lack of qualified workers for health, finance, and education fields. A relatively small amount is spent on secondary education but primary education enrollment and resources are high.

Charitable Organizations

Information Currently Unavailable

Volunteer Opportunities

Information Currently Unavailable