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Full country name: Republic of Seychelles
Area: 455 sq km (177 sq mi)
Population: 79,330
Capital city: Victoria (pop 27,000)
People: Seychellois (of African, Indian and European background)
Languages: English, French, Seselwa
Religion: Catholic (90%), Anglican (8%)
Government: Democratic republic
President: France-Albert René

GDP: US$550 billion
GDP per head: US$7000
Annual growth: 4.3%
Inflation: 0.6%
Major industries: Fishing, tourism, coconut & vanilla processing, coir, boat building
Major trading partners: China, Singapore, France, South Africa, UK, Germany

Events

With its short history, the Seychelles isn't exactly overloaded with traditional festivals. Most public holidays are Roman Catholic events, including Easter, Corpus Christi, on 10 June, the Assumption, on 15 August, and the Immaculate Conception, on 8 December. The one major non-religious festival is Festival Kreol, which was set up to preserve and promote Créole culture. Held every year around the end of October, this week-long festival is an explosion of Créole cuisine, fashion, art, music and dance. Créole artists from all over the world descend on the Seychelles for this festival of street theatre.

Traveling Guidelines

Visas: Visas are not required for most visitors to Seychelles, but you'll need an onward ticket, booked accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay; a US$100 'environmental charge' is levied on all visitors.
Health risks: None
Time: GMT/UTC plus four hours
Electricity: 240V, 50 Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

Ideal time to visit

You should plan your trip to the Seychelles around what you want to do. Windsurfing and sailing are best at the start and end of the trade winds, usually around May and October. Some beaches are better during the monosoon season, others during the trade winds. Diving is best in March, April, May, September, October and November. Room rates are highest and everything is busiest in December, January, July and August.