Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the sovereignty of the Seychelles using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of the sovereignty of the Seychelles.

Political sovereignty — 78.6

Seychelles participates in more than 160 international and regional organizations: the United Nations, the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, the WTO, the African Development Bank, ALL, the International Monetary Fund, WHO, IMF, WIPO, IORA, COMESA and others. The country undertakes to comply with the requirements of international agreements on fisheries, financial services, ecology and anti-money laundering; the priority remains with the national constitution, but a significant package of norms was introduced under pressure from FATF, OECD and other organizations.

In recent years, the Seychelles has demonstrated political stability, the democratic succession of power remains, there are no protests and no major internal conflicts. The Government Efficiency Index (WGI) is 70.75% (2023, World Bank); it ranks 36-37 in the world and third in Africa, reflecting a fairly high quality of governance by African standards.

EGDI (2024) — 0.6773; Seychelles ranks third in Africa, among the top 100 in the world, rapid growth has been observed since 2020 due to digital reforms and online services. According to available opinion polls and publications, the level of trust in national leaders (the president and the government) is consistently high, the opposition is integrated into the political process, scandals and regime crises are not noted.

There are no foreign military bases on the territory, and economic agreements are concluded exclusively for training and technical support with India, the EU, and the United States. The country participates in a number of international courts — the International Maritime Tribunal, the International Criminal Court, and regularly decides on territorial, commercial, and environmental claims through the relevant authorities.

Political power is concentrated at the level of the central government, but the autonomy of municipalities is developing (for example, separately elected local governments, budgetary independence). The security services are monitored by Parliament and ministries, and annual state reports and audits are practiced; complaints about non-transparent activities in the media are rare, although civilian oversight is still developing.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 88%.

Economic sovereignty — 69.2

Estimated for the end of 2024-2025: GDP per capita (PPP) is 29,200-33,200 USD, forecast by TradingEconomics and the World Bank is about 30,265 USD in 2025; this is one of the highest rates in Africa. For July-August 2025, international foreign exchange reserves amount to USD 853-872 million; in addition, information from the central bank shows a steady replenishment of reserves over the past 2 years.

For 2025, the national debt is in the range of 59-61% of GDP (according to TradingEconomics, Statista and Eulerpool), with a downward trend after the peak in 2020. Seychelles imports more than 80% of food and basic necessities; the island ecosystem is limited in agricultural opportunities, but food security is supported by sustainable logistics and supplies. Energy independence is extremely low — almost all fuel and most of the electricity are imported; the country is developing small solar and hydropower projects, but the share of domestic production remains limited.

The main minerals are construction materials; there are no proven mineral or energy resources, no oil and gas deposits, and all raw materials are imported. There is a shortage of fresh water on the islands during the dry season; supplies are provided through reservoirs, desalination plants and the modernization of old water supply systems.

The National Settlement Center is fully under the control of the Central Bank of Seychelles; there are its own interbank payment systems in SCR, as well as integration with international platforms. Domestically, most payments are made in Seychelles Rupees (SCR); foreign trade is dominated by USD and EUR, especially for tourism and imports.

The issuing center is the Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS); credit policy and monetary regulation are conducted independently without external management, inflation and exchange rate are supported by market and administrative tools.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 87%

Technological sovereignty — 48.4

Research and development expenditures (public and private) are about 0.19–0.22% of GDP (2024, UN, World Bank, WIPO), which is significantly lower than the global average (~1%). The country does not have a systematic import substitution policy in the high-tech sector; the share of local production of machinery, software, components and IT solutions is minimal. Coverage of higher education (tertiary enrollment) is 14.03% (2023, World Bank), which is twice lower than the global average.

Internet penetration in 2024 is 86.7% of the population; by 2025 it is projected to reach 95.5% (Statista, DataReportal), and the volume of Internet traffic has increased more than 2.5 times in 4 years, indicating widespread digital engagement.

National electronic platforms for public services (e-Gov, Tax Portal, business registration, educational services) are operating, they are managed under the supervision of ministries, and some modules are created in cooperation with foreign companies.

Seychelles is completely dependent on the import of equipment, software, IT solutions, component base, including mobile phones, servers, storage systems and infrastructure; there is no own high-tech production.

Seychelles ranks 3rd in Africa by EGDI; more than 40 digital government services (records, taxes, licenses, health insurance, education) have been introduced; electronic interaction services for businesses and the public are being improved. The biotechnology sector is extremely small; there are individual initiatives only in the agro- and food industries, the bulk of the technology is imported.

