The Seychelles Archipelago occupies 400,000 sq km (150,000 sq miles)
          of the Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar and contains 115 islands
          and islets. These fall into two groups of markedly different appearance,
          stemming from their distinct geologies:
Granitic: A dense cluster of 42 islands, the only mid-ocean group in
          the world with a granite rock formation. Their lush green vegetation
          is tropical in character, with a profusion of coconut palms, bananas,
          mangoes, yams, breadfruit and other tropical fruit. Indigenous forest
          exists on the higher slopes, where cinnamon and tea are planted. All,
          including the second largest, Praslin, are less than 65km (40 miles)
          from Mahé.
Coralline: Isolated coral outcrops speckling a vast area of the Indian
          Ocean to the southwest of the granitic group. They rise only a few feet
          above sea level but are covered with rich and dense vegetation due to
          fertilisation by copious amounts of guano. There is no permanent population.
          Aldabra, the largest atoll in the world, contains one third of all Seychellois
          land and is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.
       The largest island in either group is Mahé, lying 4°S of
          the equator. It is 27km (17 miles) long by 8km (5 miles) wide and contains
          Victoria, the capital and main port, and 90% of the population. Mahé
          is typical of the Granitic Islands, being mountainous and covered with
          jungle vegetation. Its highest point, indeed the highest point in the
          Seychelles, is Morne Seychellois (905m/2970ft).
The isolated nature of the Seychelles has given rise to the evolution
          of many unique species of flora and fauna, including the coco-de-mer
          palm and unique varieties of orchid, giant tortoise, gecko, chameleon
          and 'flying fox' (fruitbat). National parks and reserves have been set
          up to protect this heritage. The Seychellois are descended from a mixture
          of French and British landowners, freed African slaves and a small number
          of Indian and Chinese immigrants, creating a unique culture."