Native name: Mahoré Nickname:Grande-Terre | |
|---|---|
 Map of Mayotte | |
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| Geography | |
| Location | Mozambique Channel |
| Coordinates | 12°50′S45°10′E / 12.833°S 45.167°E /-12.833; 45.167 |
| Archipelago | Comoro Islands |
| Area | 374 km2 (144 sq mi) |
| Length | 39 km (24.2 mi) |
| Width | 22 km (13.7 mi) |
| Coastline | 185.2 km (115.08 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 660 m (2170 ft) |
| Highest point | Benara |
| Administration | |
France | |
| Overseas Department | Mayotte |
| Largest settlement | Mamoudzou (pop. 57,281) |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 256,518 (2017) |
| Pop. density | 690/km2 (1790/sq mi) |
| Ethnic groups | Mahoran |
Mayotte is anisland of volcanic origin in the northernmostMozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from northernMadagascar to northernMozambique.Mayotte is part of theComoro Islands, and like them is the result of a formergeological hot spot, the oldest of the Comoros archipelago, formed about 7.7 mya.[1]Mayotte has an area of 374 square kilometres, and a coastline of length 185.2 km. Its maritime claims are anexclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a territorial sea of 12 nm.
The terrain of the island is undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks. The lowest point is the Indian Ocean, and the highest isBenara, at 660 m. TheBaie de Bouéni is a large bay in the south-west of the island. Geologically, it is located within theSomali Plate.
The climate of Mayotte is atropical, marine climate. Between November and May, there is a hot, humid and rainy season, during the northeasternmonsoon. At this time of the year, a hazard is posed bycyclones. Between May and November, there is a cooler, dry season.
