Fri 30 Jul 2010, 8:03
About Seychelles
| About Seychelles |
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Seychelles is a comparatively young nation which can trace its first settlement back to 1770 when the islands were first settled by the French, leading a small party of whites, Indians and Africans. The islands remained under the French colony until the defeat of Napoleon at waterloo, evolving from humble beginnings to attain a population of 3,500 by the time Seychelles was ceded to Britain under the treaty of Paris in 1814. During this period Seychelles came to know the enlightened policies of administers such as Pierre Poivre, the brilliant politicking of Governor Queau de Quinssy and, the terrible repercussions of the French Revolution. Under the British, Seychelles achieved a population of some 7,000 by the year 1825. Important estates were established during this time producing coconut, food crops, cotton, and sugar cane. During this period Seychelles also saw the establishment of Victoria as her capital, the exile of numerous and colourful troublemakers from the Empire, the devastation caused by famous Avalanche of 1862 and the economic repercussions of the abolition of slavery. Seychelles achieved independence from Britain in 1976 and became a Republic within the commonwealth. Following a period of single party rule by the government of Mr. France Albert Rene, on December 4, 1991, President Rene announced a return to the multiparty system of government and 1993 saw the first multiparty presidential and legislative elections held under a new constitution in which President Rene was victorious. President Rene also won the 1998 and 2003 elections before transferring the Presidency to James Alix Michel in June 2004.
Geography The 115 granitic and coralline islands extend from between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator and lie between 480km and 1,600km from the east coast of Africa in the western Indian Ocean. It occupies a land area of 455 km2 with an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.4 million km2. It represents an archipelago of timeless beauty, tranquility and harmony that is famous for its world-beating beaches combines with its great diversity which rolls from lush forest down to the warm azure ocean. Seychelles is home to no less than two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the legendary Vallee de Mai on Praslin where the wondrously shapped Coco-de-mer nut grows high on ancient palms whilst the fabled Aldabra, the world's largest atoll, first seen by early Arab seafarers of the 9th century A.D. Seychelles is one of the world's very last frontiers and it promises adventure and breathtaking natural beauty in pristine surrounding still untouched by man. Climate Seychelles' enviable climate is always warm and without extremes. In this tropical haven the temperature seldom drops below 24°C or rises above 32°C. All but the remotest southern islands lie comfortably outside the cyclone belt making Seychelles' a year round destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers. During the north-west trade winds that visit between the months of October and March, the sea is generally calm and the weather warm and humid, with average winds of 8-12 knots. In January and February the islands receive their life-giving rains, rejuvenating the rivers and streams and teasing the vibrant foliage into rainbows of colour. The months between May and September bring drier, cooler weather, and livelier seas - particularly on the south-eastern coasts - and winds of 10-20 knots.
The Islands Seychelles' 115 islands fall under two distinct groups. The tall granite, Inner Islands cluster mainly within the relatively shallow Seychelles' plateau, 4° south of the equator and roughly 1800 km. distant from the east coast of Africa while the low-lying coralline cays, atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands lie mainly beyond the plateau up to 10° south of the equator. These Outer Islands are divided into five groups: the Amirantes group lying 230km distant from Mahe, the Southern Coral Group, Alphonse Group, Farquar Group and finally the Aldabra Group, some 1150km from Mahe. There are 43 Inner Islands in total - 41 granitic and 2 coralline Outer Islands. Inner Islands The Inner Islands which are mostly granitic, cluster mainly around the principal islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, forming the cultural and economic hub of Seychelles, as well as the centre of its tourism industry. Outer Islands The Outer Islands are those situated beyond the Seychelles plateau. They comprise of 72 low-lying sand cays and atolls lying anywhere between 230km and 1150km from Mahe. Less visited than their granitic cousins due to their relative remoteness, these pristine miniature worlds, some little more than sand spits or lonely rocky outcrops, offer untouched habitats for many species of wildlife. Only two islands among the Outer Island groups, namely Alphonse and Desroches, currently offer accommodation facilities. They boast luxuriously appointed lodges as well as unparalleled opportunities for sailing, fishing and diving in places where few have gone before. Languages There are three official languages in Seychelles: Creole (a lilting, French-based patois), English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German. Religion Roman Catholicism remains the dominant religion of Seychelles but there also Anglican and Protestant churches and the places of worship of other denominations. These live in harmony alongside, Muslim, Hindu and Bahai communities based on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Culture The cosmopolitan Seychellois are a colourul blend of peoples of different races, cultures and religions. At different times in its history, people of African, European and Asian origin have come o Seychelles, bringing with them their distinct traditions and customs and contributing to the way of life and to the vibrant Seychellois culture. One can see these influences at work throughout the domains of local art, cuisine, music, dance and architecture. The architectural design of some of the grand old houses with their steep roofs are representative of a style adapted for comfortable living in the tropics that displays influences from Seychelles' French and British colonial heritage. Modern architecture attempts to assimilate traditional styles with practical features designed to capture the island breezes. Local artist continue to exhibit diverse styles that echo the multi-ethnic backdrop of the islands and bear testament to the various influences which have to bear. Creole music and dance have their roots in African, Malagasy and European cultures with rhythms traditionally accompanied by simple drums and string instruments which, today, include such recent imports as the violin and guitar. The traditional moutya is an erotic dance derived from the days of slavery and still features today, together with the sega with its colourful lyrics; the kamtole, reminiscent of a country reel, and the kontredanse, an import from the French court.
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