2017 Edition

CIA World Factbook 2017 Archive (HTML)

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Countries

268

Data Records

71,914

Seychelles

2017 Edition · 301 data fields

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Introduction

Background

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. In October 2016, James MICHEL resigned and handed over the presidency to his Vice-President Danny FAURE.

Geography

Area

455 sq km 455 sq km 0 sq km
land: 455 sq km
total: 455 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Climate

tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)

Coastline

491 km

Elevation

NA lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m
elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m
mean elevation: NA

Environment - current issues

water supply depends on catchments to collect rainwater

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands none of the selected agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geographic coordinates

4 35 S, 55 40 E

Geography - note

smallest African country; the constitution of the Republic of Seychelles lists 155 islands: 42 granitic and 113 coralline; by far the largest island is Mahe, which is home to about 90% of the population and the site of the capital city of Victoria
smallest African country; the constitution of the Republic of Seychelles lists 155 islands: 42 granitic and 113 coralline; by far the largest island is Mahe, which is home to about 90% of the population and the site of the capital city of Victoria

Irrigated land

3 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

6.5% arable land 2.2%; permanent crops 4.3%; permanent pasture 0% 88.5% 5% (2011 est.)
agricultural land: 6.5%
forest: 88.5%
other: 5% (2011 est.)

Location

archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar

Map references

Africa

Maritime claims

12 nm 24 nm 200 nm 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

Natural hazards

lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare; occasional short droughts

Natural resources

fish, coconuts (copra), cinnamon trees

Population - distribution

more than three-quarters of the population lives on the main island of Mahe; Praslin contains less than 10%; a smaller percent on La Digue and the outer islands

Terrain

Mahe Group is volcanic with a narrow coastal strip and rocky, hilly interior; others are coral, flat, elevated reefs

People and Society

Age structure

19.88% (male 9,578/female 9,089) 13.24% (male 6,536/female 5,898) 49.36% (male 24,585/female 21,775) 9.88% (male 4,758/female 4,522) 7.64% (male 2,868/female 4,311) (2017 est.)
0-14 years: 19.88% (male 9,578/female 9,089)
15-24 years: 13.24% (male 6,536/female 5,898)
25-54 years: 49.36% (male 24,585/female 21,775)
55-64 years: 9.88% (male 4,758/female 4,522)
65 years and over: 7.64% (male 2,868/female 4,311) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

13.7 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

3.6% (2012)

Death rate

7 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Demographic profile

Seychelles has no indigenous population and was first permanently settled by a small group of French planters, African slaves, and South Indians in 1770. Seychelles’ modern population is composed of the descendants of French and later British settlers, Africans, and Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern traders and is concentrated on three of its 155 islands – the vast majority on Mahe and lesser numbers on Praslin and La Digue. Seychelles’ population grew rapidly during the second half of the 20th century, largely due to natural increase, but the pace has slowed because of fertility decline. The total fertility rate dropped sharply from 4.0 children per woman in 1980 to 1.9 in 2015, mainly as a result of a family planning program, free education and health care, and increased female labor force participation. Life expectancy has increased steadily, but women on average live 9 years longer than men, a difference that is higher than that typical of developed countries. The combination of reduced fertility and increased longevity has resulted in an aging population, which will put pressure on the government’s provision of pensions and health care. Seychelles’ sustained investment in social welfare services, such as free primary health care and education up to the post-secondary level, have enabled the country to achieve a high human development index score – among the highest in Africa. Despite some of its health and education indicators being nearly on par with Western countries, Seychelles has a high level of income inequality. An increasing number of migrant workers – mainly young men – have been coming to Seychelles in recent years to work in the construction and tourism industries. As of 2011, foreign workers made up nearly a quarter of the workforce. Indians are the largest non-Seychellois population – representing half of the country’s foreigners – followed by Malagasy.

