Happy Independence Day, Seychelles. On June 29th, 1976, this island off the coast of East Africa gained independence from the British. Today we are learning how the nation has become prosperous and exploring its creole culture and cuisine.
Seychelles is made of approximately 115 islands, which are divided into two main island groups, and are located between the African and Asian continents.
Seychelles has over 80 plant species that are unique to the country, luscious beaches, and colorful landscapes. Due to its vast natural offerings, the country has benefited immensely from tourism. The World Bank reported Seychelles to have the highest GDP in Africa.
The country was previously uninhabited by humans. In the mid-1700s, the French became the first humans known to live on the land. They brought enslaved Africans with them. Chinese, Malaysian, and Malaya people also migrated to the country in small numbers. Today, Seychellois people are mostly creole, and a large percentage is a mixture of East African and Malagasy.
Allisen Camille, Seychellois Sportswoman of the Year. Image by Joenna Meme, credit)
Selsewa or Creole is spoken by most inhabitants of the land. Cuisine in Seychelles resembles a fusion of Asian, African, and French cultures, with dishes like Poison ek Diri, a fish and rice dish, octopus curry in coconut milk, and grilled red snapper and chutney, a dish made with turmeric, garlic, and bilimbi fruit.
Although Seychelles vaccinated over 60% of its population with the AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccines, the country is currently experiencing a rise in COVID cases. By May 19th, the country was experiencing 227 cases daily.
Have you taken the COVID vaccine? Which one did you take?
Works Cited
https://www.bbc.com/news/57148348
https://www.britannica.com/place/Seychelles
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/seychelles
https://www.britannica.com/place/Seychelles/Government-and-society#ref282740
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/seychelles
