Outer Islands, Island group in western Indian Ocean, Seychelles.
The Outer Islands comprise 73 coral formations scattered across five separate groups in the Indian Ocean. These islands span roughly 216 square kilometers, though most remain largely unpopulated except for a few scattered settlements.
The islands became an official administrative district of Seychelles after 2008, marking a shift in how they were governed. Following this change, the Islands Development Company launched the '1 hotel 1 island' program to manage tourism growth carefully.
The small population here uses the Creole name Zil Elwannyen Sesel, which reflects deep ties to the ocean. Daily life centers on fishing and welcoming visitors, with communities maintaining traditions shaped by life on isolated islands.
Most islands have minimal populations, with Coëtivy being the only sizable settlement. Access is primarily by boat, so plan for longer travel times and expect limited facilities on arrival.
These coral formations make up nearly half of all the land in Seychelles, yet fewer than one in a hundred Seychellois live here. This stark contrast shows how remote and undeveloped these territories remain despite their geographic importance.
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