50 Facts About Mayotte

Location and Geography

Mayotte, a gem in the western Indian Ocean, boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this enchanting island.

1. Location: Mayotte is situated in the Mozambique Channel, about 295 kilometers west of Madagascar and 67 kilometers southeast of Anjouan.
2. Geography: The island is primarily volcanic, rising steeply from the ocean bed to a height of 660 meters on Mount Benara, the highest point.
3. Island Structure: Mayotte consists of two main islands, Grande-Terre (Maore) and Petite-Terre (Pamanzi), along with several smaller islets.
4. Capital City: Mamoudzou, located on Petite-Terre, serves as the administrative and economic hub of Mayotte.
5. Island Size: The total area of Mayotte is approximately 374 square kilometers, making it the smallest French overseas department after Martinique.

Population and Administration

Mayotte's population and administrative structure reflect its unique status as an overseas department of France.

6. Population: As of 2024, the estimated population of Mayotte is 326,700 people.
7. Head of Government: The prefect of Mayotte is François-Xavier Bieuville, and the president of the Departmental Council is Ben Issa Ousseni.
8. Head of State: The head of state for Mayotte is Emmanuel Macron, the President of France.
9. Official Language: French is the official language, but most people speak Comorian, closely allied to Swahili. Some villages use a Malagasy dialect.
10. Religion: The majority of the population is Sunni Muslim, with a Roman Catholic minority. There is no official religion in Mayotte.

Climate and Natural Features

Mayotte's tropical climate and lush vegetation make it a paradise for nature lovers.

11. Climate: Mayotte has a tropical climate, with a hot, humid, and rainy season from December to April, and a relatively cool, dry season from June to October.
12. Rainfall: The island experiences an average annual rainfall of 200 inches, with the wettest months being January and February.
13. Vegetation: The vegetation on Mayotte is lush and tropical, comprising evergreen forests. The island is home to over 1,300 species of plants, with half being endemic.
14. Natural Reserves: Approximately 15% of Mayotte is classified as natural reserve, although the primal forest now covers barely 5% of the island due to illegal deforestation.
15. Mammal Biodiversity: Mayotte shelters limited mammal biodiversity, with the only native species being flying foxes (Pteropus seychellensis comorensis).

Marine Life and Coral Reefs

The surrounding waters of Mayotte are teeming with marine life, protected by extensive coral reefs.

16. Reptiles and Insects: The island is home to 18 species of reptiles, 23 terrestrial molluscs, 116 butterflies, 38 dragonflies, 50 grasshoppers, and 150 beetles.
17. Coral Reef: A coral reef encircles much of the island, protecting ships and providing a habitat for fish. The reef is part of the largest barrier-reef-lagoon complex in the southwestern Indian Ocean.
18. Lagoon: The lagoon behind the reef is approximately 1,500 square kilometers in area and reaches a maximum depth of about 80 meters.
19. Coral Islets: The lagoon is dotted with about a hundred coral islets, such as Mtsamboro. These islets serve as a refuge for boats and oceanic fauna.
20. Sea Temperature: The sea temperature in Mayotte ranges from 26 °C in July-September to 29 °C in February-April, making it suitable for swimming year-round.

Geological History

Mayotte's volcanic origins have shaped its landscape and contributed to its fertile soil.

21. Geological History: Volcanic activity in Mayotte started about 7.7 million years ago in the south and ceased about 2.7 million years ago. In the north, activity began about 4.7 million years ago and lasted until about 1.4 million years ago.
22. Mount Benara: This volcanic mountain is 660 meters high and is located on the curving ridge between two volcanic centers.
23. Volcanic Centers: There are two volcanic centers on Mayotte: one in the south (Pic Chongui, 594 meters) and one in the north (Mont M'Tsapéré, 572 meters).
24. Ash Bands: The most recent age reported for an ash band is 7,000 years before present (BP).
25. Volcanic Soil: The volcanic activity that created the islands makes the soil particularly fertile, supporting lush vegetation.

Cultural and Historical Background

Mayotte's rich cultural heritage is a blend of European, African, and Arabic influences.

26. Communality: The principal population centers are the communes of Mamoudzou, Koungou, and Dzaoudzi. A slight majority of the population is rural, while slightly less than half live in urban areas.
27. Population Distribution: More than two-fifths of the population is under the age of 15, and only about one-eighth is 45 or older.
28. Economic Hub: Mamoudzou is the economic capital of Mayotte and houses the departmental council and the prefecture.
29. Administrative Changes: Dzaoudzi was the capital of Mayotte until 1977, when the capital was relocated to Mamoudzou on Grande-Terre.
30. Cultural Influence: Mayotte is a place where European, African, and Arabic influences fuse under the umbrella of French administration.

