Hakual

Hakual is a small island situated in the western Indian Ocean, approximately 30 kilometres south of the Seychelles archipelago. The island spans an area of roughly 0.7 square kilometres and features a narrow stretch of white sandy beaches backed by modest limestone cliffs. Its coordinates are 4° 10′ S latitude and 55° 00′ E longitude. The island's topography is mostly flat, with a maximum elevation of 25 metres above sea level. Due to its isolated position, Hakual has no permanent freshwater sources and relies on rainwater harvesting for domestic use.

The population of Hakual has historically been very small, with records in the early twentieth century indicating a seasonal community of fishermen and their families. More recent censuses report a population of fewer than fifty residents, many of whom are engaged in artisanal fishing and small-scale agriculture of coconut palms and root crops. The community speaks a local dialect of Seychellois Creole, though many inhabitants are bilingual in English and French due to the broader linguistic environment of the region.

Economically, the island sustains itself through the export of coconuts and a modest tourism niche that caters to eco‑tourism seekers interested in untouched coastal environments. There is also a small marine conservation station operated by a regional environmental organization, which monitors coral reef health in the surrounding waters. Politically, Hakual falls under the jurisdiction of the Seychelles’ Boe-Antipodes district and is represented in the national assembly through that district’s elected delegates. The island’s infrastructure is limited; a basic community hall serves as the primary gathering place, and transportation to the mainland is typically by boat during daylight hours. Overall, Hakual remains a sparsely populated, environmentally sensitive location that embodies the ecological and cultural characteristics of the western Indian Ocean region.