Mahé, measuring 28km long by 8km wide, is the largest island, cultural
and economic hub of the Inner Islands and gateway to Seychelles. With a backdrop
of towering 1000m granite peaks it is home to the International Airport and
the nation’s capital, Victoria.
The island is home to almost 90% of the total population (or approximately
72,200 people) reflecting Seychelles' diverse ethnicity and descent from African,
Indian, Chinese and European populations and is the seat of government and the
chief centre of commerce.
A leisurely tour of the island by car will take 2 to 2 1/2 hours and reveal
the lion’s share of Seychelles’ accommodation facilities, places
of cultural interest and other attractions.
Mahé is the transportation hub for island-hops and day excursions to
neighbouring islands and all other islands within Seychelles. All scheduled
domestic flights by Air Seychelles originate from Mahé to the serviced
islands.
History and Culture
First visited by the British in 1609, Mahé was not visited again until
Lazare Picault's expedition of 1742 when the gradual process of settling the
island began, first by the French whose direct influence continued until 1814
and then as a British colony until Seychelles gained independence in 1976.
The physical administration of Mahé as Seychelles' principal island
as well as its cultural orientation has been greatly influenced by French and
British customs, traditions cuisine and architectural styles. This process has
been further enriched by the steady influx of foreign people, particularly those
of Chinese and Indian descent, who together form the basis of today's vibrant
and multi-cultural society.
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