The island of Mayotte lies off the coast of southeastern Africa, between the much larger of Madagascar to the east and Mozambique. It is officially an overseas department of France. Mayotte forms part of the Comoro archipelago (island group), and the Comoros’ government also claims it as part of their nation. The main island, Grande-Terre (Maharé), is dominated by a huge dormant volcano, and has a hilly landscape cut through by deep ravines. A much smaller island, Petite-Terre (Pamanzi), lies off the east coast. Mayotte has a hot, tropical climate with a rainy monsoon season between November and May and cool, dry weather for the rest of the year. Locals know the island as “Maore”. 

People and economy

Mayotte’s native people are Comorians, known as “Mahorais”. Their ancestors are mainland Africans as well as Arab and Iranian traders who came to settle the islands in centuries past. Most people are Muslim. Even though Mayotte’s official language is French, it is not widely spoken. Instead, most people speak local languages such as Shimaore and Kibushi, a Malagasy language. 
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Around a third of Mayotte’s population is made up of immigrants who have moved here from neighbouring islands in search of work, or to claim French citizenship. Mayotte is much wealthier than the neighbouring Comoros, but there are not enough jobs for everyone and many still live in poverty. Comorians who have made the journey to Mayotte often live in shantytowns in poor conditions. Many are at risk of being sent back—Mayotte deports around 20,000 people each year.
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Traditionally, the Mayotte islanders have made a living from farming, growing bananas, mangoes and coconuts, as well as breadfruit and manioc. Tourism has also become an important source of income. But Mayotte is dependent on financial support from France.

Facts about Mayotte

Population 320,901 (2024 estimate)

Area 374 sq km (144 sq miles)

Highest point Benara, 660 m

Capital Mamoudzou, pop. 71,437

Languages Shimaore (a dialect of the Comorian language), French

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

Ethnicity Comorian 92%, Swahili 3%, French 2% Makua 1%, others 2%

Currency Euro (EUR)

Chief exports ylang-ylang (perfume essence), coconuts, copra, vanilla, cinnamon, coffee