Mayotte

East Africa · territory

Mayotte is a territory in East Africa, home to 330,000 people, with an area of 374 km². Its capital is Mamoudzou.

Capital: Mamoudzou
Population: 330,000
Area: 374 km²
Region: East Africa
Density: 882 / km²
Status: Dependency or territory

Mayotte · East Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Mayotte is known for

Mayotte is best known for Saziley National Park, Chissioua Boueni Marine Reserve and Mount Choungui.

Mayotte is a French overseas department and region located in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique and north of Madagascar. The archipelago consists of two main islands, Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre, and several smaller islets. Mayotte is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its coral reefs and lagoons, as well as its unique blend of African, Indian, and French cultures.

Mayotte at a glance

Language: French is the official language, but Mahorian, a Swahili dialect, is also widely spoken
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in Mayotte, with a significant Christian minority
National dish: Pilao, a rice dish made with chicken or beef, vegetables, and spices
Climate: Mayotte has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a hot and humid rainy season from November to April and a cooler, drier season from May to October
Main industries: Agriculture, including vanilla and ylang-ylang production; fishing; and tourism
GDP: $1.659 billion (nominal, 2018 estimate)
Development: Mayotte is considered a developing country and one of the poorest regions in France, with a high poverty rate and limited access to basic services

Things to do in Mayotte

Some of the main tourist attractions in Mayotte include:

Saziley National Park a nature reserve located on Grande-Terre island, known for its unique flora and fauna, including the Coelacanth, a rare and ancient fish.
Chissioua Boueni Marine Reserve a protected area surrounding Petite-Terre island, known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including sea turtles and dolphins.
Mount Choungui the highest point in Mayotte, offering scenic hiking trails and panoramic views of the island.
Plage de N'Gouja a beautiful beach on the southern coast of Grande-Terre island, known for its white sand and clear turquoise waters.
Tsingoni a historic town on Grande-Terre island, known for its colonial architecture and the Tsingoni Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the region.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Mayotte has to offer. The island is also known for its vibrant music and dance scene, with traditional Malagasy and African rhythms blending with French influences.