Background: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
Location: Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from northern Madagascar to northern Mozambique
Geographic coordinates: 12 50 S, 45 10 E
Coastline: 185.2 km
Area: 374 sq km
Climate: tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November)
Population: 170,879 (July 2002 est.)
Languages: Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French (official language) spoken by 35% of the population
Economy:Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural sector, including fishing and livestock rising. Mayotte is not self-sufficient and must import a large portion of its food requirements, mainly from France. The economy and future development of the island are heavily dependent on French financial assistance, an important supplement to GDP. Mayotte's remote location is an obstacle to the development of tourism.
Industries: newly created lobster and shrimp industry, construction
Conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Mayotte
Government type: NA
Capital: Mamoutzou
Administrative divisions: none
Independence: none
Legal system:French law
Religions:Muslim 97%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic)
