a group of over 100 granitic and coral islands in theWIndian Ocean: under French control until 1794, when it came under British rule; became an independent republic in 1976: a member of the Commonwealth. Main island: Mahé. Languages: Creole, English, and French. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: rupee. Capital: Victoria. Pop: 94 737 (2017 est). Area: 455 sq km (176 sq miles)