Dependency ratios

42.8 11.7 8.5 (2015 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 11.7
potential support ratio: 8.5 (2015 est.)
total dependency ratio: 42.8
youth dependency ratio: 31

Drinking water source

urban: 95.7% of population rural: 95.7% of population total: 95.7% of population urban: 4.3% of population rural: 4.3% of population total: 4.3% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 4.3% of population
total: 4.3% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 4.3% of population

Education expenditures

3.6% of GDP (2011)

Ethnic groups

mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab

Health expenditures

3.4% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

HIV/AIDS - deaths

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

Hospital bed density

3.6 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

10 deaths/1,000 live births 12.5 deaths/1,000 live births 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
female: 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
male: 12.5 deaths/1,000 live births
total: 10 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Seychellois Creole (official) 89.1%, English (official) 5.1%, French (official) 0.7%, other 3.8%, unspecified 1.4% (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

74.9 years 70.4 years 79.6 years (2017 est.)
female: 79.6 years (2017 est.)
male: 70.4 years
total population: 74.9 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 91.8% 91.4% 92.3% (2012 est.)
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
female: 92.3% (2012 est.)
male: 91.4%
total population: 91.8%

Major urban areas - population

VICTORIA (capital) 26,000 (2014)

Median age

35.4 years 34.9 years 36 years (2017 est.)
female: 36 years (2017 est.)
male: 34.9 years
total: 35.4 years

Nationality

Seychellois (singular and plural) Seychellois
adjective: Seychellois
noun: Seychellois (singular and plural)

Net migration rate

1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

14% (2016)

Physicians density

0.98 physicians/1,000 population (2012)

Population

93,920 (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

more than three-quarters of the population lives on the main island of Mahe; Praslin contains less than 10%; a smaller percent on La Digue and the outer islands

Population growth rate

0.77% (2017 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 10.5% (Anglican 6.1%, Pentecostal Assembly 1.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.2%, other Protestant 1.7), other Christian 2.4%, Hindu 2.4%, Muslim 1.6%, other non-Christian 1.1%, unspecified 4.8%, none 0.9% (2010 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 98.4% of population rural: 98.4% of population total: 98.4% of population urban: 1.6% of population rural: 1.6% of population total: 1.6% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 1.6% of population
total: 1.6% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 1.6% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

14 years 13 years 15 years (2015)
female: 15 years (2015)
male: 13 years
total: 14 years

Sex ratio

1.03 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.1 male(s)/female 1.12 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female 0.64 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female (2016 est.)
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.12 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.85 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

14% 12.1% 16.2% (2015 est.)
female: 16.2% (2015 est.)
male: 12.1%
total: 14%

Urbanization

54.5% of total population (2017) 1.02% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
rate of urbanization: 1.02% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
urban population: 54.5% of total population (2017)

Government

Administrative divisions

25 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau, Anse Etoile, Anse Royale, Au Cap, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne, Beau Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand Anse Mahe, Grand Anse Praslin, Inner Islands, La Riviere Anglaise, Les Mamalles, Mont Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe Larue, Port Glaud, Roche Caiman, Saint Louis, Takamaka

Capital

Victoria 4 37 S, 55 27 E UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates: 4 37 S, 55 27 E
name: Victoria
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

no at least one parent must be a citizen of the Seychelles no 5 years
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Seychelles
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years

Constitution

previous 1970, 1979; latest drafted May 1993, approved by referendum 18 June 1993, effective 23 June 1993 proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the National Assembly; passage of amendments affecting the country’s sovereignty, symbols and languages, the supremacy of the constitution, fundamental rights and freedoms, amendment procedures, and dissolution of the Assembly also requires approval by at least 60% of voters in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2017 (2017)
amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the National Assembly; passage of amendments affecting the country’s sovereignty, symbols and languages, the supremacy of the constitution, fundamental rights and freedoms, amendment procedures, and dissolution of the Assembly also requires approval by at least 60% of voters in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2017 (2017)
history: previous 1970, 1979; latest drafted May 1993, approved by referendum 18 June 1993, effective 23 June 1993

Country name

Republic of Seychelles Seychelles Republic of Seychelles Seychelles named by French Captain Corneille Nicholas MORPHEY after Jean Moreau de SECHELLES, the finance minister of France, in 1756
conventional long form: Republic of Seychelles
conventional short form: Seychelles
etymology: named by French Captain Corneille Nicholas MORPHEY after Jean Moreau de SECHELLES, the finance minister of France, in 1756
local long form: Republic of Seychelles
local short form: Seychelles

