| Flag | |
| Quick Facts | |
| Capital | Mamoudzou |
| Government | territorial collectivity of France |
| Currency | euro (EUR) |
| Area | 374 sq km |
| Population | 201,234 (July 2006 est.) |
| Language | Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French (official language) spoken by 35% of the population |
| Religion | Muslim 97%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic) |
| Calling Code | +262 |
| Internet TLD | .yt |
| Time Zone | UTC +3 |
Mayotte is an island in the Indian Ocean off East Africa between Madagascar and Mozambique. It was formerly part of the Comoros islands (and is currently claimed by them).
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.
Tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November).
Generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks.
Planes fly daily between Réunion and Dzaoudzi, the airport/military base in Mayotte. For a return flight from Paris to Mayotte, expect to cash out at least €800.
Kenya Airways announced flights from Nairobi to Mayotte (via Comoros) http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143958919 in November 2006. This is an extension of their Paris-Nairobi flights.
The primary port is Dzaoudzi.
The easiest way to get around Mayotte is with bush taxis ("taxi brousse") who will take you around the island for a few euros.
French is the official language and is spoken by roughly 35% of the population. More commonly-spoken is Mahorian, a dialect of Swahili.
Currency is the Euro (€). Local stuff (bananas, manioc, fish) is inexpensive, imported items (dairy products, manufactured products) are expensive.
Voluntary service: Volontariat Civil à l'Aide Technique (VCAT). [1] Conditions: you must be French or from another EU-member state or a country belonging to the European Economic Area. You must be over 18 and under 28 years old (inclusive). You must not have had your civic rights revoked by a court or have been convicted of certain offences.
Cyclones can occur during rainy season.
Mayotte is a malaria-infested zone. Consult your physician for anti-malaria medecine, and pile on mosquito repellent.
90% of the population is Muslim, following a very tolerant Islam. Say hello to people you will cross while hiking, always smile, and you will be respected.
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