Land, People, Economy, and Government

Mahé and the other principal islands (Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette, and Curieuse) are granitic; there are also around 50 coralline islands. The population is mainly of mixed Asian, African, and European descent; most of the inhabitants are Roman Catholic and speak a creole language, although English and French are the official languages. Fish, cinnamon, copra, and vanilla are exported. Tourism has expanded rapidly since the 1970s, and in the 1990s it became the nation's most important industry. Fishing (especially tuna) is the second leading economic activity, and there is some light manufacturing. The government is headed by a president, who is elected for a five-year term and is aided by a council of ministers. There is a 34-member legislative assembly. The country is divided into 23 administrative districts.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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