About Seychelles
GeographyHistoryPeople & CultureClimateFlora & Fauna
As the Seychelles archipelago had no indigenous population, the current Seychellois are the descendents of the French, African, Indian, Chinese and Arab people who emigrated here. Almost 90% of Seychellois live on Mahé, while most of the remaining 10% inhabit Praslin and La Dingue islands. Other islands are either uninhabited or sparsely populated.
Creole, French and English are the official languages. While Creole is often spoken among the locals, English is being used in the Administration. The dominant religion of Seychelles is Roman Catholicism. Other religious communities are Anglican, Protestants, Hindu, Muslim and Bahaï.
The Seychellois are a warm and friendly nation. Through the years the archipelago has attracted many people from all over the world. For over 200 years people of different races, relegions and cultures had interracted together, giving birth to a vibrant society for which harmony is a way of life. Even if the the contemporary face of the archipelago is surprisingly modern, many aspects of traditional Creole culture survived.
The architecture displays influences of its French and English colonial past. The modern architecture combines these with practical features such as steep roofs and wide verandas.
The richness of the islands’ natural beauty inspired numerous artists to create extraordinary pieces of art. There are several well known painters residing here: Michael Adams, Leon Radegonde, Gerard Devoud, Marc Duc.
Music and dance are an important part in the Seychellois' everyday life. There are three types of music with a dance, commonly associated with Seychelles:
- Sega, a lively dance with elegant hip-swaying,
- Moutya, a style originating in the days of slavery,
- and the Contredance, a dance with intricate movements, which has its roots in the French court.