Mundo's country rating is a freedom index where all the ratings are given by the expert team after considering all aspects of the country. Here, these ratings are given on the basis of how free a country is free from violence, personal attacks, taxation, government interference in businesses, socialism, and communism. Now that you are familiar with this unique rating system, head on to explore how well Seychelles, which is an Indian Ocean archipelago does!

Political Stability: 8 

Seychelles finally could breathe freely in 197s as it got independence from the British. Thankfully, from then, it's been following multi-party democracy by adopting a new constitution in 1993. The Seychelles Islands has an impressive economic growth, and guess what? It also has the highest per capita income in Africa! In addition, it is also one of those places with high political stability. 

Recently, in the 2020 October elections, the Anglican priest Wavel Ramkalawan won. Seychelles has one of the most peaceful presidential power transfers since between the parties, and this legacy has been passing through from one hand to another since 1976. The president has also managed to increase the parliament majority in the legislative elections through his Linyon Demokratik Seselwa liberal coalition. 

There is no shortage or miscommunication of information because the government provides enough facilities to the residents of the Islands such as media, radio, TV stations, daily newspapers, etc. The Seychelles Islands have also made significant progress in economic stability and fiscal sustainability. 

From 2009 to 2019, the country's economic growth has increased by an average rate of 4.2% annually. However, 2019 hit hard with the COVID-19 pandemic rampaging chaos and destruction which led to a shocking fall in the economic growth rate from 3.9% to -13.5%. Despite the skepticism and uncertainty,

the government of the Seychelles Islands expects significant growth in 2021 gradually from tourism and other capital flows. 

The Seychelles government has been spontaneous in collaborating and partnering and has planned several partnership frameworks with private sectors and other stakeholders to eradicate the economic challenges.

The Seychelles Islands drives income from the tourism industry by exhibiting its beautiful destinations. However, due to the pandemic, about 60% of the tourism capital has declined. The lower sections of the society have slumbered down into an even worse and dreadful state.

The government is proactively trying to support everyone in the best way possible to bring a balance in economic stability. Coming to political history, there was only one party called the "People's Party" between the years 1978 to 1991. 

Naturally, it has become the major party of the Seychelles Islands. However, there are few other active parties like the New Democratic Party, The Seychelles National Party, and Seychelles Movement For Politics. The most formidable character of this country is that it has no riots, wars, or any political assassinations. 

Though the country faces no major political riots, currently, it's suffering from economic instability and pirate attacks in the Indian Ocean. So, we give 8 for the political stability of the Seychelles Islands.

Personal Safety: 7 

The Seychelles Islands are safe and secure. Mostly, the islands aren't troublesome. However, there're also a few break-ins, thefts, burglaries, and often, residents, tourists, and traders end up as victims. Sometimes, the islands are prone to bag snatchings, car thefts, and mischievous acts. 

So, taking preventive measures while walking on the roads or resting on the Island is highly beneficial. It's especially recommended to avoid nighttime walks alone in dark streets or beach areas. Don't carry valuables while walking on the roads, staying in the hotels, guest houses. Additionally, avoid carrying them near beaches and other public places. The banks, tourist spots, beaches, parking areas, and footpaths are the target areas for snatchers and thefts. 

That is why it is important for you to walk in groups to safeguard your valuables. The security measures resemble the likes of the UK and other living places. Also, don't wear heavy jewelry or carry a handful of money in your pockets or bags. 

Even if you're carrying money in bags or wallets, keep an eye and be vigilant about the happenings in your surroundings. If you're worried about the security of your valuables, store them in hotel safe boxes or racks.

Recently, the coast of Somalia has been prone to numerous piracy attacks. It's been there in the Indian ocean for a long time, and there seems to be no end to it. Especially the fishing groups face many issues due to the piracy attacks.

So, it's better to take preventive measures when traveling via the waterways. However, the government doesn't allow people to enter high-risk areas. Yet, it is only smart to avoid carrying valuables when going on boat trips or availing local transportation.

The police have strict rules and rarely do you see any kidnappings or violent activities. Therefore, we give it seven because of robberies, snatchings, and other piracy activities. 

Lifestyle: 9 

The Seychelles Islands have a diverse culture with a blend of European, African, and Asian influences. Mostly, the African culture is reflected in the local music and dance. At the same time, one can enjoy the luscious Asian cuisines on the Island. The total population of the country is only 98,000. 

