Seychelles explained to kids

The Seychelles are a group of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, with a population of about 95,000 people. The capital city is Victoria, on the main island of Mahé. The other main islands are Praslin and La Digue. The Seychelles were uninhabited until the 18th century, when they were settled by the French. The British took control of the islands in 1814, and they became a colony within the British Empire. The Seychelles gained independence in 1976 and became a republic in 1993. The Seychelles are famous for their beaches, coral reefs, and tropical forests. The islands are home to many rare and endangered animals, including the giant tortoise, the Aldabra rail, and the Seychelles warbler. The Seychelles are a popular tourist destination, with about half a million visitors each year. The main industries on the islands are tourism, fishing, and agriculture.