Statistical bulletin published on March 1, 2024

According to the latest statistical bulletin released on March 1, 2024, by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Seychelles’ population stood at 120,581 as of December 31, 2023, marking a 0.9% increase from the previous year. This figure encompasses both Seychellois and non-Seychellois residents.

Specifically, the Seychellois population reached an estimated 100,602 by the end of 2023, reflecting a rise of 685 individuals, equivalent to an annual growth rate of 0.7% compared to 2022. In 2023, there were 1,553 recorded births, a slight decrease from the 1,569 births reported in the previous year. The crude birth rate, which measures births per thousand population at midyear, stood at 13.0 in 2023, a marginal decline from 13.1 in 2022.

Regarding birth characteristics, 17% of births occurred within marriage, 69% were recognized, and 14% were natural. Notably, the proportion of legitimate births dropped from 19% in 2022 to 17% in 2023, while natural births decreased from 15% to 14%, and recognized births increased from 66% to 69%. A concerning trend emerged with a notable increase in the number of girls under 15 giving birth, rising from 3 in 2022 to 15 in 2023. Similarly, there was an uptick in births within the 15-19 age group, with 176 recorded in 2023 compared to 164 in the previous year.

The total fertility rate (TFR) remained unchanged at 2.0 in 2023, indicating the anticipated number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, consistent with the rate observed in 2022. Additionally, there were 879 recorded deaths, including 24 infant deaths, resulting in an infant mortality rate of 15.5 per thousand live births, a slight increase from 15.3 in 2022. Life expectancy for both sexes stood at 74.7 years in 2023.

In terms of marital events, 1,636 marriages were registered, with 23% involving residents, while 220 divorces were recorded. The next demographic bulletin is scheduled for release at the end of August 2024.