The small population, clean areas, and beaches make it a perfect place for residence and tourism. The Creoles, Seychelles Islands people, are polite, pleasant, friendly, and always smiling. If any of the Creoles welcomes you, you'll fall in love with their service and kind nature. 

If you're welcomed to any creoles home, take a small present as it's their tradition. One of the best features of the Seychelles islands is they grandly celebrate regional festivals. If you don't believe in spirits and magic, you may feel weird seeing a few acts. Most people are catholic and believe in magic and spirits. 

The soothing nature and relaxing islands increase the life expectancy. Do you know the average life expectancy of the Creoles is 72 years? Amazing, right? If you're looking for positivity, clean surroundings, and relaxed beaches, Seychelles is your best choice. Especially retired people love this place. 

The major islands of the Seychelles Islands are located 1800 km east of Mombasa and 1000 km northeast of Madagascar. According to the Islands Development Company's program, you can find at least one hotel on each Island. These hotels turn into residential homes with all kinds of facilities. 

The Island is also famous for water sports such as banana boat rides, parasailing, windsurfing, water skiing, night safaris, boat races, parties, and mouth-watering street cuisines. However, the Seychelles Islands can prove to be heavy on your rockets! That is why it's better to carry extra money for spectacular water sports and activities if you're on vacation. 

The best feature of the Seychelles Islands is that the permanent citizens can avail healthcare services for free. We give it 9 for lifestyle due to a high-budget lifestyle. 

Taxation: 9 

For offshore investments, the Seychelles Islands are a wise option as they have no tax. Yes, you heard it right! The Seychelles Islands imposes no tax on offshore businesses. Also, offshore businesses have no dividends, capital gains, property tax, interest, or inheritance. Therefore, it is unsurprising that the offshore industries are one of the significant contributors to economic growth. 

The Seychelle government has established the Seychelles International Business Authority or SIBA to encourage more and more offshore businesses. The SIBA promotes and supports international businesses. Also, it takes complete responsibility for the smooth functioning of the offshore businesses. 

In general, the Seychelles Tax Haven is motley focused on a few offshore activities such as investment fund management, offshore banking services, investment fund management, and many more. The offshore Seychelles businesses are an excellent option for novice entrepreneurs, investors, traders, and business people. 

One of the most common offshore businesses in the country is Seychelles IBC. However, these businesses have to pay an annual license fee for all their registered companies. The government restricts a few offshore businesses such as insurance, banking, securities business, and gambling. To start any of these mentioned businesses, you should take prior permission from the government. 

The tax-free legislation is one of the best features of the Seychelles Islands that anyone can avail of. The banking industries thrive in Seychelles. If you're worried about the pirates and other robberies, don't worry, high-end protection is assured from the government to the business owners, stakeholders, directors, and other employees. 

However, before starting the business, it's essential to understand all the rules or regulations of Seychelles along with its recent business taxation amendments. In a nutshell, Seychelles is business-friendly for offshore corporations. It provides a favorable environment, strong financial support, high-end security, and tax-free legislation. So, considering all these pointers, we give it 9 for taxation. 

Investment potential: 7

The ease of doing business in the Seychelles Islands is 62.41%. It has increased from way back to 2016 to 2019 by 1.01%. Also, political stability, well-regulated jurisdiction, and less taxation are the three significant benefits of doing business in the Seychelles Islands. 

The Seychelles government supports numerous investments and encourages multiple offshore business set-ups. Some of the country's best features include less renewal fee, incorporation fee, quick set-up process, and best business environment.

In addition, it's a safer and highly secured place as it's situated outside the cyclone belt. The country actively encourages investments and trading in several industries, from fishing to technology to finances. According to the World Investment Report of UNCTAD, it's seen that the FDI inflows in 2020 have reached $126 million from $120 million last year. 

However, due to the coronavirus crisis, global investments have decreased by 40%. In general, the government ensures sustainable investment policies and regulations that make the investor feel convenient and secure. 

The profitable industries for investors include tourism, construction, oil, and alternative energy sectors. At the same time, the limitations of the investments include a block-market economy, piracy, confined export opportunities, and huge dependence on tourism. We give it seven based on the risk factors, economic growth, and other market factors. 

Mundo's country rating for Seychelles Islands, therefore, accounts to 40/50.

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