Brief History of Seychelles

A Young & Dynamic Island Nation in the Indian Ocean - Early History of the Seychelles

Seychelles is a young nation which can trace its first settlement back to 1770. Settled by the French, the islands remained under their rule until the defeat of  Napoleon at Waterloo. Later in  the 19th century, the Seychelles were ruled by Great Britain according to the treaty of Paris 1814. Enjoy a brief history of Seychelles islands (six major milestones) of its dynamic past.

Under the British rule in the year 1825 Seychelles population was 7,000. During this period Seychelles established its capital “Victoria”.

Seychelles became independent from Britain in 1976 as a republic within the commonwealth. Coat of Arms adopted on 27 May 1976.

The Seychelles flag 1977 – 1996 with red (progress &  revolution), green (earth &  agriculture), white (beaches and resources from the Indian Ocean).

Last Few Decades of History of the Republic of Seychelles - Brief History of Seychelles

In 1996 a new flag was introduced to support the first multiparty legislation held under a new constitution in which continued rule under President Albert René.

The 2016 Parliamentary elections in Seychelles,  resulted in victory for the opposition “Linyon Demokratik” and won 19 of the 33 seats.

Seychelles opposition candidate Wavel Ramkalawan (LDS) won the 2020 Seychellois general election with 54.9 % and became President in oct. 2020.

The Seychelles Republic in the 21 century

Today, the Republic of Seychelles has become a very well established country and ranks as the second richest of Africa (reported per capita GDP). Tourism is one of the biggest contributors to the country’s GDP. As a well known tourist destination, the sector employs about 30% of the labour force and provides more than 70% of hard currency earnings. Seychelles is the first country to swap its IMF debt for a climate commitment to environmental goals. 

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