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Mayotte flag

Mayotte

Capital:Mamoutzou
Population:231,139
Currency:Euro (EUR)
Language:Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French (official language) spoken by 35% of the population
Saltmaking

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Mayotte.

Mayotte Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Mayotte is a French overseas department and region located in the Indian Ocean, situated between Madagascar and the northern coast of Mozambique. Its cultural identity is a rich and layered blend of African, Arab, and French influences, shaped by centuries of trade, migration, and colonial history. The majority of the population is of Mahorais origin, a people closely related to the Comorian ethnic groups of the surrounding archipelago. Islam is the dominant religion, practiced by roughly 97 percent of the population, and it plays a central role in daily life, community organization, and social customs. Mosques are prominent features of most villages, and Islamic observances such as Ramadan and Eid are widely celebrated. Religious instruction in Arabic is common alongside formal French-language schooling. The official language is French, which is used in government, education, and formal business. However, Shimaore, a Bantu language closely related to Comorian, serves as the most widely spoken mother tongue. Kibushi, a language with Malagasy roots, is also spoken by a significant portion of the population, particularly in the south and northwest of the island. Traditional Mahorais society is largely matrilineal, meaning that property, lineage, and social identity are often traced through the mother's side. This matrilineal structure distinguishes Mahorais culture from many other Muslim-majority societies and has historically given women important roles in land ownership and community decision-making, though gender dynamics continue to evolve. Traditional dress reflects the island's Islamic heritage. Women commonly wear the salouva, a brightly colored wraparound garment, and many apply msindzano, a paste made from ground coral and sandalwood, to their faces as both a cosmetic and sun-protective treatment. This practice is considered a distinctive cultural hallmark of the island. Music, dance, and oral storytelling remain important cultural expressions. The twarab, a style of music with Arab and Swahili influences, is popular at celebrations and social gatherings. Weddings, in particular, are elaborate multi-day affairs that showcase traditional music, dance, and communal feasting.

Saltmaking

Perfumed Islands of the Indian Ocean

Saltmaking - Boiling the salt solution to extract the salt

Holidays

  • Bastille Day

    7/14

    Other

Dates of Interest

  • July 14th

What do people wear in Mayotte?

Traditional dress reflects the island's Islamic heritage, with women commonly wearing brightly colored wraparound garments.

Do

  • Recognize the salouva, a brightly colored wraparound garment worn by women

Good to know

  • Many women apply msindzano, a paste of ground coral and sandalwood, to their faces as a cosmetic and sun-protective treatment—a distinctive cultural hallmark

How is family and society structured in Mayotte?

Traditional Mahorais society is largely matrilineal, so property, lineage, and social identity are often traced through the mother's side.

Good to know

  • This matrilineal structure has historically given women important roles in land ownership and community decision-making
  • Gender dynamics continue to evolve

What music and celebrations are important in Mayotte?

Music, dance, and oral storytelling are important cultural expressions, with twarab music popular at celebrations and gatherings.

Good to know

  • Twarab is a style of music with Arab and Swahili influences
  • Weddings are elaborate multi-day affairs featuring traditional music, dance, and communal feasting

What should I know before visiting Mayotte?

Mayotte is a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean with a cultural identity blending African, Arab, and French influences, and Islam is practiced by roughly 97 percent of the population.

Good to know

  • French is the official language used in government, education, and formal business
  • Shimaore, a Bantu language, is the most widely spoken mother tongue
  • Kibushi, with Malagasy roots, is spoken particularly in the south and northwest
  • Islam plays a central role in daily life; observances like Ramadan and Eid are widely celebrated

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Mayotte

Travel and Tourism

Currency
euro (EUR)
Climate
tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November)
Airports
1
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History

Historical Eras

  1. Early Settlement

    800 – 1500

    Arab and Swahili traders established settlements on Mayotte, integrating the island into Indian Ocean trade networks. The population adopted Islam, which became the dominant faith and cultural foundation. Local sultanates began to form, shaping the island's political and social structure for centuries to come.

  2. Sultanate Era

    1500 – 1841

    Mayotte was ruled by a succession of local sultans who competed and negotiated with neighboring Comorian islands and coastal African powers. The island's strategic position in the Mozambique Channel made it a point of interest for Portuguese, Omani, and later French navigators. Internal rivalries among sultans eventually made the island vulnerable to foreign acquisition.

  3. French Acquisition

    1841 – 1946

    In 1841, Sultan Andriantsouly sold Mayotte to France, and formal cession followed in 1843, making it France's first foothold in the Comoros archipelago. The island served as a colonial administrative base and was grouped administratively with the broader Comoros territory. French plantation agriculture and administrative structures gradually transformed the island's economy and governance.

  4. Comoros Territory

    1946 – 1974

    Mayotte became part of the French overseas territory of the Comoros following the postwar reorganization of French colonial possessions. Pressure for independence grew across the archipelago during the 1960s and early 1970s, aligned with broader African decolonization movements. Mayotte's population, however, developed a distinct pro-French political identity that set it apart from the other islands.

