Trivia in Mayotte

Learn fascinating facts and trivia about this country

Africa / Indian Ocean Islands

National symbols

Flag: Unofficial flag featuring a blue field with white island silhouette and yellow star (official flag is the French tricolor)

Mayotte Flag

Emblem: Coat of arms supported by two seahorses with the motto 'RA HACHIRI'

Mayotte Emblem

Trivia & facts

  • Has one of the world's largest atoll lagoons, with nearly the entire island surrounded by an enclosed bay
  • Over 95% of the island is volcanic in origin, but the last eruption was about 400,000 years ago
  • In Mahorian, Mayotte is called 'Mahoré'
  • The euro was introduced 7 years later than mainland France, in 2002
  • Road signs are French-style, but village name signs increasingly include Mahorian alongside French
  • The endemic 'Mayotte White-eye' equivalent to a national bird is endangered due to forest loss
  • The 'Passe en S' S-shaped channel that appears only at high tide is a world-renowned diving spot
  • During weddings, women traditionally apply natural sandalwood paste to their faces
  • About 35% of electricity relies on diesel generation; renewable energy transition is a challenge
  • Vehicle license plates ending in '976' indicate the department number within France

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