Diplomatic representation from the US

the US does not have an embassy in Seychelles; the US Ambassador to Mauritius is accredited to Seychelles

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Ronald Jean JUMEAU (since 8 September 2017) 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400C, New York, NY 10017 [1] (212) 972-1785 [1] (212) 972-1786 New York
chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400C, New York, NY 10017
chief of mission: Ambassador Ronald Jean JUMEAU (since 8 September 2017)
consulate(s) general: New York
FAX: [1] (212) 972-1786
telephone: [1] (212) 972-1785

Executive branch

President Danny FAURE (since 16 October 2016); Vice President Vincent MERITON (since 28 October 2016); note - James Alix MICHEL resigned the presidency effective 16 October 2016; the president is both chief of state and head of government President Danny FAURE (since 16 October 2016); Vice President Vincent MERITON (since 28 October 2016); note - James Alix MICHEL resigned the presidency effective 16 October 2016 Council of Ministers appointed by the president president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for 1 additional term); election last held on 3-5 December 2015 with runoff on 16-18 December 2015 (next to be held in December 2020) President James Alix MICHEL reelected president; percent of vote in second round - James Alix MICHEL (PL) 50.2%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN (SNP) 49.8%
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
chief of state: President Danny FAURE (since 16 October 2016); Vice President Vincent MERITON (since 28 October 2016); note - James Alix MICHEL resigned the presidency effective 16 October 2016; the president is both chief of state and head of government
election results: President James Alix MICHEL reelected president; percent of vote in second round - James Alix MICHEL (PL) 50.2%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN (SNP) 49.8%
elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for 1 additional term); election last held on 3-5 December 2015 with runoff on 16-18 December 2015 (next to be held in December 2020)
head of government: President Danny FAURE (since 16 October 2016); Vice President Vincent MERITON (since 28 October 2016); note - James Alix MICHEL resigned the presidency effective 16 October 2016

Flag description

five oblique bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, red, white, and green (bottom) radiating from the bottom of the hoist side; the oblique bands are meant to symbolize a dynamic new country moving into the future; blue represents sky and sea, yellow the sun giving light and life, red the peoples' determination to work for the future in unity and love, white social justice and harmony, green the land and natural environment

Government type

presidential republic

Independence

29 June 1976 (from the UK)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, C, CD, COMESA, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Judicial branch

Seychelles Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices); Supreme Court of Seychelles (consists of the chief justice and 9 puisne judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 3 Supreme Court judges) all judges appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the Constitutional Appointments Authority, a 3-member body, with 1 member appointed by the president of the republic, 1 by the opposition leader in the National Assembly, and 1 by the other 2 appointees; judges appointed until retirement at age 70 Magistrates' Courts of Seychelles; Family Tribunal for issues such as domestic violence, child custody, and maintenance; Employment Tribunal for labor-related disputes
highest court(s): Seychelles Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices); Supreme Court of Seychelles (consists of the chief justice and 9 puisne judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 3 Supreme Court judges)
judge selection and term of office: all judges appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the Constitutional Appointments Authority, a 3-member body, with 1 member appointed by the president of the republic, 1 by the opposition leader in the National Assembly, and 1 by the other 2 appointees; judges appointed until retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts of Seychelles; Family Tribunal for issues such as domestic violence, child custody, and maintenance; Employment Tribunal for labor-related disputes

Legal system

mixed legal system of English common law, French civil law, and customary law

Legislative branch

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (up to 35 seats - the Assembly elected in September 2016 has 33 members; 25 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and up to 10 members elected by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms) last held on 8-10 September 2016 (next to be held in 2021); note - the National Assembly was dissolved in July 2011 resulting in early elections percent of vote by party - LDS 49.6%, PL 49.2%, other 1.2%; seats by party - LDS 19, PL 14
description: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (up to 35 seats - the Assembly elected in September 2016 has 33 members; 25 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and up to 10 members elected by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms)
election results: percent of vote by party - LDS 49.6%, PL 49.2%, other 1.2%; seats by party - LDS 19, PL 14
elections: last held on 8-10 September 2016 (next to be held in 2021); note - the National Assembly was dissolved in July 2011 resulting in early elections

