- Population:
- 327,000
- Religion:
- Islam
Mayotte was historically ruled by sultanates before becoming a French colony in the 19th century. It chose to remain part of France in referendums held in the 1970s and is now an overseas department. The economy relies on agriculture, fishing, and French government aid.
Mayotte is an overseas department and region of France located in the Indian Ocean, between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique. It consists of two main islands, Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre, along with several smaller islets. Covering a total area of approximately 374 square kilometers, Mayotte has a population of about 321,000 people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is Mamoudzou. The official language is French, with Shimaore and Kibushi also widely spoken. As an integral part of France, Mayotte is part of the European Union, and its currency is the euro. The economy relies heavily on French financial assistance, with agriculture, fishing, and tourism as notable sectors. Mayotte is known for its rich marine biodiversity, including one of the world's largest enclosed lagoons. The island faces challenges such as high unemployment and poverty rates. Mayotte is a member of international organizations such as the Indian Ocean Commission.