Geography of Mayotte

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Mayotte
Native name: Mahoré
Sobriquet: Grande-Terre
Mayotte topographic map-fr.svg
Map of Mayotte
Geography
LocationMayotte.svg
Location Mozambique Channel
Coordinates 12°50′S 45°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 mi)
Width 22 km (14 mi)
Coastline 185.2 km (115.1 mi)
Highest point Benara (660 m (2,200 ft))
Country
France
Overseas collectivity  Mayotte
Largest city Mamoudzou (pop. 53,022)
Demographics
Population 186,452 (as of 2007)
Density 498.53 /km2 (1,291.2 /sq mi)
Ethnic groups Mahoran

Mayotte is an island, in Africa, in the Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from northern Madagascar to northern Mozambique. Mayotte is part of the Comoro Islands.

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.

[edit] Terrain

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.

[edit] 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 Novermber, there is a cooler, dry season.

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 12°50′S 45°10′E / 12.833°S 45.167°E / -12.833; 45.167