Seychelles

Introduction

Seychelles is an archipelagic island nation located in the western Indian Ocean. It lies northeast of Madagascar and east of the African mainland, making it strategically important in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Owing to its location along major maritime routes, Seychelles is an important partner for India under its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

Location

Seychelles is situated in the western Indian Ocean, surrounded by several island nations. It lies northeast of Madagascar, while Comoros and Mauritius are located to its south, and the Maldives lie to its east.

Political Features

The country consists of an archipelago of 115 islands, of which only eight are permanently inhabited. Its capital city is Victoria, located on Mahé Island, which is also the largest and most populated island.

Geographical Features

Climate

Seychelles experiences a tropical oceanic climate, characterised by warm temperatures throughout the year, high humidity, and very little seasonal temperature variation.

Island Groups

The country is divided into two major island groups.

The Mahé Group comprises mountainous granitic islands of volcanic origin, featuring narrow coastal plains, rocky terrain, and hilly interiors.

The second group consists of low-lying coralline islands, including coral atolls and elevated coral reefs, which are situated on the submarine Mascarene Plateau.

Highest Point

The highest peak in Seychelles is Morne Seychellois, located on Mahé Island, which forms part of the Morne Seychellois National Park.