  5. Territorial Collectivity

    1974 – 2011

    In the 1974 referendum on Comorian independence, Mayotte uniquely voted to remain tied to France, a position reaffirmed in a 1976 follow-up vote. The island held the ambiguous status of a French territorial collectivity for decades, navigating tensions with the newly independent Comoros and a growing influx of undocumented migrants from the archipelago. A 2009 referendum saw 95.2% of voters approve full departmental status.

  6. French Department

    2011 – present

    Mayotte became France's 101st département in 2011, bringing full integration into French legal, administrative, and social frameworks. Islamic personal law, polygamy, and customary practices were phased out in alignment with French civil law. The island continues to face significant demographic pressures, with large-scale irregular migration from the Comoros driving ongoing social and political challenges.

Overview

Mayotte is a French island in the Indian Ocean off East Africa between Madagascar and Mozambique. It was formerly part of France’s Comoros Islands territory. When Comoros voted for independence in the 1970’s, Mayotte decided to remain a French "collective". In March 2009, the islands voted overwhelmingly (95.2%) to become France’s 101st ’departement’ effective in 2011. The island is 95% Muslim and many Muslim customs such as polygamy, Islamic-inspired law, and male dominance are commonplace...although all will be reversed in accordance with French law by 2011. A large amount of the island’s population is composed of illegal aliens from neighboring Comoros. Despite the island’s French ownership, less than half of the population understands French and very few speak French fluently.Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other islands of the Comoros group in 1843. It was the only island in the archipelago that voted in 1974 to retain its link with France and forego independence.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1841

    Sultan Sakalva Andriantsouly sold the island of Mayotte to the French.

    Sultan Sakalva Andriantsouly sold the island of Mayotte to the French. Having established a foothold in Mayotte, the French sought to gain control of the other three islands.

  2. 1843

    Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other Comoros.

    Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other Comoros.

  3. 1974

    Mayotte, votes to stay with France.

    Three of the islands making up the Comoros vote for independence, but a fourth island, Mayotte, votes to stay with France.

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Interesting Facts

  • Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other islands of the Comoros group in 1843

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Geography and Environment

Terrain
generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks
Climate
tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November)
Natural Hazards
cyclones during rainy season
Current Environmental Issues
NA
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French (official language) spoken by 35% of the population

  • French

Population

Population
231,139
Nationality Noun
Mahorais (singular and plural)
Ethnic Groups
NA

Education

Literacy Definition
NA
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Mayotte
Full Country Name
Territorial Collectivity of Mayotte

Government Structure

Government Type
NA
Legal System
French law
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON of France (since 14 May 2017), represented by Prefect Thierry SUQUET (since 2023) head of government: President of the Departmental Council Ben ISSA OUSSENI (since 2021) cabinet: NA elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; president of the Departmental Council elected by the members of the Departmental Council; Mayotte became France's 101st department in 2011, replacing the former General Council structure with a Departmental Council
Legislative Branch
unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms) elections: last held 21 and 28 March 2004 (next to be held in 2007) election results: percent of vote by party - MDM 23.3%, UMP 22.8%, PS 10.2%, MRC 8.9%, FRAP 6.5%, MPM 1.2%; seats by party - MDM 6, UMP 9, MRC 2, MPM 1, diverse left 1 note: Mayotte elects one member of the French Senate; elections last held 24 September 2001 (next to be held September 2007); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; Mayotte also elects one member to the French National Assembly; elections last held 16 June 2002 (next to be held in 2007); results - percent of vote by party - UMP-RPR 55.08%, UDF 44.92%; seats by party - UMP-RPR 1
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Independence
none (territorial collectivity of France)
National Holiday
Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Capital City

Capital Name
Mamoutzou
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Economy

Mayotte's economy remains heavily dependent on France, which provides substantial financial assistance that is essential to the island's GDP and development. While agriculture, including fishing and livestock raising, has traditionally formed the backbone of economic activity, the sector now accounts for only a small share of GDP, with the services sector—particularly public administration—dominating the economy. Since becoming France's 101st department in 2011 and an outermost region of the European Union in 2014, Mayotte has benefited from increased public investment, though it remains the poorest department in France, with high unemployment and significant income inequality. The island is not self-sufficient and imports the majority of its food and consumer goods, primarily from mainland France. Mayotte's remote location in the Indian Ocean, combined with limited infrastructure, continues to constrain the development of tourism and private enterprise. Rapid population growth, driven in part by immigration from neighboring Comoros, places additional pressure on public services and the labor market.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Euro (EUR)

