History

Seychelles is one of the younger countries in Africa. French and other European explorers settled there around the 16th century. The tropical island had an abundance of natural resources, such as sugarcane and coconuts. As the demand for slavery increased, Europeans began sending more and more slaves to Seychelles from other parts of Africa.

Around 1814 the Treaty of Paris placed the country under British rule, and it grew in population from 3,500 to 7,000. In 1835 the British abolished slavery, and Seychelles became a popular destination for freed slaves. The country was also a hot spot for Britain’s exiled prisoners. More than a century later, Seychelles gained its independence from Britain, in 1976, and became a British commonwealth.

Today Seychelles has a population of slightly fewer than 90,000 people, and their diverse origins are reflective of its history. The mixture of inhabitants ranges from freed slaves to political exiles, traders from Asia and Southeast Asia, Europeans, and others. The different ethnicities represented in the country almost make its islands more colorful than its beautiful natural scenery.

The Top 3: Local Advice

1. The official languages are English, Creole, and French. Because this is a major tourist destination, communication and language will probably be of little concern.

2. Seychelles’s currency is the rupee. You can change money at airport and local banks easily and safely. American Express, Diners Club, and Visa are all used in Seychelles. Some places of business do not take credit cards, so plan your cash and credit card allowance accordingly.

3. Make sure that your hotel is an authorized tourism outlet. We recommend checking a travel agency for hotel reviews and contact information. 

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