Seychelles

Seychelles Republic consisting of more than 100 islands in the Indian Ocean, c.970km (600mi) n of Madagascar. Seychelles comprises two geologically distinct island groups: the volcanic, Granitic group are to the ne, and include the three main, inhabited islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Mahé is home to more than 80% of the republic's people; Seychelles' capital, Victoria, lies on its ne coast. To the sw lie the Outer group of coral islands. In 1502, Vasco da Gama explored the islands and named them the ‘Seven Sisters’. The French colonized the islands in 1756, establishing spice plantations worked by slaves from Mauritius. The British captured the archipelago (1794) during the Napoleonic Wars and, in 1814, it became a dependency of Mauritius. In 1903, the Seychelles became a separate Crown Colony. In 1976, they achieved full independence within the Commonwealth. In 1977, a coup established Albert René as president. In 1981, South African mercenaries attempted to overthrow the government. Continued civil unrest and another failed coup in 1987, led to the first multiparty elections in 1991. In 1998 elections, Albert René secured a fifth consecutive term. Creole is the widest spoken language. Tourism is the largest industry; exports include coconuts and tuna. Area: 453sq km (175sq mi). Pop. (2000) 75,000.

http://www.seychelles.net