Which Indian Ocean country of islands has its own continental shelf?

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Seychelles is an Indian Ocean archipelago that is unique because it possesses its own continental shelf, which is the submerged part of the continent that extends around the islands. The Seychelles is situated northeast of Madagascar and consists of 115 islands, known for their lush biodiversity and distinct granite and coral formations.

The continental shelf surrounding Seychelles is significant because it supports a diverse array of marine life, as well as natural resources that can be utilized for fishing and economic development. In contrast, while the Maldives and Comoros also consist of islands, they do not possess a continental shelf that is as expansive or uniquely defined as that of Seychelles. Madagascar, although a large landmass with a vast region of ocean surrounding it, is classified as a continent rather than an island country, thus influencing the nature of its continental shelf differently compared to purely island nations.