Travel Guide Mayotte - Country Information

Coordinates: 12 50 S, 45 10 E
Population: 201,234 (July 2006 est.)
Religions: Muslim 97%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic)
Languages: Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French (official language) spoken by 35% of the population
Climate: tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November)
Elevation: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m / highest point: Benara 660 m
Hazards: cyclones during rainy season
Background Mayotte: 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.