Inspired by its grand diversity of cultural influences, ethnic diversity with racial harmony remain the mainstays of today’s vibrant yet tranquil Creole nation for which harmony is a way of life.

GOVERMENT
The Republic of Seychelles has a multi-party political system with an executive President as head of state and government. The President heads a Cabinet of 10 ministers which includes the Vice-President.

In April 2004 Mr. James Alix Michel replaced Mr. France Albert René as President after Mr. Rene had been in office since 1977. The Vice President is currently Mr. Joseph Belmont. The First Designated Minister is Mr. Danny Faure, who is also the Minister for Finance.

Legislative power is vested in a National Assembly of 34 members of whom 25 are elected directly in constituencies with the balance on proportional basis based on the results of the National Assembly elections.

The Seychelles People’s Progressive Front (SPPF), currently led by President Michel, holds 23 seats in the Assembly.

The main opposition party, the Seychelles National Party (SNP, previously known as the United Opposition) holds the other 11seats. SNP is headed by Rev. Wavel Ramkalawan.

The other main political party (not currently represented in the National Assembly) is the Democratic Party (DP), headed by Mr. Paul Chow.

The Republic of Seychelles is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, the Commonwealth and La Francophonie. It has embassies in Paris and New York as well as numerous honorary consulates worldwide.

PEOPLE
Today, the 81,000 strong Seychellois population continues to reflect its multi-ethnic roots. Traditionally, the islands have attracted a broad diversity of peoples from the four corners of the earth that has included freed slaves, European settlers, political exiles, adventurers, traders of Arab and Persian origin as well as Chinese and Indians.

Practically every nation on earth has been represented in this melting pot of cultures, each one contributing its special influence to today’s vibrant yet tranquil society.

LANGUAGE
There are three official languages in Seychelles: Creole (a lilting, French-based patois), English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German.

RELIGION
Roman Catholicism remains the dominant religion of Seychelles but there are also Anglican and Protestant churches and the places of worship of other denominations. These live in harmony alongside, Muslim, Hindu and Bahá’i communities based on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.