After an ominous, post-independence start which saw them lurch from a coup, through an invasion by mercenaries to an abortive army mutiny and several coup attempts, the Seychelles have stabilised and attained prosperity.
Citizens of the Indian Ocean archipelago enjoy a high per capita income, good health care and education.
But just a year after independence in 1976, the Seychelles appeared to be heading down the path of instability which has plagued many African states.
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OVERVIEW |
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The prime minister, France Albert Rene, overthrew the president, James Mancham, and embarked on a programme aimed at giving poorer people a greater share of the country's wealth.
His coup, though bloodless, resulted in about 10,000 islanders fleeing the country. Four years later, with the help of Tanzanian troops, Mr Rene thwarted an attempt by South African mercenaries to restore Mancham.
An army mutiny in 1982, followed by several attempted coups, suffered a similar fate.
But in 1991, possibly in response to pressure from foreign creditors and aid donors, Mr Rene restored multi-party democracy.
The country's economy is heavily dependent on tourism, and vulnerable to falls in visitor numbers. Fine beaches and turquoise seas are among the main draws for visitors. The archipelago is home to giant tortoises and sea turtles.
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FACTS |
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- Population: 76,000 (UN, 2003)
- Capital: Victoria
- Area: 455 sq km (176 sq miles)
- Major languages: English, French, Creole
- Major religion: Christianity
- Life expectancy: n/a Monetary unit: 1 Seychelles rupee = 100 cents
- Main exports: Fish, cinnamon bark, copra, petroleum products (re-exports)
- GNI per capita: US $7,490 (World Bank, 2005)
- Internet domain: .sc
- International dialling code: +248
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LEADERS |
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President: James Michel
James Michel succeeded France Albert Rene, who led the country for almost three decades before stepping down in April 2004.
President James Michel succeeded veteran leader Albert Rene |
A former vice president, Mr Michel had served alongside Mr Rene since 1977, when a bloodless coup brought the long-term leader to power.
Mr Michel pledged to introduce a more open dialogue, particularly over economic matters, and to involve the private sector in the national economy.
Mr Michel is a member of the ruling Seychelles People's Progressive Front. Albert Rene remains head of the party.
Foreign minister: Jeremie Bonnelame
Finance minister: James Michel
Interior minister: France Albert Rene
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MEDIA |
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The government controls much of the islands' media, and operates the only radio and TV stations and the sole daily newspaper.
Freedom of speech has improved since one-party rule was abolished in 1993, and private or pro-opposition publications have been robust in their reporting despite tough libel laws.
However, the opposition weekly Regar has regularly been sued for libel by the government. Steep licensing fees have discouraged the development of privately-owned broadcast media.
The BBC World Service and Radio France Internationale are available via FM relays.
The press:
Seychelles Nation - government daily
Regar - opposition weekly
Television:
SBC TV - state-run, operated by Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC)
Radio:
SBC - operates national mediumwave (AM) service and music station Paradise FM
News agency
Seychelles Agence Press 
