A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came in 1976. Socialist rule was brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. President France-Albert RENE, who had served since 1977, was re-elected in 2001, but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James MICHEL took over the presidency and in July 2006 was elected to a new five-year term.
Population
88,340 (July 2010 est.)
Country comparison to the world:196
Nationality
Noun:Seychellois (singular and plural)
Adjective:Seychellois
Ethnic groups
mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab
Religions
Roman Catholic 82.3%, Anglican 6.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.1%, other Christian 3.4%, Hindu 2.1%, Muslim 1.1%, other non-Christian 1.5%, unspecified 1.5%, none 0.6% (2002 census)
Languages
Creole 91.8%, English 4.9% (official), other 3.1%, unspecified 0.2% (2002 census)
Country Name
Conventional long form:Republic of Seychelles
Conventional short form:Seychelles
Local long form:Republic of Seychelles
Local short form:Seychelles
Government Type
republic
Capital
Name:Victoria
Geographic coordinates:4 38 S, 55 27 E
Time difference:UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions
23 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau, Anse Etoile, Anse Louis, Anse Royale, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne, Beau Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand' Anse (on Mahe), Grand' Anse (on Praslin), La Digue, La Riviere Anglaise, Mont Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe La Rue, Port Glaud, Saint Louis, Takamaka
Independence
29 June 1976 (from the UK)
National Holiday
Constitution Day (National Day), 18 June (1993)
Constitution
18 June 1993
Legal system
based on English common law, French civil law, and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage
17 years of age; universal
Executive branch
Chief of state:President James Alix MICHEL (since 14 April 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
Head of government:President James MICHEL (since 14 April 2004)
Cabinet:Council of Ministers appointed by the president
(For more information visit the World Leaders website)
Elections:president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for two more terms); election last held on 28-30 July 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
Election results:President James MICHEL elected president; percent of vote - James MICHEL 53.7%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN 45.7%, Philippe BOULLE 0.6%; note - this was the first election in which President James MICHEL participated; he was originally sworn in as president after former president France Albert RENE stepped down in April 2004
Legislative branch
unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (34 seats; 25 members elected by popular vote, 9 allocated on a proportional basis to parties winning at least 10% of the vote; members to serve five-year terms)
Elections: last held on 10-12 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
Election results:percent of vote by party - SPPF 56.2%, SNP 43.8%; seats by party - SPPF 23, SNP 11
Judicial branch
Court of Appeal; Supreme Court; judges for both courts are appointed by the president
Political Parties and Leaders
Democratic Party or DP [James MANCHAM, Paul CHOW]; People's Party (Parti Lepep) or PL [France Albert RENE, James MICHEL] (the governing party); Seychelles National Party or SNP [Wavel RAMKALAWAN] (formerly the United Opposition or UO)
Political pressure groups and leaders
Roman Catholic Church
other: trade unions
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission:Ambassador Jean Ronald JUMEAU
Chancery:800 Second Avenue, Suite 400C, New York, NY 10017
Telephone:1] (212) 972-1785
FAX: [1] (212) 972-1786
Diplomatic representation from the US
the US does not have an embassy in Seychelles; the ambassador to Mauritius is accredited to Seychelles
Flag description
five oblique bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, red, white, and green (bottom) radiating from the bottom of the hoist side; the oblique bands are meant to symbolize a dynamic new country moving into the future; blue represents sky and sea, yellow the sun giving light and life, red the peoples' determination to work for the future in unity and love, white social justice and harmony, green the land and natural environment
