A lengthy struggle between France and the UK for the Seychelles islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the UK. The country gained independence June 1976 and, following a period of instability, has achieved stability and prosperity, enjoying a high per capita income, good healthcare and education. The country's official languages are English and French, and Creole is also widely spoken.

Leader: President James Michel
Capital city: Victoria

Economic profile

Monetary unit: Seychelles rupee
GDP per capita: $9 580 (2008) (World Bank)
GDP composition by sector:
Agriculture: 2.3% (2008) (World Bank)
Industry: 22.4% (2008) (World Bank)
Services: 75.3% (2008) (World Bank)
GDP growth rate: 3.1% (2008) (IMF)
Budget:
Government revenue, excluding grants: 49,3% of GDP (2007) (IMF)
Government expenditure: 56,9% of GDP (2007) (IMF)
Consumer price inflation: 37% (2008) (World Bank)
Industries: Fishing, tourism, processing of coconuts and vanilla, coir (coconut fiber) rope, boat building, printing, furniture; and beverages
Exports of goods and services: 130,9% of GDP (2008) (World Bank)
Imports of goods and services: 152,5% of GDP (2008) (World Bank)
Export commodities: Canned tuna, frozen fish, cinnamon bark, copra, and petroleum products (reexports)
Import commodities: Machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, and chemicals
Trade balance: -63,1% of GDP (2007) (IMF)
Reserves: $64-mil (2008) (World Bank)
Total investment: 61,5% of GDP (2007) (IMF)
Market capitalisation of listed companies: Figures not available

Social profile

Population: 87 476 (2009) (CIA)
Population growth: 0,9% (2008) (World Bank)
Life expectancy at birth: 73 years (2009) (CIA)
Adult literacy: 99,1% (2002) (UNStats)
School enrolment primary: 125,3% (2007) (World Bank)
School enrolment secondary: 111,8% (2007) (World Bank)
Unemployment: 2% (2005) (UNStats)
Number of people living with HIV/Aids: Figures not available