NATION IN VIEW: SEYCHELLES
The Power to See Aright
When you’re on your way to the airport to catch a late-evening flight, but traffic refuses to cooperate and any additional delay could make you miss your flight, it can be a truly anxiety-inducing moment. You can’t stop glancing at your phone or wristwatch, wishing for some miracle to whisk your taxi straight to the terminal—far away from the dreaded long lines of red taillights snaking through the gridlock. After what feels like an eternity, your taxi finally breaks free from the jam, and you make it to the airport in time to check in before the counter closes. You can’t help but whisper a silent prayer that you’ll never face such a monstrous traffic jam again.
Once you’re on board, seated by the window, the plane begins circling above the city you’re leaving behind on your way to your destination. From five thousand feet up, you glimpse that same road with its endless row of red taillights. Only now, instead of triggering the panic you felt moments ago, the scene appears as a breathtaking work of art—viewable from the comfort of your seat high above the city.
The mix of streetlights, the glowing red streaks of cars still caught in the standstill, and the countless other points of light across the urban landscape shifts in your mind. What once filled you with dread now brings a peaceful smile.
What changed? What makes one moment frantic and the next so serene? Perspective. Your perspective. It wasn’t that the road itself transformed, nor that the traffic became less burdensome—it’s that you rose above the situation and saw it from a different vantage point.
This story of the traffic jam mirrors the story of our lives on Earth. There are days when life’s pressures hit us so hard, threatening to tear us apart, and we feel powerless—because (1) we can’t stop life from happening, (2) we can’t speed up the clock to make the distress pass quickly, and (3) not many people seem to genuinely care, not even family. It’s just like that helpless feeling of sitting in a line of red taillights with nowhere to go.
But what does this story ultimately mean? It means that, even though life will do exactly what life does, we have the ability—and the right—to hold onto a different perspective even amid the chaos, and by doing so, to rise above the situation.
The Island nation of Seychelles
Seychelles, officially the Republic of Seychelles, is an island country and archipelagic state consisting of 155 islands (as per the Constitution) in the Indian Ocean. Its capital and largest city, Victoria, is 1,500 kilometers (800 nautical miles) east of mainland Africa. Nearby island countries and territories include the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and the French overseas departments of Mayotte and Réunion to the south; and the Chagos Archipelago to the east. Seychelles is the smallest country in Africa as well as the least populated sovereign African country, with an estimated population of 100,600 in 2022.
Islands reflect Seychelles’ grand diversity, like a great family, both large and small, each one with its own distinct character and personality.
One hundred and fifteen islands scattered across 1,400,000 sq km. of ocean. Every visitor to Seychelles will surely want to visit as many islands as possible during their stay.
The islands fall into two categories: 41 ‘inner’ granitic islands that form the backbone of Seychelles’ tourism offerings with their wide suite of services and amenities, most of which are readily accessible through a selection of day trips and excursions, and the remoter ‘outer ‘coral islands where at least an overnight stay is essential.
(Source: https://www.seychelles.com/experience/theislands)
Some facts about Seychelles
Location and Size: Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, east of Kenya and northeast of Madagascar. It is the smallest country in Africa and the least populated sovereign African country, with an estimated population of around 100,600 in 2022.15
Geological History: 200 million years ago, Seychelles was part of the supercontinent Gondwana. Tectonic movements separated it from the mainland, forming the islands we see today.59
Pirate History: The islands were once a hideout for pirates, including famous pirate Olivier Levasseur, who is believed to have hidden a treasure worth more than $160,000 that remains unfound.
Wildlife: Seychelles is home to unique wildlife, such as the world’s largest population of giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll and the heaviest land tortoise, Esmeralda, weighing 670 pounds.35
Coco de Mer: The islands are known for the coco de mer, a palm tree that produces the largest seed in the world, which can weigh up to 33 pounds.35
Breadfruit: Breadfruit is a popular local delicacy and is believed to bring visitors back to Seychelles if eaten while on the islands.79
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Seychelles has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Aldabra Atoll and Vallée de Mai, both protected for their unique ecosystems.59
Capital City: Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, is the smallest capital city in the world and can be explored on foot in less than a day.39
Tourism: Before the pandemic, Seychelles attracted over 350,000 tourists annually, but the industry has since experienced a decline.6
Language and Culture: Seychellois Creole, English, and French are the official languages, and the Seychellois people have a rich cultural heritage influenced by African, French, and British traditions.
Seychelles life expectancy and education: With a life expectancy of 72 years, the Seychelles life expectancy is higher than that of Europe. Seychelles has the highest literacy rate of any country in sub-Saharan Africa. According to The World Factbook of the Central Intelligence Agency, as of 2018, 95.9% of the population aged 15 and over can read and write in the Seychelles
Seychelles culture
Seychelles culture is a unique blend of European, African, Indian, and other civilizations, influenced by the country’s rich colonial past. The locals are known for their sincere hospitality and friendliness, often described as easygoing and laid-back. Women play a dominant role in Seychelles society, both in the workforce and in family life.
The society is matriarchal, with women often making day-to-day decisions and holding significant positions in various sectors. Women are particularly active in the plantation economy and the tourism industry.
Seychelles has a vibrant music scene, with folk music influenced by French pop and folk, pan-African genres, Indian music, Arcadian music, English polka, and contredanse. Traditional dances include séga and moutia, which reflect African customs.
The country celebrates several national festivals, such as the Creole Festival in October, which aims to preserve and support Creole culture. Other notable events include Independence Day on June 29, National Day on June 18, and Liberation Day on June 5.6
Religiously, Seychelles is predaominantly Christian, with around 76.2% of the population being Roman Catholic and 10.6% Protestant. Other religions practiced include Hinduism and Islam.
Seychelles cuisine reflects a mix of African, French, Chinese, and Indian influences, with seafood and spices being key staples. Traditional dishes include ladob, cassava pudding, and shark chutney.
The culture of Seychelles is also evident in its arts and crafts, which draw inspiration from the environment. Common crafts include teakwood goblets, jewelry boxes, board games, and batik-dyed cloth.
Seychelles is also known for its unique bird species, making it a haven for bird lovers.
Personally, I have never been to the Seychelles but definitely want to do so.
Prayer for Seychelles
The nation of Seychelles is one of the most beautiful coastal nations in Africa, and the continent of Africa is blessed indeed with such beautiful places. But something remains that must be said, beauty must not only be about the outward. In fact, beauty starts with the heart, the mindset and how that mindset creates on the outside the accurate environment for true beauty and community life to thrive. So I pray for you, beautiful nation of Seychelles, that you will not only be beautiful on the outside, but your beauty will be much more revealed on your inside, creating a nation where justice, equality, fairness, honor and every good virtue are given to all without prejudice and without hate. Let your love for one another and for Africa be beyond your love for your beautiful coastal nation. Much peace be added to you in all things. Shalom.
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