Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa, south of the equator. Some facts about Seychelles the country has a land area of 118 square miles (about 455 square kilometers). The country is well known for its beaches, coral reefs, diving, nature reserves and rare wildlife such as giant Aldabra tortoises. Technically, Seychelles is the smallest continent in the world.
The population is growing smaller as a result of out-migration. Seychelles has a good number of native species, especially of birds and plants.
Capital: Victoria
Currency: Seychellois rupee
Population: 89,173 (2013) World Bank
President: James Michel
Government: Presidential Republic
Population: Nearly 80,000 (2016 estimate)
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Random Facts About Seychelles
Here are 10 other random facts about Seychelles that you will love to read.
1. EUROPEAN, THEN AFRICAN
Today, the people of Seychelles consider themselves to be of African descent. However, the island of Seychelles was not settled when the Europeans arrived and occupied it. So, at least technically speaking, the natives of the country are the whites.
2. PAYMENT WITH BOOZE
In the plantations, wages are most times paid with booze. As a result of this, alcoholism is very rampant on the Seychelles Island. The working class usually drinks alone. And the most popular booze on the island is palm wine.
3. MEAT GRACES OCCASIONS
In most countries, foods for ceremonial occasions are special and more abundant. Not so on the Seychelles Island. On this island, there are no special foods for any occasions. One thing, though, is special on such occasions. That is meat!
4. SKIN COLOR AND CLASS
In Seychelles, the degree to which color and class determine social order is not well-defined. In fact, it is currently a keenly contested issue. However, Seychellois use the skin color terms to identify the person they are talking about.
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5. SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Like every country and society in the world, Seychelles has its own social problems. These include:
- Domestic violence
- Sexual abuse of children
- Alcoholism
The government and the NGOs in Seychelles are working hard to bring these under control.
6. GENDER AND WORK
Both males and females work in all jobs in Seychelles. There is no gender discrimination in that area at all. However, it is not easy to find women in the fishing business. Only males engage in that. But in administration, it is just about 40/60 in favor of men.
7. STATUS OF WOMEN
Generally speaking, the relative status of women and men is a win-some-lose-some kind of ping-pong. For example, within the family, women control the economic resources and often pursue economic careers. However, women are usually the victims when it comes to domestic violence.
8. MAN-WOMAN RELATIONSHIP
Consensual relationships are very common. Polygamy is not practiced on the island, but most unions are unstable. And divorces and breakups are common. 50%-60% of child births on the island are to a single mother. And in most cases, the children are not acknowledged by the fathers.
9. PRE-NUPTIAL MARRIAGE AGREEMENTS
Where there is a formal marriage, it is out of a well-arranged plan. There is usually a strong contractual arrangement to such marriages. And the contractual agreements usually have clear division of responsibilities between men and women.
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10. WOMEN SPEND ALL MONIES
Most marriages occur within the same social and color strata. In most of such working class marriages, the man gives his salary to the woman to be used for the home: food, clothes, and the children. The woman uses her own income for furniture and other durables in the house. But she keeps them if the union dissolves.
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