Victoria Introduction

City Introduction

(Source: Internet)

Victoria (also known as Port Victoria) is the capital city of the Seychelles and is situated on the north-eastern side of Mahé Island, the archipelago's main island. As the smallest capital in Africa, the population of Greater Victoria was 25,000 in 2009. The principal exports of Victoria are vanilla, coconuts, coconut oil, fish, and guano. Small factories here refine and churn out coconut oil, spices, tea, and rice. The city has an excellent harbor; the 2.5 square kilometers of deep water area can accommodate large ships. As a fishing port, it is an important port of call and relay station in Indian Ocean. Submarine cables link Zanzibar, Aden, Colombo and other places. The city has a botanical garden with exotic ornamental plants and rare animals to attract tourists. The city buildings are small but elegant; city streets are clean, quiet, and beautiful.

As the only harbor in Seychelles, Victoria is equipped with a modern dock and 2.5 square kilometers of deep water area which could harbor all kinds of ships and load them with cargo. Victoria is not only an important relay station, but also a collecting and distributing center for coconuts, cinnamons, vanilla, and kipper. The city’s international airport, which was built in 1971, is a major aviation hub of the Indian Ocean.

History and Culture

Seychelles is inhabited mainly by the Bantu people (African immigrants), Creoles (Europe and Africa, etc. mixed race), the descendants of Pakistani people (Asian immigrants), the British and French descendants (European immigrants) and Chinese descendants (Asian immigrants) and others. A three artful seagull sculptures (created by Italian artists) stands in front of the Victoria City Building which symbolizes that the Seychelles is originated from Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The Law of Seychelles indicates that Creole Language (from ancient French), English and French are the national languages with equal importance. Newspapers, such as the “National Newspaper” uses three languages to report articles, also, the Seychelles TV station broadcasts domestic and international news in 3 languages. However, the Seychelles nation prefers to use Creole Language. Seychelles is a member of the Commonwealth organization and also a member of La Francophonie.

Natural Environment

As an archipelago nation of the Western Indian Ocean, Seychelles is made of 116 islands and islets. It is 1593km west to the port of Mombasa, Kenya; 925km southwest to Madagascar; 2813km away from Mumbai, India; and on the south, it is separated with Mauritius by sea.

Climate Change

Victoria features a tropical rainforest climate with 2 seasons: rainy season (November -April) and dry season (May to October). The highest temperature is from 35°C to 39 °C, the lowest temperature is 22°C, the highest annual average temperature is 29.9 ° C, and the lowest annual average temperature is 24.4 ° C. Average annual precipitation is around 2000-3000 mm. April is the hottest season, with the most rainfall amount; July and August are the coolest seasons. The annual average humidity is 80%. The average annual sunshine is 7.0 hours / day. Because it is outside of the cyclone belt, it’s rarely receives torrential rains.

Holiday Arrangements

New Year: January 1

Easter: April 14th and 15th

Labor Day: May 1

Liberation Day: June 5

Corpus Christi Day: June 15

Independence Day: June 29

The Feast of the Assumption: August 15

Halloween: November 1

Christmas Day: December 25