Seychelles is another archipelago country that comprises 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. These islands house some of the world’s best beaches, coral reefs, and fantastic nature reserves that fascinate every visitor.
Home to some 97,625 people (as of 2019), Seychelles is a popular destination for travelers seeking an intimate experience with the islands’ natural beauty and those who want a quick getaway from the rest of the world.
You will have an amazing time unwinding in the tropical jungles that are lapped by clear waters.
The country houses the world’s only granite island that is located in mid-ocean. It also houses the largest coral atoll and hosts numerous other attractions in its tropical paradise.
Victoria is the capital and the largest city of Seychelles that is located on the island of Mahe.
The country houses three-fourths of Roman Catholics, followed by Anglicans, Hindus, Muslims, and other religions. Most of these people live on Mahe Island.
Geography
Kenya is located 1,000 miles east of the major islands of Seychelles whereas, Madagascar lies about 700 miles northeast.
Being one of the smallest countries in the world, Seychelles has two major island groups. The first is the Mahe group that constitutes 40 central, mountainous islands, and the second is the group of 70 outer, flat, coralline islands.
The Mahe islands have a narrow coastal strip with lush tropical vegetation and silver-white beaches. The country’s highest elevation point is situated at this island in Morne Seychellois (2,969 feet).
The coralline islands only rise a few feet above sea level and are flat with elevated coral reefs.
Climate
Seychelles has a tropical oceanic climate with slight variation in the temperature throughout the year.
The highest daily temperature is 30 degrees celsius in the afternoon, which falls to low 20 degrees celsius by night.
Precipitation varies from island to island. Mahe Island gets an average of 2,300 mm at sea level and 3,560 mm on the mountains. It has high humidity.
Nature and Wildlife
The country has 200 plant species, of which 80 are unique to the islands. Some of the interesting plant species in Seychelles are the screw pines, jellyfish trees, Bois Rouge, latanier palms, Wright’s gardenia, and the coco de mer.
Coco de mer, which produces the largest and the heaviest fruit is only found on two islands in the world; one being in Seychelles ofcourse. This fruit is used for medicinal uses too.
The wildlife of the country is also equally diverse. It houses a great deal of marine life and has over 900 fish species. In addition, you will get to see sea turtles and giant tortoises on the islands.
Birdlife is also relatively abundant. Seychelles bulbuls and swiftlets are abundant in the area. You will also see sheath-tailed bats, barn owls, tenrecs, fruit bats, and Indian mynahs on the islands of Seychelles.
You can visit the Valle de Mai National Park or the Aldabra Islands to check out the preserved animals of the country.
Bird Island is also a splendid site to check out terns, turtle doves, frigate birds, and other sea birds that migrate from other lands annually.
