The Seychelles is a group of 115 small islands and coral reefs located in the Indian Ocean to the north of Madagascar. The total area of the islands is 405 sq. km. The largest island is Mahé (143 square km), which is also the site of the capital city, Victoria. The climate is sub-equatorial, with temperatures averaging 26-28° C.

The population of the Seychelles is about 72,000, descended primarily from French settlers, Africans, Creoles, British sailors, and traders from India, China, and the Middle East. The official languages are English and French. Creole is spoken widely, although English is the main language of business.
The Seychelles are an independent presidential republic, and part of the British Commonwealth. They were granted independence from Britain in 1976 and have continued to enjoy major economic, social and political development.

During the 1960s, the Seychelles had two main political parties, the Seychelles People's Progressive Front (SPPF), and the Seychelles Democratic Party (SDP). The two parties formed a coalition government in 1975. Multiparty elections took place in 1992, with presidential elections being held later. In 1993, a new constitution was drafted and the government of the day implemented legislation designed to turn the country into an international business centre. Civil Law is based on the Napoleonic Code, while Corporate Legislation and Criminal Law are based on English Common Law.

The Seychelles is developing into a flourishing and internationally respected offshore business centre.