Global - Technology - Review

The Indian Ocean nation of the Seychelles consists of over a hundred and fifty islands, some rocky, but most coral cays and atolls. They are widely scattered. The economy is based on tourism, however many Seychellois are still involved in agriculture: the main crops are coconuts and cinnamon. The more remote islands have spectacular reefs and marine wildlife for divers and tourists to enjoy. Most tourists come from Europe, however government policy limits numbers to 150,000 per year to ensure that the industry is sustainable. The most famous land animals are the Seychelles giant tortoises, which have been saved from the brink of extinction. The Aldabra tortoises, on the other hand, are much more common. The climate is pleasantly equable, without a risk of cyclones. Mahe is the largest island with 90% of the population. The capital, Victoria, is Africa’s smallest, with a population of about 25,000. The main local industry is canning tuna. Other main islands are Praslin, Silhouette and La Digue. Praslin is the only known habitat of the Coco de Mer, which has the largest seed of any plant. Other species endemic to the Seychelles are the endangered Jellyfish Tree and the carnivorous Seychelles Pitcher Plant.