Overview of Mayotte

Profile

Mayotte is a volcanic island group located at the southeastern tip of the Comoros archipelago, surrounded by rich lagoons and one of the world's finest enclosed coral reefs. In 2011, it became an overseas department equal in status to mainland France and is also an EU outermost region. With an extremely high population growth rate, most residents are Muslim. The economy is supported by agriculture, fishing, and aromatic crops, while marine tourism and EU-funded infrastructure have developed in recent years.

Official name: Department of Mayotte (French Overseas Department)
Common name: Mayotte
Numeric code: 175
Alpha-3 code: MYT
Alpha-2 code: YT
Population: Approximately 310,000 (2022)
Population density: Approximately 770 people/km²
Primary languages: French, Mahorian Comorian, Kibushi, Malagasy dialects
Major religions: Islam (Sunni), Christianity (Catholic and others)
National anthem: La Marseillaise (French National Anthem)
Calling code: +262
Internet TLD: .yt

History

After becoming a French territory in 1841, it diverged from the other independence-seeking islands and has repeatedly chosen to remain French through multiple referendums.

Purchased from a Sakalava sultan in the 19th century and colonized. In the mid-20th century, as independence movements grew in the Comoros Islands, Mayotte was the only island to oppose independence in the 1974 and 1976 referendums, choosing to remain French. It was upgraded to an overseas collectivity in 2001 and an overseas department in 2011, and was fully integrated into the EU in 2014. After years of debate, the administrative capital was officially consolidated in Mamoudzou in 2023.

Geography & climate

Characterized by one of the world's largest atoll lagoons and mangrove belts surrounding the ancient volcanic island. The interior features undulating hills and fertile red soil.

Tropical savanna climate (Aw)

Area: Africa (Indian Ocean) / 374 km²
Capital: Mamoudzou
Largest city: Mamoudzou
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Fertile volcanic soil, Coral reefs, Lagoon, Ylang-ylang flowers, Vanilla orchids, Tropical hardwoods, Mangrove forests, Abundant coastal fisheries, Underground freshwater lens, Tourism resources, Seagrass beds, Sea turtle nesting sites, Baobabs, Basalt, Potential tidal energy

Politics

Government: Overseas department and region of the French Republic (decentralized departmental council system)

Economy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

GDP (nominal): Approximately 3 billion Euro (2019)

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French, Mahorian Comorian, Kibushi, Malagasy dialects

Time zone: East Africa Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Mahorian (Comorian-Swahili mixed), Malagasy Sakalava, French Europeans, African mainland immigrants, Indian Gujarati merchants

Life expectancy

76.3 years

Literacy rate

89%

National sports

Soccer, Canoe racing, Sailing, Mrengue (traditional wrestling), Basketball