Victoria, the capital city of Seychelles, is celebrating its 240th anniversary this year. |11 June 2018

According to research, the area that would become Victoria was originally settled in 1778 by French colonists after they claimed the island in 1756.

But it was not until after the Treaty of Paris of 1814 was signed that the British formally established Victoria and gave it its modern name.

Situated on the north-eastern side of the main island, Mahé, Victoria was first established as the seat of the British colonial government.

Victoria is one of the smallest capitals in the world and is therefore the touristic, economic and cultural centre of Seychelles.

Banners as the one in the photo have been erected in different places in Victoria to remind people that the city is 240 years old. Happy Anniversary!