FACTS

Location: archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar

Area (only Total) total: 455 sq km

Climate: tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)

Terrain: Mahe Group is granitic, narrow coastal strip, rocky, hilly; others are coral, flat, elevated reefs

Population: 82,247 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Creole

Government type: republic

Capital (Name): Victoria

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+4

Independence: 29 June 1976 (from UK)

National holiday: Constitution Day (National Day), 18 June (1993)