If you looked for Seychelles on a globe map, it would appear as a small dot in the Indian Ocean. However, you'll be shocked to learn that this tiny island nation is made up of 115 islands! but the vast majority of them are completely uninhabited. With three Main or Public Islands, Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Some figures claim that the Seychelles has 155 islands, not 115. Why the disparity?
Well, when the tide rises, some of the islands can disappear! But one thing is certain: The Seychelles is not overpopulated. Only about 81,000 people live there full time, and most of them reside on the main and largest island of Mahé. While some islands of Seychelles will bring you face to face with other tourists, others are almost entirely deserted and offer peace, quiet, and pure seclusion.
The Seychelles has a very short human history. Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century, Seychelles were uninhabited. Until the late 18th century, it was a battleground between opposing French and British interests until coming under full British control in the late 18th century. In 1976, Seychelles was granted independence from the United Kingdom and became a republic. Although the first settlement in the Seychelles dates back to 1770, the islands had already been sighted long before. It is thought that they were discovered in the 7th century by some Arab sailors, of whose visits vague evidence remains today. (and so so historically, The only oceanic granite islands in the world, which existed during the dinosaur ages) I mean wow, Seychelles.. Give us a break..
Did you know that Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, bordered on one side by steep mountain slopes, is one of the world's smallest cities? It's so small that it can be explored in under 24 hours. However, Victoria is big on fading colonial glories – the architecture, for example – and on everything one might expect of a thriving urban tropicality: bustling markets, hot streets, great food, a wonderfully varied nightlife, outstanding botanical gardens, an international airport, a national museum and a burgeoning art and crafts scene. Despite its large population, it has managed to maintain its natural beauty and charm. Fun fact: Victoria is made up of just two dozen streets and has only two sets of traffic lights!
Seychelles is home to a diversity of flora, fauna, and small wildlife. Most of the animals in Seychelles are endemics, meaning they can only be found there. One of these is the Aldabra tortoises, the world's largest land tortoises, which can weigh up to 550 pounds and live up to 150 years. I mean this place has it all. Another Seychelles exclusive is the world's biggest seed! The double coconut, or coco-de-mer, Lodoicea maldivica, is notable for producing the world's largest and heaviest seeds. Scientists, tourists, and poachers alike are drawn to these remarkable seeds because of their somewhat suggestive appearance and the fact that they may weigh up to 25kg and measure up to half a metre long. According to legend, the double coconut has healing powers. Despite the fact that these "healing qualities" have yet to be demonstrated, the palm retains its popularity as an aesthetic marvel, with solitary nuts fetching between £500 and £2,000. One of such unique species of life in Seychelles is the Jellyfish Tree, which is a native plant to the island. The Jellyfish tree was long assumed to be extinct when it finally was rediscovered on Mahe Island located in Seychelles. The tree is native to this area and was spotted again back in the 1970s. Missing for almost seventy years, the Jellyfish tree is considered nothing short of a miracle as scientists discovered a small population of the species only at a few places on the island. Besides admiring the amazing landscape, there is a mind-blowing range of things to do in Seychelles. Diving, snorkeling, surfing, and sailing, you can also hike mountain trails, rock climb and more.
Birds of Seychelles are another pride of the islands` natural reserves. This archipelago is renowned for being a bird lovers’ dream destination. Seychelles has 250 bird species, 12 of which are endemic, including some rare breeds. The Seychelles scops owl, also known as bare-legged scops owl or syer, is a rare scops owl species, which only occurs in the Morne Seychellois National Park on Seychelles island of Mahé. Another famous bird is The Black Parrot of the Seychelles. On the island of Praslin, the black parrot is possibly the most elusive of the bird species. If you manage to catch a glimpse of one of these magnificent indigenous species, you will have witnessed not only Seychelles' national bird but also one of the world's last 100 black parrots. This heavenly place never stops surprising us, does it??
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Hello everyone, wherever in the world you may be, we're back again discovering Africa together.
In today's video we're going to talk about a breathtaking place. But before we get started,
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So, when it comes to natural beauty, few countries in the world come close to Seychelles,
another stunning island nation in Africa. Seychelles is a tropical paradise. It is the
least populous sovereign African country, with an estimated 2020 population of 98,462.
