Seychelles Country Report

The Seychelles are a group of more than 100 islands, most of which are uninhabited, lying off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is the smallest African country in terms of population, but has among the highest per capita income on the continent. However, widespread income inequality means that wealth remains largely concentrated among a small segment of the population.

Seychelles has been largely stable since the return to a multi-party system in 1993. In September 2016, the country saw its first transition of power between political parties when the opposition took control of the national assembly from the long-ruling People's Party (PP). However, the country's stability prospects remained positive as the president and new assembly worked together. In October 2020, an opposition candidate was elected as president for the first time since the Seychelles became independent from the UK.

Foreign investment is encouraged, and reforms in recent years have aimed to strengthen the financial sector, although corruption remains an issue in both the public and private sectors. The tourism industry accounts for a well-developed infrastructure on the main islands with good ground, air and sea transport links, but travel connections to and on smaller islands are significantly more limited. There are no serious security risks facing expatriates or foreign visitors. Levels of criminal activity remain relatively low but there has been an increase in petty theft in recent years, including bag snatching and pickpocketing, especially on beaches and in other tourist areas. Civil unrest is rare, though occasional incidents have been reported in the capital Victoria.

Levels of criminal activity remain relatively low, but there has been an increase in petty theft in recent years, including bag snatching and pickpocketing, especially on beaches and in other tourist areas. An increase in break-ins and residential burglaries has also been reported. Civil unrest is rare, though occasional demonstrations linked to political and socio-economic issues do occur, particularly in the capital Victoria.

Overland travel is generally safe although the lack of safety barriers on winding roads in some areas, particularly on Mahe, can be hazardous. Busses and taxis are widely available and generally considered safe.

Fuel shortages are rare. The supply of electricity and water is generally reliable.

Seychelles has a generally mild climate throughout the year, with a humid summer from November to April and a relatively dry winter between May and October. Temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the year, generally not falling below 24C (75F) during the winter and rarely rising above 32C (90F) in the summer. The country's location outside the tropical cyclone and hurricane belts correlates to relatively few instances of severe storms except on the southernmost islands. However, heavy rains do occur during the monsoon seasons, which can flood many of the smaller islands.

There are no major health risks in the Seychelles, although localized outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya occur sporadically. Healthcare standards are generally adequate, but serious conditions will require evacuation to nearby countries possessing facilities for advanced care.

The opposition's parliamentary election win in September 2016 over the long-ruling People's Party (Parti Lepep) has altered political dynamics in the archipelago. In October 2020, an opposition candidate won the presidency for the first time since the Seychelles became independent from the UK; however, the country's overall stability prospects are unlikely to be significantly affected. Anti-corruption laws and policies are in place, although enforcement has been slack.