Seychelles

B

Language

English and French are the official languages, mainly known as second languages by the indigenous inhabitants. However, since 1981, when the standard form of the language was officially recognized and established, Seychellois Creole has got close to official status. Its use is promoted in primary schools, in the media, and in some governmental domains. Although not quite everyone speaks this standard dialect, Seychellois Creole is spoken by at least 95 per cent of the population. (See also Pidgins and Creoles.)

C

Education

Adult literacy was 85 per cent in 1991. In 2002–2003 5.7 per cent of the country’s gross national product (GNP) was spent on education.

IV

Economy

Seychelles had a GNP (World Bank estimate) of about US$685 million in 2004, equivalent to about US$8,870 per capita. Tourism, agriculture, and fishing are the main economic activities. After the completion of the international airport at Victoria in 1971, tourism expanded rapidly, accounting for more than 70 per cent of total foreign exchange earnings and 12 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 1995. However, this vital industry has been affected by occasional political instability, and efforts are being made to expand fishing, farming, and manufacturing. In 2006 the annual budget included US$406.6 million in current and capital expenditures; revenues were US$443.2 million.

A

Currency and Banking

The monetary unit of the Seychelles is the Seychelles rupee (8.05 rupees equalled US$1; early 2008).

B

Commerce and Trade

Trade is dominated by the import and re-sale—mainly to foreign fishing fleets—of petroleum; other exports include fish, copra, and cinnamon. Various fruits are grown for domestic consumption, but rice, the staple food, is imported. Guano is the only exported mineral product.