The Seychellois culture is characterised by the diversity of the people who have settled there over the years. Through its art and traditions, the archipelago is thus enriched by African, Asian and European influences. This results in a curious, but harmonious mixture in the way of life of its inhabitants.
During your stay in the Seychelles, you will observe this multicultural touch in the gastronomy, crafts and architecture of the country. Generally speaking, the way of life of the Seychellois will testify to this joyful melting pot. The various religions practiced here illustrate this point. Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and local beliefs blend harmoniously.
The languages spoken in the Seychelles follow this same reasoning of mixing different origins. Creole is spoken throughout the country, while English and French are used as the language of administration. In Seychellois cuisine, rice, curry and coconut milk, used as staple foods, will also recall these multiple origins.
In addition to the diverse but mixed culture of Seychellois, what strikes the Seychelles is the sweetness that reigns there. As in many islands, the smile, the kindness of the inhabitants and the friendliness they show daily charms the visitors. These little things in life certainly reflect the best facets of Seychelloise habits.
During your Seychelles vacation, you will get the impression that every day is like a party. During the day, the Seychellois find themselves in a particularly busy market. In the evening, young people invade the beaches for a drink, dance and meeting. You will spend rhythmic days in the heart of an environment that invites you to relax and escape.
The Seychelles has a population of approximately 90,000 people who mostly live on eight of the Seychelles’ 115 islands. 90% of the population live on the main island of Mahé. The next-largest populations are on Praslin and La Digue respectively. In total, eight of the Seychelles’ islands are permanently inhabited.
90% of the population of the Seychelles are of Creole descent, usually from French colonial settlers and African slave labourers. Most of the remaining 10% of residents are of European origin.
Since their discovery, the Seychelles have attracted people from all over the world. The multi-ethnic roots of the Seychelles people stretch far and wide, including France, India, the UK, China, the Arab world, and other parts of Africa. Almost every imaginable ethnic and national group can be found in the cultural melting pot of the Seychelles, and each has left its own mark on the country’s vibrant, peaceful society. Nowadays, all citizens enjoy equal footing, whether they are a descendent of slaves, adventurers, exiles, or pirates. Seychelles people therefore tend to have a wide range of skin colours, and often bright or blue eyes – probably a remnant of the French settlers who mainly came from the northern Atlantic coast.
Many families who live in the Seychelles these days have unmarried parents, and the children are frequently raised by their grandparents, as a large proportion of Seychellois men and women are employed professionally. It is also not uncommon for men to have more than one female partner, even those who are married, so women sometimes have children with different fathers. Besides this exception, 21st-century Seychellois societal norms are similar to those in Europe. The modern-day Seychelles are also a rich country, especially compared to other African nations, and the GDP per capita is even higher than in some European countries.
The average age in the Seychelles is 32 years old, and the country enjoys a population growth rate of 0.4%. Those who travel to the Seychelles will often find that the locals are friendly towards foreigners, and generally helpful and courteous. The everyday pace of life is much slower in the Seychelles, however, so there is little of the familiar hustle and bustle of western cities on show.
There are three official languages in the Seychelles: Creole, English, and French. The most common language spoken by the Seychellois population is their own Creole variant, Seychellois Creole, or Seselwa. This language is a mix of African languages such as Swahili and Malagasy, but with large French influences.
The main religion in the Seychelles is Roman Catholicism, with 82% of the population belonging to this religion. Around 6.4% of the Seychellois are Anglican Christian, while the next-largest religions are Hinduism (2%) and Islam (1%). Around 2% also belong to a variety of smaller Christian churches such as the Adventists, or to the Bahai religion. (Figures correct as of January 2016).
Despite the prevalence of religion, other spiritual beliefs such as witchcraft, magic, superstition, and divination have a prominent place in Seychellois culture. It is not uncommon to visit a “tonton” – a wizard who helps Seychellois make important decisions, for example during illness or with personal problems. The use of talismans is also widespread.
