| GEOGRAPHY |
The Seychelles Archipelago
occupies 400,000 sq km (150,000 sq miles)
of the Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar
and contains 115 islands and islets. These
fall into two groups of markedly different
appearance, stemming from their distinct
geologies: Granitic: A dense cluster of
42 islands, the only mid-ocean group in
the world with a granite rock formation.
Their lush green vegetation is tropical
in character, with a profusion of coconut
palms, bananas, mangoes, yams, breadfruit
and other tropical fruit. Indigenous forest
exists on the higher slopes, where cinnamon
and tea are planted. All, including the
second largest, Praslin, are less than 65km
(40 miles) from Mahé. Coralline:
Isolated coral outcrops speckling a vast
area of the Indian Ocean to the southwest
of the granitic group. They rise only a
few feet above sea level but are covered
with rich and dense vegetation due to fertilisation
by copious amounts of guano. There is no
permanent population. Aldabra, the largest
atoll in the world, contains one third of
all Seychellois land and is a UNESCO-designated
World Heritage Site. The largest island
in either group is Mahé, lying 4°S
of the equator. It is 27km (17 miles) long
by 8km (5 miles) wide and contains Victoria,
the capital and main port, and 90% of the
population. Mahé is typical of the
granitic islands, being mountainous and
covered with jungle vegetation. Its highest
point, indeed the highest point in the Seychelles,
is Morne Seychellois (905m/2970ft). The
isolated nature of the Seychelles has given
rise to the evolution of many unique species
of flora and fauna, including the coco-de-mer
palm and unique varieties of orchid, giant
tortoise, gecko, chameleon and 'flying fox'
(fruitbat). National parks and reserves
have been set up to protect this heritage.
The Seychellois are descended from a mixture
of French and British landowners, freed
African slaves and a small number of Indian
and Chinese immigrants, creating a unique
culture. |
