Seychelles: flag, capital, currency and history
Seychelles, officially the Republic of Seychelles, is a country in Eastern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Victoria. The currency is the Seychellois rupee. Languages spoken include Seychellois Creole, English and French.
Quick facts about Seychelles
- Official name
- Republic of Seychelles
- Capital
- Victoria
- Region
- Africa, Eastern Africa
- Currency
- Seychellois rupee (SCR, ₨)
- Languages
- Seychellois Creole, English, French
- Calling code
- +248
- Internet domain
- .sc
- Area
- 452 km² (175 sq mi)
- Land borders
- None (island or surrounded by water)
- Demonym
- Seychellois
- National day
- National Day, June 29
Flag of Seychelles
Download the flag of Seychelles as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇸🇨.
History of Seychelles
The Seychelles archipelago was uninhabited when Arab and later European sailors encountered it. A French expedition visited in 1742, and France claimed the islands in 1756, with the first settlers arriving in 1770 with enslaved Africans. Britain took control during the Napoleonic Wars and formally gained the islands in 1814. Seychelles was administered from Mauritius until it became a separate crown colony in 1903. Independence came in 1976, followed by a coup in 1977 and one-party rule until multiparty politics returned in the early 1990s. The population descends mainly from French settlers, enslaved Africans and later arrivals.
Key dates
- 1742A French expedition from Mauritius explores the islands.
- 1756France formally claims the archipelago.
- 1770The first French settlers arrive on Sainte Anne Island with enslaved Africans.
- 1814Britain gains Seychelles under the Treaty of Paris.
- 1903Seychelles becomes a separate British crown colony.
- 1976Seychelles becomes independent on 29 June.
- 1993A new constitution restores multiparty democracy.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Seychelles
Seychelles uses the Seychellois rupee (SCR, ₨). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Seychelles?
The capital of Seychelles is Victoria.
What currency does Seychelles use?
Seychelles uses the Seychellois rupee (SCR, symbol ₨).
What languages are spoken in Seychelles?
Languages used in Seychelles include Seychellois Creole, English and French.
What is the calling code of Seychelles?
The international calling code of Seychelles is +248. Its internet domain is .sc.
Which countries border Seychelles?
Seychelles has no land borders and is surrounded by water.
On which continent is Seychelles?
Seychelles is in Africa, in the region of Eastern Africa.
What is the national day of Seychelles?
Seychelles marks National Day on June 29.
More countries in Eastern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).