It is blessed with clear blue waters, rich with marine life and stunning,
untouched beaches, becoming a famous destination. However, this beautiful,
secluded island is more than just lovely beaches. Seychelles has a hive of fascinating secrets.
Let's uncover some of the best together, with 10 fascinating facts about this unique place
and everything that makes the Seychelles Islands a remarkable destination.
Number 1. If you looked for Seychelles on a globe map, it would appear as a small dot in
the Indian Ocean. However, you'll be shocked to learn that this tiny island nation is made up of
115 islands, but the vast majority of them are completely uninhabited. I know, wow! With three
main or public islands, Mahi, Praline and Ladik, some figures claim that the Seychelles has 155
islands, not 115. Why the disparity? Well, when the tide rises, some of the islands can disappear.
But one thing is certain, the Seychelles is not overpopulated. Only about 81,000 people
live there full-time, and most of them reside on the main and largest island of Mahi. While some
islands of Seychelles will bring you face to face with other tourists, others are almost
entirely deserted and offer peace, quiet and pure seclusion.
Number 2. The Seychelles has a very short human history. Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the
16th century, Seychelles were uninhabited. Until the late 18th century, it was a battleground
between opposing French and British interests, until coming under full British control in the
late 18th century. In 1976, Seychelles was granted independence from the United Kingdom and became
a republic. Although the first settlement in the Seychelles dates back to 1770, the islands had
already been sighted long before. It is thought that they were discovered in the 7th century
by some Arab sailors, and whose visits vague evidence remains today. And so, historically,
the only oceanic granite islands in the world which existed during the dinosaur ages. I mean,
wow Seychelles, give us a break!
Number 3. Did you know that Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, bordered on one side by steep
mountain slopes, is one of the world's smallest cities? It's so small that it can be explored in
under 24 hours. However, Victoria is big in fading colonial glories, the architecture for example,
and on everything one might expect of a thriving urban tropicality. Bustling markets,
hot streets, great food, a wonderfully varied nightlife, outstanding botanical gardens,
an international airport, a national museum, and a burgeoning art and craft scene. Despite
its large population, it has managed to maintain its natural beauty and charm. Fun fact,
Victoria is made up of just two dozen streets and has only two sets of traffic lights.
Number 4. After learning about this magical place, we are becoming more and more curious,
like what other people there like.
Criollos, indigenous Seychelles population, are peaceful and friendly, always smiling people.
They take it slow and are kind to tourists and to each other, with an estimated 2020 population
of 98,462. The culture of Seychelles is defined by the mix of individuals who have settled there
over the years. The name Seychelles comes from Jean Moreau de Giselle, Louis XIV's finance
minister, at a time when the French, already established in Mauritius and on the island of
Réunion, began to colonize it. The archipelago is thus enhanced by African, Asian, and European
influences. Through its art and culture, Criolle, also called Seychellois, is the mother tongue of
most of the Seychellois. Under the constitution Criolle, English and French are recognized as
national languages. As a result, the people's way of life is a strange yet harmonious blend.
Moreover, nowadays, all citizens enjoy equal footing, whether they are a descendant of slaves,
adventurers, exiles, or pirates. Seychelles people, therefore, tend to have a wide range
of skin colors and often bright or blue eyes, probably a remnant of the French settlers who
mainly came from the northern Atlantic coast. Seychelles is home to a diversity of flora,
fauna, and small wildlife. Most of the animals in Seychelles are endemics, meaning they can only
be found there. One of these is the Aldabra tortoises, the world's largest land tortoises,
which can weigh up to 550 pounds and live up to 150 years. I mean, this place has it all.
Another Seychelles exclusive is the world's biggest seed, the double coconut, or Coco de Mer
Lodoisia maldivica, is notable for producing the world's largest and heaviest seeds. Scientists,
tourists, and poachers alike are drawn to these remarkable seeds because of their somewhat
suggestive appearance and the fact that they may weigh up to 25 kilograms and measure up
to half a meter long. According to legend, the double coconut has healing powers. Despite the
fact that these healing qualities have yet to be demonstrated, the palm retains its popularity as
an aesthetic marvel, with solitary nuts fetching between £500 and £2,000. One of such unique
species of life in Seychelles is the jellyfish tree, which is a native plant to the island.