National anthem

"Koste Seselwa" (Seychellois Unite) David Francois Marc ANDRE and George Charles Robert PAYET adopted 1996
lyrics/music: David Francois Marc ANDRE and George Charles Robert PAYET
name: "Koste Seselwa" (Seychellois Unite)
note: adopted 1996

National holiday

Constitution Day, 18 June (1993); Independence Day (National Day), 29 June (1976)

National symbol(s)

coco de mer (sea coconut); national colors: blue, yellow, red, white, green
coco de mer (sea coconut); national colors: blue, yellow, red, white, green

Political parties and leaders

Lafors Demokratik Seselwa or LSD (Martin AGLAE) People's Party (Parti Lepep) or PL [James Alix MICHEL] (formerly SPPF) Seselwa (Seychelles) United Party or SUP [Robert ERNESTA] (formerly the New Democratic Party or NDP) Seychelles National Party or SNP [Wavel RAMKALAWAN] (formerly the United Opposition or UO) Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy or SPSD Seychelles Patriotic Movement or SPM [Regis FRANCOURT] Seychelloise Alliance (Lalyans Seselwa) [Patrick PILLAY] Seychellois Democratic Alliance (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa) or LDS [Roger MANCIENNE] (includes SNP, Seychelloise Alliance, SPSD, SUP)

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Economy

Agriculture - products

coconuts, cinnamon, vanilla, sweet potatoes, cassava (manioc, tapioca), copra, bananas; tuna

Budget

$540.6 million $525.6 million (2016 est.)
expenditures: $525.6 million (2016 est.)
revenues: $540.6 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

1.1% of GDP (2016 est.)

Central bank discount rate

11.17% (31 December 2010)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

12.36% (31 December 2016 est.) 12.36% (31 December 2015 est.)

Current account balance

$-263 million (2016 est.) $-256.2 million (2015 est.)

Debt - external

$2.651 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $2.754 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Economy - overview

Since independence in 1976, per capita output in this Indian Ocean archipelago has expanded to roughly seven times the pre-independence, near-subsistence level, moving the island into the upper-middle-income group of countries. Growth has been led by the tourist sector, which employs about 30% of the labor force and provides more than 70% of hard currency earnings, and by tuna fishing. In recent years, the government has encouraged foreign investment to upgrade hotels and other services. At the same time, the government has moved to reduce the dependence on tourism by promoting the development of farming, fishing, and small-scale manufacturing. In 2008, having depleted its foreign exchange reserves, Seychelles defaulted on interest payments due on a $230 million Eurobond, requested assistance from the IMF, and immediately enacted a number of significant structural reforms, including liberalization of the exchange rate, reform of the public sector to include layoffs, and the sale of some state assets. In December 2013, the IMF declared that Seychelles had successfully transitioned to a market-based economy with full employment and a fiscal surplus. Effective 1 January 2017, Seychelles will no longer be eligible for trade benefits under the US African Growth and Opportunities Act after having gained developed country status. Seychelles grew at 4.9% in 2016 because of a strong tourist sector and low commodity prices; its fiscal surplus reached 3% of GDP. The Seychellois Government met the IMF’s performance criteria for 2016 but recognizes a need to make additional progress to combat high poverty levels, estimated at 39% in 2013.

Exchange rates

Seychelles rupees (SCR) per US dollar - 13.319 (2016 est.) 13.319 (2015 est.) 13.314 (2014 est.) 12.747 (2013 est.) 13.7 (2012 est.)

Exports

$477.6 million (2016 est.) $449.4 million (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

canned tuna, frozen fish, petroleum products (reexports)

Exports - partners

UAE 28.8%, France 21%, UK 14.7%, Italy 9.2%, Spain 8.8% (2016)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

46.7% 26.9% 31.9% 1.7% 71.7% -78.9% (2016 est.)
exports of goods and services: 71.7%
government consumption: 26.9%
household consumption: 46.7%
imports of goods and services: -78.9% (2016 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 31.9%
investment in inventories: 1.7%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

2.6% 14% 83.4% (2016 est.)
agriculture: 2.6%
industry: 14%
services: 83.4% (2016 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$27,200 (2016 est.) $26,400 (2015 est.) $25,700 (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars
note: data are in 2016 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

