Overview of Mayotte

Overview

Mayotte and the Comoros form an archipelago made up of four main islands and numerous islets located in the Mozambique Channel, east of Madagascar. Since 1978, Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Mohéli have formed the Union of the Comoros, while Mayotte (Mahore) has held the status of a French department since 2011, with the additional status of French outermost region integrated into the European Union since January 1, 2014.

Mayotte, like the rest of the archipelago, is volcanic in origin and has rugged terrain. The predominantly Muslim population consists mainly of native Mahorais and a mix of Arabs, Malagasy people, as well as a significant French community from mainland France or originating from Réunion. Around 70% of Mahorais are under 25 years old, and more than one in three inhabitants is in an irregular situation, which increasingly creates tensions on the island.

Mayotte consists of two main islands: Grande-Terre (363 km²) and Petite-Terre (11 km²), along with a few scattered islets. Beyond support from mainland France, Mayotte’s main resources come from a small agricultural sector, fishing, and livestock farming, though one in two jobs is in the service sector.

Key Facts

• Location: in the Indian Ocean, between Madagascar and the Comoros.

• Latitude/longitude: 12.48 S, 45.09 E.

• Local time: Heure : 2380

• Prefecture: Mamoudzou.

• Administrative nature: French department (976).

• Official and spoken language(s): While French is the official language, Shimaore (a Swahili dialect) and, to a lesser extent, Shibushi (a Malagasy dialect) are widely spoken.

• Currency: Euro.

• Population: 212,645 inhabitants (2012).

• Area: 376 km², including 363 km² for Grande-Terre and 11 km² for Petite-Terre.

• Density: 566 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Mount Bénara (660 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 185 km.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

This small piece of France between Madagascar and the Comoros lies off the beaten tourist track, though it offers some undeniable attractions and guaranteed cultural immersion—despite insufficient infrastructure and persistent crime issues.

Just over 50,000 people visit Mayotte each year (52,400 in 2013), with over 90% being French nationals from mainland France (52.5%) or Réunion (40%). Their visits are generally tied to professional activities on the island (20% of cases) or to visiting friends or family living there (55%), resulting in relatively long stays of 2 to 3 weeks for many.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner or slightly experienced travelers.

• By air: Paris - Mayotte round trip for 800 € to 1,150 €.

• Entry requirements: ID card or passport.

• Backpacker daily budget: 35 € to 50 € per person.

• Accommodation: guesthouses or homestays.

• Getting around: bush taxis or scooters.

• Risks: relatively low health risks, but medium to high security risks.

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices: from May to October (slightly less so in July-August).

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★; Adventure ⊘; Culture ★★; Relaxation/Holidays ★

Useful Addresses

Mayotte Departmental Tourism Committee:

• Mainland France: 33 av. de l'Opéra, 75002 Paris. Tel.: +33 1 55 03 03 03.

• Réunion: 5 rue Amiral Lacaze, 97400 Saint-Denis. Tel.: +262 262 56 62 90.

Socio-Economic Statistics

• Average monthly income:

• Inflation: +1.3% (2013)

• "Official" unemployment: 27% (2011)

• Population below the poverty line:

• Life expectancy: 77 years (2011)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants:

• Population growth: +4% (2012)

• Literacy rate:

• Urban population:

Sources: Insee and others