Note to our readers: Background Notes are no longer being updated or produced. They are being replaced with Fact Sheets focusing on U.S. relations with countries and other areas and providing links to additional resources. For archived versions of Background Notes, visit http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/.
More information about Seychelles is available on the Seychelles Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-SEYCHELLES RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Seychelles in 1976, following its independence from the United Kingdom. The United States and Seychelles share a strong history of partnership and cooperation based on shared priorities. In the Western Indian Ocean region, the two countries work to fight piracy and terrorism, strengthen economies, and promote maritime security.
Seychelles tourism- and fishing-based economy is directly affected by piracy in the region. The country has entered into multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding with various international partners, including the United States, to protect its territory and economy. The U.S. Air Force operates unarmed remotely-piloted aircraft from Seychelles to support ongoing regional counter-terrorism and counter-piracy efforts.
U.S. Assistance to Seychelles
U.S. foreign assistance to Seychelles focuses on maritime security, including providing training and equipment to Seychelles coast guard and law enforcement.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The United States and Seychelles have a small amount of bilateral trade. Seychelles is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
Seychelles Membership in International Organizations
Seychelles and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank. Seychelles also is an observer to the World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Seychelles is resident in Mauritius. There currently is no U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius; the U.S. Charge d'Affaires is Troy Fitrell. Other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Seychelles has no embassy in Washington, DC, but has a permanent representative to the United Nations in New York who also is accredited as ambassador to the United States.
More information about Seychelles is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Seychelles Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Seychelles Page
U.S. Embassy: Mauritius (Virtual Presence Post - Seychelles)
USAID Africa Page
History of U.S. Relations With Seychelles
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information