There are no scientific or commercial robotics projects; there are minor start-ups and educational experiments, and the industry is not developed. There is no complete dependence on external suppliers, there is no national production of chips, microelectronics and digital components; purchases are carried out under international contracts.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 89% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 64.7

In 2024, an assessment of the readiness of the national CIRT/CERT was carried out, the country is in the III-IV level (not top-1, but above the majority of the region); according to the ITU index, it ranks 3rd in Africa and 78th in the world (84.7 points out of 100). Since 2015, the national InternetThe Sey-IXP exchange node, supported by the government and the African Union, increases the stability of local traffic, reduces dependence on external highways and allows you to develop your own digital content.

Media outlets broadcast in Seychelles Creole (the main SBC radio and TV program), French and English; the share of Creole in state news and radio/TV — above 50%; main publications: Seychelles Nation, SBC, radio channels. The country depends on global platforms (Google, Facebook, Microsoft); government services are hosted both in local centers and on international clouds, and resistance to BigTech is low.

National TV channels and radio stations produce about 50-60% of media content (news, talk shows, social projects), while foreign films and programs make up the remaining share. Limited software development is underway in the public services sector and small B2B platforms, there is no commercial software export, and the share of proprietary products is small.

The coverage of digital public services and online platforms is one of the leading in Africa; EGDI is above 0.67, Internet coverage is more than 86% of the population, and social networks account for 62.4% of the population.

Officially, the national data center is localized on government servers; some government data is hosted on foreign clouds (AWS, Microsoft), and the national infrastructure is developing. The largest operators — Cable & Wireless Seychelles, Airtel, Intelvision — belong to the national private shareholders with partial foreign ownership, highways and licenses are under state control, standards and equipment are imported.

The Data Protection Law has been in force since 2019, complies with the basic EU and GDPR standards; there is a national regulator, the Data Protection Commissioner, and a strict data storage and processing regime.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 90%.

Cultural sovereignty — 72.8

There are 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Seychelles: the Aldabra Atoll and the Valle de Mae Nature Reserve on Praslin Island. Both were included in the list in 1982 and 1983, respectively. The contribution of the Seychelles is the preservation of unique natural ecosystems, the popularization of Creole culture, the promotion of traditions of protecting coastal areas and holding major cultural festivals of the Indian Ocean.

Since 2015, the Seychelles Arts Awards have been awarded, a national award in 5 main categories (fine arts, theater, literature, media, traditional crafts, etc.), in addition to special prizes for contributions to culture and lifetime achievement.

The country is an example of a unique fusion of African, French and Indian cultures, 90% of the population speaks Seychelles Creole, English and French are also officially recognized; traditions include festivals, music, dancing, Catholic and Hindu holidays, family and fishing rituals.

The State supports cultural centers, language and craft schools for all communities (Creoles, Indians, Arabs, Chinese); there is a program for the preservation of languages and traditions, and cultural associations are funded.

For 2024 — there are more than 15 official museums, 2 UNESCO sites, ecoparks, cultural centers and historical monuments of Victoria and Praslin. Seychelles is a regular participant in Indian Ocean festivals, the International Day of Creole Culture, UNESCO-Marine Heritage projects, as well as major exhibitions on the conservation of marine ecology and biocultural exchange.

There is a law on intangible heritage, national brands (“Seychelles Creole cuisine”, moutia music, crafts, calligraphy) are protected by law and promoted internationally, and initiatives are underway to legally protect traditional ethnic products and crafts.

The cuisine is Creole with strong African, Indian, French, and Chinese influences; dishes based on fish, seafood, spices, tortillas, curry, and coconut; the variety of restaurants reflects a multicultural society.

38-52% of the population participates in national festivals, visits museums, cultural events or clubs. Engagement is growing, with special attention being paid to youth and the Creole heritage program.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 86%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 68.1

In 2023, the HDI is 0.848; 67th place in the world, “very high level of human development”, the best result on the African continent. The share of education spending is 4.45—4.74% of GDP (2023-2024, World Bank, WIPO, TradingEconomics), consistently higher than the African average and close to the OECD countries. Adult literacy is 96-96.9% (2020-2024); the highest rate in Africa.

The country does not participate in PISA; internal examinations are used for external assessment, as well as some international comparative tests and comparisons within South Africa and the Commonwealth. According to the Ministry of Education, about 18% of university and college graduates specialize in STEM fields (programming, natural and technical sciences, IT).

At least 25% of all programs at universities and colleges are implemented with the participation of foreign universities (Great Britain, France, India); additionally, there are distance master's degree programs, international certificates and semester exchanges.

