Mayotte

Mayotte is a territory in the Africa card group. French overseas department; claimed by Comoros.

Find Mayotte

● Administrative center · Gold highlights this card’s area.
Map: Natural Earth. Boundaries show geographic context, not a position on sovereignty. Small islands may use enlarged markers.

At a glance

Administrative center: Mamoudzou
Languages: French
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Population: 323,1531 January 2026 · INSEE census
Area: 374 km²144 square miles
Status: French overseas department; claimed by Comoros.

Mayotte in context

Africa and its surrounding islands. The dot marks Mamoudzou; the mapped territory is highlighted in gold.

Natural Earth · locator map

Geography & languages

Physical geography

Volcanic islands in the northern Mozambique Channel, surrounded by a large lagoon and coral reefs.

Languages

Languages used in public life include French.

Location

Volcanic islands in the northern Mozambique Channel, surrounded by a large lagoon and coral reefs.

Flag

The French tricolor is the official national flag: vertical bands of blue, white and red.

Sources: French Ministry for Overseas Territories · INSEE · 2026 census

History & status

Mayotte came under French control in 1841. In votes during the decolonization of the Comoros, Mayotte favored retaining its links with France. It became a French department in 2011; Comoros continues to claim the island.

1841
France acquires Mayotte
1974–1976
Votes support continued links with France
2011
Mayotte becomes a French department

Sources: French Ministry for Overseas Territories · INSEE · 2026 census

Economy

Main activities

Public services, commerce and construction are important activities. Farming and fishing support livelihoods. The economy depends heavily on imports and transfers, while rapid population growth and cyclone damage place pressure on housing and infrastructure.

Sources: French Ministry for Overseas Territories · INSEE · 2026 census

Population

323,153 · 1 January 2026 · INSEE census

Sources: French Ministry for Overseas Territories · INSEE · 2026 census

Government

French overseas department exercising departmental and regional powers. A locally elected council manages local responsibilities, and a prefect represents the French state.

Sources: French Ministry for Overseas Territories · INSEE · 2026 census

Knowledge check

Three questions about Mayotte.

QUESTION 1 OF 3

Which currency is listed for Mayotte?

Sources & notes

Sources: French Ministry for Overseas Territories · INSEE · 2026 census

Prepared 24 September 2026. World Bank series: SP.POP.TOTL (persons) and NY.GDP.MKTP.KD (constant 2015 US dollars); downloaded 24 September 2026, provider update 13 July 2026. UNDP values use the 2025 report and 2023 observation year. These are dated statistical snapshots, not live population or economic counters.

Maps use Natural Earth geographic data. Background geography, flag descriptions and selected historical facts use archived public-domain CIA World Factbook profiles, supplemented by the sources linked above. The Factbook is no longer updated; dated statistics here come from the separately named providers.