The largest of the 115 islands making up the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean is Mahé. With about 24,000 inhabitants, this island is the home to 33% of the total population of the Seychelles. Although the Seychelles were first discovered by the British, Europeans did not come here till mid 18th century. The French initially colonized it, before being taken over by the British. It was only in 1976 that Seychelles acquired independence and became the Republic of Seychelles.
The island of Mahé runs 17 miles longitudinal and about three miles latitudinal, making it a very small island. It is also home to the capital of Seychelles, Victoria, named after the British Queen. Morne Seychellois is the highest point of Seychelles, at Mahé. Tuna fish is the primary catch here; it is canned and exported in bulk. Housing development is very poor in Mahé, which has only recently taken up major restoration. The island is home to various indigenous flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world, some of which are even becoming extinct, such as the jellyfish tree.