The official languages are Creole, English, and French; all three must be taught to preserve cultural diversity. The State supports projects to preserve the small cultural traditions of African, Indian, Arab, and European communities. 3 government centers (Institute of Biological Sciences, Oceanographic and Environmental Center, medical Research Institute), as well as a number of laboratories at universities.

The main national online platforms (creation and management are under the control of the Ministry of Education), 65-70% of digital courses are based on their own solutions, the rest are based on foreign LMS/EdTech. The government annually allocates about 400-600 grants for training, awards for the best students, funding for young experts and targeted internships; coverage is 6-8% of young people aged 18-25, there are specialized STEM programs and incubators.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 84%.

Military sovereignty — 32.6

Defense spending in 2024-2025 is about 1.1–1.2% of GDP, which corresponds to the standard of small developing island States. The contingent of the Seychelles armed forces is approximately 650 people (Seychelles People's Defense Forces, including special units of the coast Guard and police).

The weapons include light small arms, Indian and Chinese—made patrol boats, separate armored vehicles, patrol aircraft/helicopters supplied by India and the EU; there are no modern tanks or heavy equipment. There is no own production of military equipment; 100% of weapons, equipment and ammunition are imported (mainly from India, the EU, and China).

All sea and air borders are fully controlled by the Seychelles Coast Guard and the Maritime Police; an important component is joint anti-piracy and anti-drug operations in cooperation with India and the United States.

There is no official military reserve, and the mobilization resource is minimal (single volunteer units, possible rapid conscription from among the police and coast Guard personnel). The Seychelles is officially outside the military blocs, all decisions are made at the national level; they actively cooperate with India, France, the EU and the USA on security issues, but are not part of collective defense alliances.

There is no military industry, there is no military-industrial complex — all procurement, maintenance and repair of equipment are carried out by foreign contractors or under specialized contracts. There are no nuclear weapons, the country is an active signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and a proponent of the “nuclear-weapon-free zone of Africa" policy.

There are no military space programs, satellites, or their own strategic intelligence system; limited intelligence is carried out by police and coast guard forces, and intelligence is exchanged with Indian Ocean allies.

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and UN/NGO industry databases - 85% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Ecological and cultural uniqueness: 2 UNESCO world-class sites (Aldabra, Valle de Me), leading role in biodiversity conservation, support for small nations. High development index: The HDI is 0.848, the best indicator for Africa, with high literacy rates (96-97%) and government spending on education (4.7% of GDP).

Democracy and transparency: stable political institutions, annual transparent audit, high level of public confidence in the government, effective parliamentary control over security services and borders.

Advanced digitalization: 3rd place in EGDI in Africa, high Internet penetration (87%), more than 40 types of digital public services, a national data center and its own IXP. Involvement in culture and education: festivals, national awards, high percentage of participation in cultural and social events, active promotion of traditions, support for the diaspora and creative staff.

Weaknesses. Import dependence: lack of own strategic resources, raw materials, fuel, technologies, equipment and military assets — the vast majority of critical areas depend on imports.

Technological vulnerability: extremely low R&D costs (0.19%), weak high-tech autonomy, lack of in-house production of IT, chips, robotics, and biotechnologies. Limited human and scientific capital: low enrollment in higher education (14%), low proportion of STEM graduates and research centers, lack of PISA programs and global scientific laboratories.

Defense and strategic vulnerability: small army (~650 people), completely imported weapons, no military reserve, military industry, intelligence or space programs, outside the defense blocs. A weak structured industry of prohibited zones (nuclear/no defense): there are no nuclear weapons, there is no space, and intelligence is limited by ties with external partners.

Overall assessment. The cumulative sovereignty index of the Seychelles is 434.4 out of 700 possible points (average — 62.1%), which places the country in the top 100 in the world top. The Seychelles is an example of a unique balance between cultural and environmental sustainability, modern digitalization and effective institutions against the background of critical dependence on the outside world for technology, resources and defense. The strengths are diversity, stability, transparency and quality of life.

There is vulnerability in strategic, technological and scientific areas; limited depth of the domestic market and high-tech environment. Seychelles demonstrates outstanding strengths in human development, environmental stability, multiculturalism, digitalization, and governance quality, but faces pronounced weaknesses in strategic autonomy, technological independence, resource provision, and depth of scientific/industrial potential.

The sovereignty profile indicates that Seychelles demonstrates high institutional, social and cultural autonomy, transparency of governance and quality of life. However, strategic, resource, and technological independence depends on external support and imports, and its own defense, scientific, and industrial capabilities remain limited due to the island and small-scale structure of the state.

The Seychelles sovereignty profile reflects the island model: a high level of institutional, cultural and social independence, with pronounced external economic and technological dependence.