29 June 1976 — Seychelles Gains Independence From Britain

The islands of the Seychelles were claimed by France in 1756 although sailors had known about them since the early 16th century. The Seychelles were lost and regained several times by France throughout the Napoleonic wars, but ultimately ended up under British rule, becoming a British Crown Colony in 1903. Independence was achieved in 1976, but was followed soon after by a coup and a one-party socialist state. Democratic elections were held once again in 1995.

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