Mayotte Country Report
Mayotte is an overseas department and region of France located in the Indian Ocean. It is geographically part of the Comoros Islands. Mayotte’s relative wealth, due to its relationship with Paris and its relative stability compared to the rest of the Comoros, has encouraged widespread illegal immigration from other Comoros and the island’s limited infrastructure and other resources. In response, thousands are fired every year.
This situation exacerbates the underlying dissatisfaction with the high cost of living in Mayotte, which relies on expensive imports for most of its needs. Unemployment is high, especially among large numbers of young people, social discontent over rising fuel and food prices has turned into violent protests and riots, and crime rates are rising. Unions also staged a devastating general strike to equalize working conditions and wages with mainland France. Given Mayotte’s limited growth prospects, social unrest over the economic situation is expected to continue in the short to medium term and could affect the stability of the island if no action is taken.
Last updated: August 23, 2023
Security
Mayotte’s status as a French overseas territory has caused tension with Comoros, which has a historic claim to the island, but a conflict over the dispute is unlikely. In recent years, due to the deterioration of socio-economic conditions, the increase in drug use among local youth, and the presence of street gangs, the crime rate has increased significantly. However, violent crime is relatively low, leaving travelers more prone to petty theft such as pickpocketing and pickpocketing. In recent years, civil unrest and labor unrest have increased in Mayotte due to the rising cost of living. These protests were sometimes violent and disrupted land travel and ferry services.
Last updated: April 29, 2022
Infrastructure
Land travel in Mayotte can be dangerous due to local road conditions and driving standards on the island. Many of Mayotte’s main roads are paved, but many are poorly maintained and have large potholes. Some side roads may be unpaved and narrow.
The telecommunication infrastructure in the area is sufficient and mobile network coverage is good in most parts of the island. However, Mayotte’s electricity infrastructure is aging and suffers from sporadic blackouts due to supply disruptions.
Last updated: April 29, 2022
Environment
Mayotte has a tropical climate, with a hot and humid rainy season from November to April and a cooler, drier, sunny season from May to October. These islands are prone to storms during the rainy season, and some of these storms cause significant damage, especially in coastal areas.
Last updated: April 21, 2023
Health and Medical
Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue are present in Mayotte and local outbreaks occur regularly. Medical facilities within the territory are limited and serious cases or injuries may require medical evacuation to a country with more advanced medical care. Due to the relatively small size of the territory and the need to import drugs, the availability of some prescription drugs may be limited. Prolonged industrial action and riots may affect resources and limit access to common over-the-counter medicines.
Last updated: September 14, 2022
Political
Politics in Mayotte takes place within the framework of the French overseas departments. The head of government is the president of France, who is represented by regional governors. Although the region has largely avoided the history of coups and administrative crises that have affected neighboring Comoros, rising security and social unrest due to high living costs and limited growth prospects have made it difficult for authorities to address.
Mayotte follows French law and the judiciary is considered largely free of political interference. The island’s police force is generally effective and works closely with its counterparts in mainland France. High levels of criminal activity have stretched Mayotte’s police force to the limit, but police reinforcements have been dispatched from France during a period of prolonged unrest.
Last updated: March 25, 2022
