According to eningbo, in 2012, the Republic of Seychelles was an archipelago nation located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. With a population of approximately 90,000 people, the country is largely composed of descendants from African and French settlers. The official language is English, although French and Creole are also widely spoken. The economy is heavily dependent on tourism and fishing, with an estimated GDP of $1.2 billion in 2012. Seychelles has been independent since 1976 when it gained independence from Britain after more than a century under colonial rule. The government is a presidential republic led by President James Michel who was elected in 2004 and re-elected in 2011. During his tenure he has implemented significant reforms such as reducing poverty rates and improving infrastructure throughout the country. In 2012, Seychelles was an attractive destination for tourists due to its renowned beaches which offer plenty of activities such as snorkeling, diving and sailing. Additionally, there are several national parks throughout the country which provide visitors with opportunities to explore nature and spot wildlife such as giant tortoises and various bird species. For those looking for something more spiritual, Seychelles is home to many sacred sites such as Sainte Anne Island which serves as a pilgrimage destination for Catholics around the world every year during Lent season. Overall, Seychelles was an inspiring destination in 2012 with its mix of modernity and tradition offering visitors a unique cultural experience unlike any other in the region at that time In 2015, Seychelles was an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa and was home to an estimated population of around 100,000 people. The official languages of the country were English and French, and it had a semi-presidential system of government with James Michel as its president. The economy of Seychelles was largely based on services and tourism, which accounted for around 80 percent of its GDP. The culture of Seychelles had been heavily influenced by its colonial past under British rule with many Christian holidays being celebrated throughout the year. Traditional cuisine consisted mainly of fish dishes such as grilled red snapper or octopus curry. In addition to its diverse cultural attractions, Seychelles had become well-known for its beautiful scenery including white sandy beaches and coral reefs as well as its numerous historical monuments such as churches or forts. It also served as an important hub for international trade due to its strategic location near the Africa-Europe shipping lane. In 2015, Seychelles had achieved relative economic stability due to increased foreign investment in sectors such as agriculture or infrastructure development which helped spur further economic growth in the country. As a result it attracted many visitors throughout the year who contributed significantly to its economy through tourism activities such as wildlife safaris or beach holidays. Check computerannals for Seychelles in 2003.