Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
UNDERSTAND SEYCHELLES
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Seychelles Today
Economically, the Seychelles is in pretty good shape. In a climate of global recession, the
4% growth of the country's economy in 2012 (and an estimated 5% in 2013) is a respect-
able figure. Tourism, which is the mainstay of the economy, has been picking up in recent
years and the number of arrivals to the Seychelles is on the increase, with more than
208,000 visitors in 2012 (160,000 in 2009). Most airlines based in the Gulf, including
Emirates and Etihad, have launched frequent, well-priced services to the Seychelles from
their respective hubs, and offer excellent connections with all major capitals in the world.
The other pillar of the economy is industrial fishing, which is one of the country's
biggest foreign-exchange earners.
Nevertheless, the economy remains vulnerable to external events. Despite attempts to
strengthen its agricultural base and use more locally manufactured products, the Seychelles
continues to import 90% of its needs. As a result, even a slight dip in export earnings
causes major ructions in the economy.
Politically, the situation has barely evolved in 35 years. The ruling party, the Seychelles
People's Progressive Front (SPPF), led by President James Michel, has been governing the
country since 1977. James Michel was re-elected in May 2011. The Seychellois aspire to
sanzman
(change) and more democracy, but freedom of the press is still quite limited. The
next presidential elections are due in 2016.
With the increase in acts of piracy in the entire Western Indian Ocean, the Seychelles has
found itself exposed to attacks led by Somali pirates. Strict measures have been taken to
control the Seychellois territorial waters with the assistance of the international community
- navy vessels patrol the area, which is carefully monitored. The Outer Islands were still
off-limits to foreigners at the time of writing.
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