Gross Domestic Product: 1992 estimate US$407 million, with growth rate of 4 percent, and inflation rate of 3.3 percent (1993 inflation rate 4 percent). 1992 per capita GDP of US$5,900. In 1980s socialist France Albert René government created many parastatals in early 1990s moving toward more liberal economy and privatization.

Labor Force: In 1991 government employed 38 percent of labor, parastatals employed 26 percent, and private sector 36 percent. Independent trade unions allowed since November 1993.

Tourism: Major source of economic activity, including tourism-related services provides 50 percent of GDP but imported food and materials for tourism cost 70 percent of tourism income. In 1993 more than 116,000 tourists, mainly from Europe, South Africa.

Agriculture: Only 400 hectares cultivable on islands. Some vegetables and fruit grown but most food, including rice, imported. Market for traditional crops, copra and cinnamon, has decreased tea grown for local consumption. Fishing (tuna and shrimp particularly) encouraged population eats eighty-five kilograms seafood per capita annually.

Industry: Very limited because of small market, lack of raw materials mostly food processing, handicrafts for tourists.

Exports: 1992 estimate US$47 million: canned and frozen fish, copra, cinnamon bark. Major markets Britain, France, Reunion.

Imports: 1992 estimate US$192 million major items: manufactured goods, food, petroleum products, transportation equipment and machinery. Major sources: Bahrain, South Africa, Britain, Singapore, and France.

Balance of Payments: Visible trade always in deficit, but tourism helps compensate excess of imports.

Currency and Exchange Rate: 1 Seychelles rupee (SRe) = 100 cents. August 1995 exchange rate US$1 = SRe4.25.

Fiscal Year: Calendar year.

Data as of August 1994