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马埃岛
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The Seychelles archipelago consists of about 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, 1,600 kilometres from the East African coast.
Unlike other oceanic islands, the Seychelles are not volcanic, but instead appear to be the summits of a huge underwater plateau that broke away from India 65 million years ago. The three inner islands - Mahé, Praslin and La Digue - are granitic, while the outer ones are coral atolls. The Seychelles are considered among the most beautiful islands in the world, due to their picture-postcard white beaches and stunning underwater scenery, but also for the landscapes of their interiors, characterised by exotic flora and spectacular mountains. The archipelago's remoteness and its relatively recent colonisation mean that it is home to various bird species that are not found anywhere else in the world, and several of the islands are actually bird sanctuaries. The seasons are marked by the trade winds, which blow from southeast from May to October, creating a pleasant climate with temperatures never below 24° C. The Seychelles were uninhabited until a British East India Company ship landed on one of the islands in 1609. During the following years the islands became a base for pirates who had shifted their operations from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean. In 1742 the governor of Mauritius, Mahé de La Bourdonnais, sent a ship to inspect the archipelago. The ship's Captain Picault named the main island after the governor, paving the way for French colonisation. In 1770 France sent a ship of settlers and slaves, who started growing spices, cassava, sugarcane, coffee, sweet potatoes and maize.
Following Napoleon's defeat in 1814, the Seychelles came under British control. In 1976 the archipelago was granted independence and soon became one of the world's most exclusive tropical holiday destinations. However, it also marked the start of a long period of political instability that lasted up to the 1990s, during which time a gradual process of democratisation took place.
The Seychelles has no native population and consequently the influences of African, Malagasy, Indian and European culture are very strong. This particular blend has given rise to what is commonly referred to as a Creole culture.
The official languages of the islands are English and French, both of which are spoken by the majority of the population. However, the most widely spoken language is a French Creole, known as Kreol Seselwa, which was declared semi-official in 1981 and is increasingly widely used in both the local press and literature. The population is mainly Roman Catholic and keenly observant. However, many people also believe in ancient magic spirits (gris) and consult witchdoctors (bons-hommes or bonnes-femmes du bois) who cast spells and prepare potions, despite the fact that witchcraft was officially outlawed in 1958.
The Seychelles is one of the best island destinations in the Indian Ocean for sampling Creole cuisine, whose basic ingredients are fish and rice. Its dishes also make highly imaginative use of fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices.
Mahé is the largest of the granitic islands. It is 27 kilometres long and 8 kilometres wide, and is home to around 90% of the country's population. The island is covered with dense and lush tropical vegetation, including coconut palms, banana plants, mango and breadfruit trees. Mahé boasts many pure white sandy beaches with peculiar granite boulders, particularly in the south, while the interior is strikingly mountainous with the highest peak (Morne Seychellois) rising 903 metres.
Victoria, or Port Victoria, on the island of Mahé, is one of the world's smallest capitals and the archipelago's only port, characterised by the constant coming and going of ferries, boats, yachts and cruise ships from all over the world.
Victoria is also the only real town on the islands, as the other settlements are little more than villages. It is a typical Creole town with a blend of races and cultures, and is home to a characteristic colourful market selling a variety of fish, vegetables and spices, which feature prominently in the local cuisine.
Victoria is largely a new city, as the streets radiating out from its centre have been rebuilt over the past 20 years, giving it a clean and modern appearance. However, the law courts and post office date back to the colonial period, and - along with a handful of old houses and shops - constitute the sole architectural testimony of the past. The town centre boasts a natural history museum, housing examples of the islands' great variety of peculiar fauna, a shipwreck from 1570 and various handicrafts. The National History Museum traces the story of the islands, from their discovery until the present day, while the Botanical Gardens allow visitors to admire various indigenous and imported trees, an enclosure of giant tortoises and a precious orchid garden. |
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