About Mayotte

Here we've distilled information and facts from various sources about the location, size, population, geography, transport, climate, economy, history, government, law, and so on, of Mayotte; into a view that makes sense for a traveller to, or within, this overseas collectivity.

Location

Southern Indian Ocean, island in the Mozambique Channel, about half way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique

Climate

Tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November)

Terrain

Generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks

Elevation

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mlima Benara 660 m

Geo Notes

Part of Comoro Archipelago (18 islands)

Approved Official Names

conventional long form: Department Collectivity of Mayotte
conventional short form: Mayotte

Capital City

name: Mamoudzou
geographic coordinates: 12 46 S, 45 13 E
time difference: UTC+3

Administrative Divisions

None (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Natuaral Hazards

Cyclones during rainy season

Environmental Issues

Life Expectancy

total population: 63.28 years
male: 60.99 years
female: 65.63 years (2010 est.)

Sex Ratio

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female
total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Legal System

The laws of France where applicable apply

Telephone System

general assessment: small system administered by French Department of Posts and Telecommunications
domestic: NA
international: country code - 262; microwave radio relay and HF radiotelephone communications to Comoros

Broadcast Media

The publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which operates in France's overseas departments and territories, broadcasts over the RFO Mayotte television and radio station (2008)

Size

total: 374 sq km
land: 374 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Population

231,139 (July 2010 est.)

Nationality

noun: Mahorais (singular and plural)
adjective: Mahoran

Ethnic Groups

Languages Spoken

Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French (official language) spoken by 35% of the population

Religions Practiced

Muslim 97%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic) 3%

HIV/AIDS Rate

Dependency Of

Departmental collectivity of France

Independence Date

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

National Holiday

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Government Type

Voting Rights

18 years of age; universal

Internet Hosts

1 (2010)

Internet Country Code

.yt

Background

Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other islands of the Comoros group in 1843. It was the only island in the archipelago that voted in 1974 to retain its link with France and forego independence. In March 2009, Mayotte voted overwhelmingly to become France's 101st department - and fifth overseas department - a change scheduled to become official in 2011.

Economy Overview

Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural sector, including fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is not self sufficient and must import a large portion of its food requirements, mainly from France. The economy and future development of the island are heavily dependent on French financial assistance, an important supplement to GDP. Mayotte's remote location is an obstacle to the development of tourism.

National Anthem

note: as an overseas collectivity of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)