Geography of Mayotte

Mayotte is an island of volcanic origin in the northernmost Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from northern Madagascar to northern Mozambique. Mayotte is part of the Comoro Islands, and like them is the result of a former 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 an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a territorial sea of 12 nm.

Mayotte
Native name:
Mahoré
Nickname: Grande-Terre
Map of Mayotte
Geography
LocationMozambique Channel
Coordinates12°50′S 45°10′E
ArchipelagoComoro Islands
Area374 km2 (144 sq mi)
Length39 km (24.2 mi)
Width22 km (13.7 mi)
Coastline185.2 km (115.08 mi)
Highest elevation660 m (2170 ft)
Highest pointBenara
Administration
France
Overseas DepartmentMayotte
Largest settlementMamoudzou (pop. 57,281)
Demographics
Population256,518 (2017)
Pop. density690/km2 (1790/sq mi)
Ethnic groupsMahoran

Terrain

Enlargeable, detailed map of Mayotte

The terrain of the island is undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks. The lowest point is the Indian Ocean, and the highest is Benara, at 660 m. The Baie de Bouéni is a large bay in the south-west of the island. Geologically, it is located within the Somali plate.

Climate

The climate of Mayotte is a tropical, marine climate. Between November and May, there is a hot, humid and rainy season, during the northeastern monsoon. At this time of the year, a hazard is posed by cyclones. Between May and November, there is a cooler, dry season.

See also

Notes

  1. Thomas Schlüter, Martin H. Trauth, Geological Atlas of Africa, s.v. "The Comoros", 2008:74.

Wikimedia Atlas of Mayotte

12°50′S 45°10′E

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