1 Introduction

Mayotte is a French overseas territory. The Mayotte department consists of two main islands located in the channel of Mozambique in the Indian ocean. The Island is off the coast of the Southeast Africa.

The Island comprises two main islands and a collection of many small islets. The bigger Island that has most of the Mayotte’s population is called Grand-Terre (or Maore), the smaller of the two islands is called Petite-Terre (or Pamanzi).

2 History

In the 15th century the land of Mayotte was invaded by the Arabs who converted the inhabitants to Islam and so the major population of the islands is Muslim. Then in the 16th century the French and Portuguese came to the area.

The Colonial control was officially taken over the lands by the French in 1843. Among the areas captured were also the Islands of Comoros archipelago and Madagascar.

The Comoros declared independence from the French in 1975, the area predominantly had a Muslim population. In 1975 UN also confirmed to the sovereignty of Comoros over Mayotte. African Union also came out in the favor of the Comoros’s claim to the island. Mayotte however chose to remain under the dependency of the France.

The population of Mayotte demanded an overseas department status from the France, which they were only granted in the early 21st century.

The referendum for the status change of the Mayotte was held in March 2009. The results came out in the favor with about 95% of the population wanting to the department of France status for Mayotte. The state was given the status in March 2011.

3 Politics

Mayotte has a deputy representing it in the French National Assembly and also has two senators in the French Senate. It is administered by an elected departmental council, appointed by the France. The law system is followed that of the France.

4 About Mayotte

4.1 Land

Mayotte has Volcanic ranges running from north to south chain. The mountains reach a peak

Height of 1600–2000 ft (500–600 m). The land is surrounded by Indian ocean, and the waters have a great biodiversity, with coral reefs, and rich in fish ecosystem. There are also evergreen lush rainforests on the islands.

4.2 climate

The climate of the island is warm and humid, due to the closeness from the sea. The rainfalls can occur up to 200 inches (5,000 mm) annually.

4.3 Economy

The main income in the Mayotte’s economy is generated through Agriculture. Fishing and livestock raising are the main occupations of the people of Mayotte. Mayotte in a poor country with 84% of its population living below the poverty line as of 2011, and much of its food is still imported from the Metropolitan France.

4.4 Population

The population of Mayotte is 288,926 according to the official estimates in the Jan 2021.

5 Tourist sites To visit in Mayotte

5.1 Mont Choungui (MOUNTAIN Choungui)

The Mountain is a site for Volcanic extrusion. It’s a nice destination for hiking. The Hike to the top of the mount gives a breathtaking view of the islands around. However, go for the hiking only in the dry season as the place becomes slippery in the rain and poses major hazard to the hikers.

5.2 Lac Dziani (Lake Dziani)

If you like being close to the nature, this is an exquisite place to go. It is located on the island of Petite-Terre. Since most of the population lives on the Grand-Terre Island, this will be a 30 minutes ride on a local ferry. A little hike to the top will take you to the wonderful view of the lake that is Turquoise-green and keeps changing color according to the weather.

5.3 Mayotte’s Lagoon

This place is heaven on earth. This is the first marine Park of the French overseas territory. There is a lot to do ad explore in this place. From diving to taking off in a micro light to enjoy the view of the beautiful ocean from the above. From sailing between the islands and sandbanks to swimming with the turtles. From going watching humpback sharks to swimming in sync with the dolphins you can have it all. The place is out of the world with breathtaking views and letting you experience the nature very closely.