The Republic
of Seychelles comprises 115 islands occupying a land area of 455
km² and an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.4 million km² in the
western Indian Ocean. It represents an archipelago of legendary
beauty that extends from between 4 and 10 degrees south of the
equator and which lies between 480km and 1,600km from the east
coast of Africa.
Of these 115 islands, 41 constitute the
oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74
form the low-lying coral atolls and reef islands of the Outer
Islands. The granitic islands of the Seychelles archipelago
cluster around the main island of Mahé, home to the international
airport and the capital, Victoria, and its satellites Praslin and
La Digue. Together, these Inner Islands form the cultural and
economic hub of the nation and contain the majority of Seychelles’
tourism facilities as well as its most stunning beaches.
Seychelles’ 115 granite and coral 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.
This Indian Ocean republic occupies a land area of 455 km² and
an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.4 million km². It represents an
archipelago of timeless beauty, tranquillity and harmony that is
famous for its world-beating beaches and for its great diversity
which rolls from lush forests down to the warm azure ocean.
Of
these 115 islands, 41 Inner Islands constitute the oldest
mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the 5
groups of low-lying coral atolls and reef islets that are the
Outer Islands.
Seychelles is home to no less than two UNESCO
World Heritage Sites: the legendary Vallée de Mai on Praslin where
the wondrously shaped Coco-de-mer nut grows high on ancient palms
and fabled Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, first
seen by early Arab seafarers of the 9th century A.D.
Seychelles, one of the world’s very last frontiers, promises
adventure and breathtaking natural beauty in pristine surrounds
still untouched by man.