Capital: Victoria

Time: GMT + 4 hours   

Population: 80,098

Area: 455km²

Currency: Seychelles rupee (SCR)

Climate:  The Seychelles has a tropical climate, which means it is mostly hot and humid.  The temperatures vary little and pretty much fluctuate between 27°C and 29°C all year round.  During summer (approximately between October and May) it becomes about two degrees warmer, and the reverse is true in winter.  Most of the rainfall in the Seychelles occurs in December to January.
 
People: Most of the population are of mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese and Arab descent.

Official language:  English and French

Geography: The islands consist of about 115 islands.  The three central islands Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are of granite while most of the other smaller islands are coral.

Economy: The economy of the Seychelles is largely dependent on tourism, which provides over 70% of hard currency.  Tourism is strictly controlled and managed to preserve the unique ecology of the islands.  Other major industries include tuna fishing and the imports and exports of petroleum.  The economy experienced a slow-down following the Gulf War and September 11 attacks, when tourism dropped substantially, but the industry has now recovered and the economy is showing some signs of positive growth.  The government has introduced plans to develop alternative industries to reduce the economy’s dependence on tourism. 

When to go:  As temperatures remain high throughout the year and there is no hurricane/tropical storm season, you can pretty much elect when you want to go to the Seychelles.  Most people tend to visit the Seychelles in December, January, July and August when the majority of the accommodation is fully booked and prices tend to be expensive.  For diving enthusiasts, March  to May and September to November are considered best.   

What to pack: Bring comfortable, light-weight clothes that are easy to pack

• Shorts, T-shirts, sun dresses
• Swimming costumes
• Good comfortable walking shoes
• Sweater for cool evenings
• Wide brimmed hat
• Lots of sun tan lotion, sunblock and lip cream – most foreigners tend to underestimate the sun and end up with uncomfortable sunburn
• Insect repellent creams
• Binoculars, camera (different kinds of film are widely available )
• Sunglasses