4.5% (2016 est.) 5% (2015 est.) 4.5% (2014 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$1.429 billion (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$2.561 billion (2016 est.) $2.421 billion (2015 est.) $2.281 billion (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars
note: data are in 2016 dollars

Gross national saving

11.8% of GDP (2016 est.) 15.2% of GDP (2015 est.) 14.6% of GDP (2014 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

4.7% 15.4% (2007)
highest 10%: 15.4% (2007)
lowest 10%: 4.7%

Imports

$962.4 million (2016 est.) $922.4 million (2015 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals, other manufactured goods

Imports - partners

UAE 21.6%, France 9.9%, South Africa 8.4%, Mauritius 7.8%, Spain 7.2%, India 4.9%, China 4.8%, UK 4.7% (2016)

Industrial production growth rate

2.9% (2016 est.)

Industries

fishing, tourism, beverages

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

-1% (2016 est.) 4% (2015 est.)

Labor force

39,560 (2006 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

3% 23% 74% (2006)
agriculture: 3%
industry: 23%
services: 74% (2006)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$NA

Population below poverty line

39.3% (2013 est.)

Public debt

57.6% of GDP (2016 est.) 62.9% of GDP (2015 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$523.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) $536.2 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of broad money

$638.2 million (31 December 2016 est.) $565.7 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$565.9 million (31 December 2016 est.) $496.6 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$556.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) $493.8 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

38.5% of GDP (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

2.7% (2016 est.) 3.3% (2013 est.)

Broadcast media

the government operates the only terrestrial TV station, which provides local programming and airs broadcasts from international services; multi-channel cable and satellite TV are available through 2 providers; the government operates 1 AM and 1 FM radio station; there is 1 privately operated radio station; transmissions of 2 international broadcasters are accessible in Victoria (2016)

Internet country code

.sc

Internet users

52,664 56.5% (July 2016 est.)
percent of population: 56.5% (July 2016 est.)
total: 52,664

Telephone system

effective system combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is approximately 185 telephones per 100 persons; radiotelephone communications between islands in the archipelago country code - 248; direct radiotelephone communications with adjacent island countries and African coastal countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2016)
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is approximately 185 telephones per 100 persons; radiotelephone communications between islands in the archipelago
general assessment: effective system
international: country code - 248; direct radiotelephone communications with adjacent island countries and African coastal countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2016)

Telephones - fixed lines

20,836 22 (July 2016 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 22 (July 2016 est.)
total subscriptions: 20,836

Telephones - mobile cellular

151,857 163 (July 2016 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 163 (July 2016 est.)
total: 151,857

Transportation

Airports

14 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2017)
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 5
total: 7
under 914 m: 1 (2017)

Airports - with unpaved runways

5 (2013)
914 to 1,523 m: 2
total: 7
under 914 m: 5 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

S7 (2016)

Heliports

1 (2013)

Merchant marine

cargo 1, carrier 1, chemical tanker 6, petroleum tanker 1 3 (Hong Kong 1, Nigeria 1, South Africa 1) (2010)
by type: cargo 1, carrier 1, chemical tanker 6, petroleum tanker 1
foreign-owned: 3 (Hong Kong 1, Nigeria 1, South Africa 1) (2010)
total: 9

National air transport system

497,496 19,234,992 mt-km (2015)
annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 19,234,992 mt-km (2015)
annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 497,496
inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 3
number of registered air carriers: 1

Ports and terminals

Victoria
major seaport(s): Victoria

Roadways

526 km 514 km 12 km (2015)
paved: 514 km
total: 526 km
unpaved: 12 km (2015)

Military and Security

Military branches

Seychelles People's Defense Forces (SPDF): Army (includes infantry, Special Forces (Tazar)), Coast Guard (includes Naval Wing, Air Wing) (2015)
Seychelles People's Defense Forces (SPDF): Army (includes infantry, Special Forces (Tazar)), Coast Guard (includes Naval Wing, Air Wing) (2015)

Military expenditures

1.29% of GDP (2016) 1.21% of GDP (2015) 2.17% of GDP (2014) 0.98% of GDP (2013) 0.87% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for voluntary military service (younger with parental consent); no conscription (2012)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international

Mauritius and Seychelles claim the Chagos Islands (UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory)