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The Seychelles
Geography |
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| Seychelles
is an archipelago
which lies in the western part of the Indian Ocean, and spreads
over an Exclusive Economy Zone of around 1.3 million Square
kilometers. |
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| Lying 1593 km
East of Kenya, 2813 km South West of India and 925 km North East
of Madagascar makes this archipelago strategically located. It
consists of 115 islands, of which 76 are coralline and the
remaining are granitic. The main part of the archipelago is
situated between 4 and 5 degrees South of the equator at a
longitude between 55 and 56 degrees east, allowing it to
enjoy a favorable climate. But Seychelles is also lucky to be
situated in a zone free from cyclones. |
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All
the main islands are granitic and Mahe is the principal island
(153 skm with 80% of the total population). The
estimated population is 80,000 in 1998.
The coralline islands are low averaging 1.5 meters above sea
level and seldom exceed 9 to 15 meters in height Supplies of
fresh water are scarce and settlements are small with rarely
more than a hundred people. Many of these islands serve as
rookeries for large bird population.
In contrast the granitic islands rise from the sea to altitudes
of 600 to 1000m. The topography is rugged with outcrops ofhuge
boulders. Fresh water is provided by surface streams.
Most islands are covered in luxuriant
and verdant vegetation. White sandy beaches surrounding the
islands are natural features of the Seychelles archipelago. |
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For statistical data on Seychelles click here |
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LINKS
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