General Information - Seychelles Islands Indian Ocean archipelago - SeyTrips - Tours & Travel in Mahé, Seychelles - the Island Paradise

About Seychelles

The cosmopolitan Seychelles are a colourful blend of peoples of different races, cultures and religions. At different times in its history, people of African, European and Asian origin have come to Seychelles, bringing with them their distinct traditions and customs and contributing to the way of life and to the vibrant Seychellois culture.

One can see these influences at work throughout the domains of local art, cuisine, music, dance and architecture.

The architectural design of some of the grand old houses with their steep roofs are representative of a style adapted for comfortable living in the tropics that displays influences from Seychelles' French and British colonial heritage. Modern architecture attempts to assimilate traditional styles with practical features designed to capture the island breezes.

Local artists continue to exhibit diverse styles that echo the multi-ethnic backdrop of the islands and bear testament to the various influences which have come to bear. Creole music and dance have their roots in African, Malagasy and European cultures with rhythms traditionally accompanied by simple drums and string instruments which, today, include such recent imports as the violin and guitar.

The traditional moutya is an erotic dance derived from the days of slavery and still features today, together with the sega with its colourful lyrics; the kanmtole, reminiscent of a country reel, and the Kontredanse, an import from the French court.



In the evolution of its society, Seychelles has remained faithful to its multi-ethnic roots. For over two centuries, the islands have remained a melting pot of different races, traditions and religions from the four corners of the earth.

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.

Government

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.


Seychelles travel information is brought to you by SeyTrips.com, part of TripsGuru.com an Indian Travel Portal.

Seychelles has accomodations to fit all types of budget cater to the crowds - High End resorts to Budget Hotels and Hostels.
Happy Surfing!...