The Republic of Seychelles is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. The islands of this state cover a total area of 455 square kilometres. Seychelles has a total population of 87,500.
Of these, the majority—around 90 percent—live on the main island of Mahé.
The people of Seychelles come from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. The population is made up of people of African, British, French, Indian, Chinese and Arab descent. As a result, the islands of Seychelles have three official languages: French, Creole and English. Over 80 percent of the islanders are Christian. There are also small communities of Hindus, Anglicans, Bahá’ís, Adventists and Muslims.
Highlights of Seychelles
Victoria is not only the capital of Seychelles but also the country’s main tourist attraction. The city is home to several sights, including the National Museum of Seychelles, a botanical garden and the State House of Victoria. Mahé, the main island, boasts numerous sandy beaches that invite visitors to swim in the Indian Ocean. The beaches of the other islands are also popular with tourists. To reach the other islands, visitors can choose from various ferry and flight connections. Once there, it’s often best to explore the islands on foot. Bicycles are also frequently available for rent, allowing visitors to tour the beaches or the islands’ vanilla plantations.
Location and Climate of Seychelles
Around 72,000 people live in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. As an island nation, Seychelles comprises 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, northeast of the Republic of Madagascar. The islands are divided into granitic and coral islands.
Seychelles has a predominantly tropical monsoon climate. From December to March, the rainy season shapes the weather on the islands. During this period, it is hot and there is a risk of heavy tropical storms. After the rainy season, temperatures cool slightly. From May to October, the climate is influenced by the cool trade winds. The average annual temperature on the islands is around 26 °C, though it is noticeably cooler in the higher elevations.
Arrival and Entry
The international airport is located on the main island of Mahé, about ten kilometres from the city centre of the capital Victoria. The airport can be reached directly from Germany. A flight from Frankfurt takes around nine hours. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi to their hotel; these are available around the clock. Alternatively, buses can be used for onward travel during the day. It is also possible to reach the islands of Mahé, La Digue or Praslin by cruise ship.
To enter any of the islands of Seychelles, German tourists need a passport, hotel confirmation, a return ticket and sufficient financial means in the form of cash, credit cards or traveller’s cheques. No visa is required; instead, tourists receive a three-month entry permit on arrival, which can be extended to up to one year.
