Seychelles is an island nation and archipelagic state located in the western Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. It comprises about 115–155 islands (depending on the source and the year) and spans a small land area, with Victoria as its capital. The country is notable for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, granitic inner islands, and a diverse Creole-influenced culture. Officially, Seychelles is a republic and, since gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1976, has developed a diversified economy that heavily relies on tourism, fisheries, and public services. It is recognized for having one of the highest per-capita GDPs and Human Development Index scores in Africa, reflecting strong development indicators relative to other African nations. The population is small, typically cited around 90,000 to 100,000 people, with most residents concentrated on the island of Mahé, where the capital Victoria is located. Official languages include Seychellois Creole, English, and French.