- Population:
- 96,387
- Religion:
- Christianity
'The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off East Africa. It''s home to numerous beaches coral reefs and nature reserves as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises. Mahé a hub for visiting the other islands is home to capital Victoria. It also has the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and beaches including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka.'
A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814 when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came in 1976. Single-party rule was brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. President France-Albert RENE who had served since 1977 was reelected in 2001 but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James Alix MICHEL took over the presidency and in July 2006 was elected to a new five-year term; he was reelected in May 2011 and again in December 2015.