Banknotes

Mayotte Money - Front
Mayotte Money - Front
Mayotte Money - Back
Mayotte Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$73,000,000 (USD)
Economic Aid
$107,700,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Industries
newly created lobster and shrimp industry, construction
Agriculture Products
vanilla, ylang-ylang (perfume essence), coffee, copra
Export Commodities
ylang-ylang (perfume essence), vanilla, copra, coconuts, coffee, cinnamon
Export Partners
France 80%, Comoros 15%, Reunion
Import Commodities
food, machinery and equipment, transportation equipment, metals, chemicals
Import Partners
France 66%, Africa 14%, Southeast Asia 11%

Energy

Oil Production
0 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
0 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
0 cu m

Communications

Internet Country Code
.yt

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Climate Overview

tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Mayotte?
The population of Mayotte is approximately 231,139.
What do people wear in Mayotte?
Traditional dress reflects the island's Islamic heritage, with women commonly wearing brightly colored wraparound garments. Do: Recognize the salouva, a brightly colored wraparound garment worn by women Many women apply msindzano, a paste of ground coral and sandalwood, to their faces as a cosmetic and sun-protective treatment—a distinctive cultural hallmark
How is family and society structured in Mayotte?
Traditional Mahorais society is largely matrilineal, so property, lineage, and social identity are often traced through the mother's side. This matrilineal structure has historically given women important roles in land ownership and community decision-making Gender dynamics continue to evolve
What music and celebrations are important in Mayotte?
Music, dance, and oral storytelling are important cultural expressions, with twarab music popular at celebrations and gatherings. Twarab is a style of music with Arab and Swahili influences Weddings are elaborate multi-day affairs featuring traditional music, dance, and communal feasting
What should I know before visiting Mayotte?
Mayotte is a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean with a cultural identity blending African, Arab, and French influences, and Islam is practiced by roughly 97 percent of the population. French is the official language used in government, education, and formal business Shimaore, a Bantu language, is the most widely spoken mother tongue Kibushi, with Malagasy roots, is spoken particularly in the south and northwest Islam plays a central role in daily life; observances like Ramadan and Eid are widely celebrated
What is the capital of Mayotte?
Mamoutzou is the capital and largest city of Mayotte, situated on the eastern coast of Grande-Terre, the larger of the island's two main landmasses. It serves as the administrative, commercial, and political center of the French overseas department. The city overlooks a natural harbor and faces the smaller island of Petite-Terre, where the prefecture and many government offices are located.
Where is Mayotte located?
Mayotte is an island territory situated in the Indian Ocean, in the Mozambique Channel between the eastern coast of Africa and the northern tip of Madagascar. It is part of the Comoros archipelago geographically, though it is administered as an overseas department and region of France. The island lies roughly 1,500 kilometers east of Mozambique and about 70 kilometers from the nearest Comorian islands.
What are the ocean borders of Mayotte?
As an island territory, Mayotte has no land borders; it is entirely surrounded by the Indian Ocean, more specifically within the Mozambique Channel. Its maritime neighbors include the independent nation of the Comoros to the northwest and Madagascar to the southeast. The island is encircled by one of the largest lagoons in the world, protected by a barrier coral reef that spans much of its coastline.
What religion is practiced in Mayotte?
Islam is overwhelmingly the dominant religion in Mayotte, practiced by approximately 97 percent of the population. The remaining 3 percent follow other faiths, largely reflecting the presence of French nationals and recent immigrants. Islam has been deeply embedded in Mahorais society for centuries, shaping daily life, local customs, architecture, and community organization across both Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre.
What currency does Mayotte use?
Mayotte uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency, in common with metropolitan France and most of the European Union. The Euro replaced earlier monetary arrangements following Mayotte's full integration into France as an overseas department in 2011. Because Mayotte is an EU outermost region, standard European banking, payment systems, and consumer price frameworks apply, though the cost of living remains notably higher than in metropolitan France.
What language is spoken in Mayotte?
French is the sole official language of Mayotte, though it is spoken fluently by only about 35 percent of the population. The most widely used everyday language is Mahorian, a local dialect of Swahili that reflects the island's deep ties to the broader Swahili-speaking world of the East African coast and the Comoros. Comorian dialects and Malagasy are also spoken by significant immigrant communities.
What is the geography of Mayotte like?
Mayotte consists of two main volcanic islands, Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre, along with several smaller islets. The terrain is rugged and hilly, with dense tropical vegetation covering much of the interior, particularly on Grande-Terre. The island is renowned for its vast turquoise lagoon, enclosed by a barrier reef extending roughly 160 kilometers, which is among the largest coral lagoons in the world and supports exceptional marine biodiversity.
What is Mayotte known for?
Mayotte is best known for its extraordinary barrier reef lagoon, one of the largest and most biodiverse in the world, which makes it a notable destination for diving and snorkeling. The island is also recognized for its unique political status as the only island of the Comoros archipelago that chose to remain French, a distinction dating to a 1974 referendum. Local culture is shaped by Mahorian traditions including the sakouli drum dance, elaborate wedding ceremonies, and the widespread use of msindzano, a traditional face paste made from coral and plants worn by women and children.

Last reviewed 2026

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