(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/54034000/gif/_54034530_seychelles.gif)
After an ominous, post-independence start which saw them lurch from a coup, through an invasion by mercenaries to an abortive army mutiny and several coup attempts, the Seychelles have attained stability and prosperity.
• Full name: The Republic of Seychelles
• Population: 87,300 (UN, 2009)
• Capital: Victoria
• Area: 455 sq km (176 sq miles)
• Major languages: English, French, Creole
• Major religion: Christianity
• Life expectancy: n/a
• Monetary unit: 1 Seychelles rupee = 100 cents
• Main exports: Fish, cinnamon bark, copra, petroleum products (re-exports)
• GNI per capita: US $8,480 (World Bank, 2009)
• Internet domain: .sc
• International dialling code: +248
Citizens of the Indian Ocean archipelago enjoy a high per capita income, good health care and education.
But just a year after independence in 1976, the Seychelles appeared to be heading down the path of instability which has plagued many African states.
The prime minister, France Albert Rene, overthrew the president, James Mancham, and embarked on a programme aimed at giving poorer people a greater share of the country's wealth.
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14093816)