Seychelles is one of the smallest independent countries in the world. It is an archipelago of some 115 islands scattered over 1 million square kilometers of sea in the middle of the western Indian Ocean. The country's total land area is only 455 square kilometers (177 square miles), and there is very limited cultivable land. There are no known mineral resources. The Seychelles is relatively isolated from its neighbours. The nearest continental coastline is 1,600 kilometers away. Its internal transport system is complicated by the fact that the country comprises an archipelago of three main and more than a hundred small islands
Its population has not increased since 1999. It is currently estimated at 79,879 (estimate mid-year 2003: MISD Statistical Abstract). Earlier projections made on the basis of the 1994 census, indicate that population would reach around 94,000 in 2010, and just over 100,000 in 2016.
It is a "minuscule economy", whose GDP of less than US $ 700 million is "insignificant compared with that of most countries".
In spite of severe constraints imposed upon the Seychelles economy by its limited resources and geographical isolation, the economic situation of the Seychelles is one that many developing countries could envy. Even at US$8,523.46 (2003) its GDP per capita is the highest in Africa.
Similarly, the social indicators are good by international standards. Seychelles has made significant progress in the country's social condition and the social indicators are generally good and compare favourably with those of the higher income countries. The country's success in improving the social conditions of its population is partly rooted in the welfare-state role assumed by the government over the last two decades. There is a comprehensive social safety net, whereby the government has sought to minimize income disparities, subsidized housing to low-income and large families, provide equal and universal access to health care and education for all citizens without charge and guaranteed a minimum income to the elderly, the unemployed and the poor. Life expectancy has increased and infant mortality rates have been reduced over the last fifteen years. The overall figures, cited in Table I, do not give the full picture of recent social advances. Infant mortality stands at 13 per 1000 births. Overall literacy rates are at 94%, and primary school enrolment rates are estimated to be close to 100%. Housing ownership reached an estimated 70% in 2003.
As a result, the Seychelles ranks first in Africa (47th in World) in the Human Development Index (HDI) of UNDP.