The jellyfish tree has long assumed to be extinct when it finally was rediscovered in Mahi Island,
located in Seychelles. The tree is native to its area and was spotted again back in the 1970s.
Missing for almost 70 years, the jellyfish tree is considered nothing short of a miracle,
as scientists discovered a small population of the species only at a few places on the island.
Besides admiring the amazing landscape, there is a mind-blowing range of things to do in Seychelles
diving, snorkeling, surfing and sailing. You can also hike mountain trails, rock climb and more.
Number 6. A Pirate Hideout? What? I mean, why not? It is thought that the treasure of the French
pirate Olivier Labuzur, known as Labuse, the Buzzard, is hidden on Mahi, the largest island
of Seychelles. There are also several stories of other treasures being hidden around the islands
too, including on Moyenne. But the story of the Labuse treasure has more evidence than any others.
Treasure hunting anyone?
Number 7. Birds of Seychelles are another pride of the island's national reserves.
This archipelago is renowned for being a bird lover's dream destination.
Seychelles has 250 bird species, 12 of which are endemic, including some rare breeds.
The Seychelles scopes-owl, also known as the bare-legged scopes-owl or sire,
is a rare scopes-owl species, which only occurs in the Mornay-Cicholoi National Park
on Seychelles island of Mahi. Another famous bird is the black parrot of the Seychelles.
On the island of Praline, the black parrot is possibly the most elusive of the bird species.
If you manage to catch a glimpse of one of these magnificent
indigenous species, you will have witnessed not only Seychelles' national bird but also
one of the world's last 100 black parrots. This heavenly place never stops surprising us, does it?
Number 8. Unsurprisingly, there are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Seychelles.
I mean, a wide area of unbeatable beauty,
wildlife and mixed culture would absolutely be that interesting.
The two places are Vallée de Mai on Praline island, which consists of a well-preserved
palm forest, flagship species made up of the island's endemic Coco de Mer,
as well as five other endemic palms, and the Aldebra Atoll.
Aldebra is the second-largest coral atoll on Earth, yet one of its least visited.
It has a vast turquoise lagoon surrounded by a pristine reef and a quartet of coral
limestone islets. Its extreme isolation has largely protected it from human interference.
Due to the density of unique and rare life that lives within the forest,
it is important that this life is preserved. Scientists from all over the world visit to
study the abundant biodiversity of this largely pristine marine area,
which is also a wildlife lover's heaven.
Number 9. We believe there is always more than meets the eye.
With a history of piracy and revolution, it's no surprise that ghost stories surround Seychelles.
We would believe such a thing because this place already seems out of this world.
So, they say the ghost of Englishwoman Mary Best, who moved there in 1910,
haunts the island of Moyenne. Moyenne Island in St Anne Marine National Park
is believed to be haunted by a spirit that stands guard over buried treasure.
Also, Praline Island's Vallée de May is rumored to be the original Garden of Eden.
I don't know about you, but this makes sense to me.
It was first stated by General Gordon of Khartoum,
who also believed the devil lived near the Pitcairn Islands.
Arabic historians believed Marco Polo's mythical creature,
The Rock, a gargantuan and bloodthirsty bird, lived in the Seychelles.
Number 10. Exotic beaches and crystal-clear ocean water
Tourists come from all over the world to enjoy the terrain and breathtaking vistas in Seychelles,
thanks to its tropical temperature and unusual beaches.
Is it pricey to visit the Seychelles, since it's such a unique paradise?
Yes, a vacation in Seychelles can be costly.
Seychelles remain the only sub-Saharan African country classified at the moment
as a high-income economy. Four years after graduating to high-income country status,
tourism and fishing are the main source of income in the Seychelles.
Unsurprisingly, Seychelles ranked amongst the top 20
world's most expensive countries to live in.
Seychelles News Agency
A list published by The Mail Online, the ranking is not likely to surprise Seychellois,
already aware that living on the islands is not cheap and that it keeps rising.
So, our video has come to an end.
Even though there's so much more to say about this place,
we hope you enjoyed exploring what lies behind the scenes of these beautiful islands with us.
So now that you know a little bit more about this archipelago in the Indian Ocean,
Seychelles must be high on your bucket list, no question.
Our island paradise awaits. What about you?