Language and Religion

The linguistic and religious landscape of Mayotte is as diverse as its cultural heritage.

31. Language Diversity: Besides French, Comorian and Malagasy dialects are also spoken on the island.
32. Cultural Practices: The people of Mayotte are predominantly Sunni Muslim, with a strong influence of French culture. There is a Roman Catholic minority.
33. Historical Background: Mayotte was part of the colonial Comoros and was a French protectorate from 1843 to 1912. It became an overseas department of France in 2011.
34. Economic Status: Mayotte is the poorest territory in both France and the European Union.
35. Tourism: The best time to visit Mayotte for a beach holiday is from June to October, when the temperature is pleasantly warm, the sun frequently shines, and the rains are rare.

Natural Wonders and Wildlife

Mayotte's natural wonders and wildlife make it a haven for eco-tourism enthusiasts.

36. Tropical Cyclones: Mayotte is located in the path of tropical cyclones, which can affect the islands from November to mid-May, with a greater chance from late December to mid-April.
37. Sunshine Hours: The sunniest period is the dry winter period, with 8/8.5 hours of sunshine per day. During the dry period, some brief thunderstorms are still possible, especially on Grande-Terre.
38. Unique Geological Features: Mayotte has some unusual geological features known as the “Dirty Islands” or “Isles aux Sables” to the northeast of the main island. These small islets are made of sand and ancient coral and are continually shaped and reshaped by the sea.
39. Bird-Watching: The “Dirty Islands” create a stunning visual contrast with the clear blue waters surrounding them and offer perfect spots for bird-watching and nature photography.
40. Ephemeral Nature: The “Dirty Islands” are not always above water; at high tide, they can completely disappear, only to emerge again later.

Ecological Importance

Mayotte's unique ecology and biodiversity are crucial for conservation efforts.

41. Ecological Importance: The unique ecology of the “Dirty Islands” includes a variety of bird species, making them an important area for biodiversity and a must-visit for eco-tourism enthusiasts.
42. Plant Diversity: Mayotte is home to over 1,300 species of plants, with half being endemic. This makes the island one of the richest in plant diversity in the world compared to its size.
43. Natural Reserves: Approximately 15% of Mayotte is classified as natural reserve, although the primal forest now covers barely 5% of the island due to illegal deforestation.
44. Mammal Biodiversity: Despite its rich plant life, Mayotte shelters limited mammal biodiversity, with the only native species being flying foxes (Pteropus seychellensis comorensis).
45. Reptile and Insect Diversity: The island is home to 18 species of reptiles, 23 terrestrial molluscs, 116 butterflies, 38 dragonflies, 50 grasshoppers, and 150 beetles.

Marine Conservation

Mayotte's coral reefs and marine life are vital for the island's ecosystem and economy.

46. Coral Reef Protection: The coral reef encircling much of the island protects ships and provides a habitat for fish. The reef is part of the largest barrier-reef-lagoon complex in the southwestern Indian Ocean.
47. Lagoon Depth: The lagoon behind the reef reaches a maximum depth of about 80 meters and is approximately 1,500 square kilometers in area.
48. Geological Activity: Volcanic activity in Mayotte started about 7.7 million years ago in the south and ceased about 2.7 million years ago. In the north, activity began about 4.7 million years ago and lasted until about 1.4 million years ago.
49. Mount Benara: This volcanic mountain is 660 meters high and is located on the curving ridge between two volcanic centers.
50. Volcanic Centers: There are two volcanic centers on Mayotte: one in the south (Pic Chongui, 594 meters) and one in the north (Mont M'Tsapéré, 572 meters).

Mayotte: A Unique Blend of Nature and Culture

Mayotte, a French overseas department, offers a fascinating mix of volcanic landscapes, lush vegetation, and rich cultural heritage. With its tropical climate, stunning coral reefs, and diverse wildlife, the island is a paradise for nature lovers. The population is predominantly Sunni Muslim, with French as the official language, though Comorian and Malagasy dialects are also widely spoken. Despite being the poorest territory in France and the EU, Mayotte's natural beauty and cultural richness make it a unique destination. From the highest point on Mount Benara to the vibrant markets of Mamoudzou, Mayotte is a place where tradition meets modernity. Whether you're interested in bird-watching on the "Dirty Islands" or exploring the largest barrier-reef-lagoon complex in the southwestern Indian Ocean, Mayotte offers something for everyone.