Mayotte

The National Flag of Mayotte 🇾🇹

The national flag of Mayotte consists of a white field with the Mayotte coat of arms in the center, flanked by two seahorses. The coat of arms features a red shield with a white crescent and a yellow flower. Below the shield is the motto “RA HACHIRI,” and above it, the name “MAYOTTE.” The flag is a symbol of Mayotte’s heritage, culture, and ties to France, as it remains an overseas department of France.

Mayotte Flag Clip Art Images, Background, and Wallpapers

Free Download of the Mayotte Flag Image

To download an image of the Mayotte flag, right-click on the image and select “Save image as…” on a desktop or laptop. On a mobile device, press and hold on the image, then select “Download image” or “Save image” from the options that appear.

For Apple (iPhone/iPad):

• Press and hold the image.
• A menu will appear; tap “Add to Photos” or “Save Image.”

For Android:

• Press and hold the image.
• From the menu that appears, choose “Download image” or “Save image.”

This will save the image to your device’s photo gallery or downloads folder.

Design and Colors of the Mayotte Flag

The Mayotte flag features a distinct design that includes the following elements:

• White Field: The white background represents peace and unity.
• Coat of Arms: The coat of arms consists of a red shield with a white crescent and a yellow flower, symbolizing the island’s connection to France and its cultural heritage.
• Seahorses: Flanking the shield, two seahorses reflect Mayotte’s marine environment and its reliance on the sea.
• Motto: The words “RA HACHIRI” at the bottom of the coat of arms highlight the local language and cultural identity of Mayotte.

The Origins and Design of the Mayotte Flag

The flag of Mayotte reflects the island’s status as an overseas department of France and its unique cultural identity. The flag’s elements have been chosen to represent Mayotte’s geographical, cultural, and political ties. It prominently displays the coat of arms adopted by the island, incorporating both traditional symbols and French influence.

The Birth of a National Symbol

While the flag itself is not officially recognized as a national flag separate from the French tricolor, it is widely used locally and embodies the spirit and identity of Mayotte. The design highlights the island’s commitment to its heritage and its connection to France.

Evolution of the Flag’s Symbolism

The symbolism of the Mayotte flag has evolved to represent the island’s identity and values:

• White Field: Symbolizes peace and unity among the diverse communities on the island.
• Coat of Arms: A blend of local and French symbols that capture the essence of Mayotte’s unique position.

The Central Design Elements

The central design elements of the Mayotte flag include the coat of arms and the seahorses:

• Coat of Arms: Represents the historical and cultural aspects of Mayotte, including the crescent, a symbol of Islam, and the flower, which denotes the island’s biodiversity.
• Seahorses: Reflect Mayotte’s strong maritime heritage and its connection to the Indian Ocean.

Adoption and Official Recognition

The flag of Mayotte is used unofficially alongside the French national flag. While the French tricolor is the official flag of Mayotte, the local flag is a powerful symbol of regional pride and cultural heritage.

The Flag in Modern Mayotte Identity

Today, the flag of Mayotte is a significant emblem of the island’s pride and autonomy. It is displayed during local celebrations, cultural events, and at official buildings. It serves as a reminder of the island’s history, cultural heritage, and connection to both France and the broader Comorian archipelago.

The Significance of the Mayotte Flag

The flag of Mayotte holds a deep place in the hearts of its people, symbolizing the island’s rich history, culture, and connection to France. Displaying the Mayotte flag is an act of local pride and respect, often seen during regional celebrations and cultural festivals.

When the Flag of Mayotte Can Be Displayed

The flag of Mayotte may be displayed on any occasion, especially during regional holidays, cultural festivals, and local government functions. It serves as a symbol of identity and pride for the people of Mayotte, representing their unique blend of French and local influences.

Mayotte Flag Emoji Codes

1. Unicode Code Points

• Unicode: U+1F1FE U+1F1F9
• UTF-16: D83C DDFE D83C DDF9

2. HTML Entities

• HTML Entity (Decimal): 🇾🇹
• HTML Entity (Hexadecimal): 🇾🇹

3. CSS

content: "\1F1FE\1F1F9";

4. JavaScript (JSON) & Java

// JavaScript Example
const mayotteFlag = "\uD83C\uDDFE\uD83C\uDDF9";

// Java Example
String mayotteFlag = "\uD83C\uDDFE\uD83C\uDDF9";

5. PHP & Ruby

// PHP Example
$mayotteFlag = "\u{1F1FE}\u{1F1F9}";

// Ruby Example
mayotte_flag = "\u{1F1FE}\u{1F1F9}"

6. Perl

my $mayotteFlag = "\x{1F1FE}\x{1F1F9}";

7. Python

mayotte_flag = "\U0001F1FE\U0001F1F9"

8. C#

string mayotteFlag = "\uD83C\uDDFE\uD83C\uDDF9";

9. Swift

let mayotteFlag = "\u{1F1FE}\u{1F1F9}"

10. Objective-C

NSString *mayotteFlag = @"\U0001F1FE\U0001F1F9";

11. JSON

{
  "mayotteFlag": "\uD83C\uDDFE\uD83C\uDDF9"
}

12. SQL

INSERT INTO table_name (column_name) VALUES ('\uD83C\uDDFE\uD83C\uDDF9');

13. Shell Scripting (Bash)

mayotte_flag=$'\U1F1FE\U1F1F9'

14. Go (Golang)

mayotteFlag := "\U0001F1FE\U0001F1F9"

15. Kotlin

val mayotteFlag = "\uD83C\uDDFE\uD83C\uDDF9"

About Mayotte

Geography and Topography

Location and Geography

Mayotte is an overseas department of France located in the Indian Ocean, between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique. It is part of the Comoros Archipelago and comprises two main islands: Grande-Terre (the larger) and Petite-Terre (the smaller). The diverse geography of Mayotte includes:

• Volcanic mountains and highlands, particularly on Grande-Terre
• Lagoons and coral reefs surrounding the islands, which are rich in marine biodiversity
• White sandy beaches and mangroves along the coastline
• A lush tropical environment with rainforests and diverse fauna and flora

Mayotte Map

Area and Population

Mayotte covers an area of approximately 374 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest territories in terms of land area. As of 2023, the population is estimated to be around 300,000 people, with a diverse population that includes native Mahorans and immigrants from neighboring regions.

Demographics and Ethnic Composition

Mayotte’s population is a blend of different ethnicities, with influences from Africa, the Middle East, and France. The ethnic composition includes:

• Native Mahorans, who are of African descent and primarily practice Islam
• Comorian immigrants, who come from nearby islands in the Comoros Archipelago
• A growing number of French expatriates
• Smaller populations of Malagasy and other African groups

Name and History

Origin of the Name “Mayotte”

The name “Mayotte” is derived from “Maore,” the indigenous name for the island. Historically, Mayotte was part of the Comoros Archipelago but chose to remain a French territory in referendums held in the 1970s and 2000s.

History

Mayotte has a rich history influenced by African, Arab, and French cultures. Key historical events include:

• The Arab and Swahili influence in the early centuries, which led to the spread of Islam
• Colonization by France in 1841, which made Mayotte a French territory
• Mayotte’s decision to remain a part of France in referendums despite being geographically part of the Comoros Archipelago
• In 2011, Mayotte became an official overseas department of France

Government and Politics

Capital

Mamoudzou is the capital and largest city of Mayotte. It serves as the administrative and economic center of the island, with key government institutions and a growing urban area.

Government and Politics

Mayotte is governed as an overseas department of France, meaning it follows the French legal and political systems. It has a local council and is represented in the French Parliament. As part of France, Mayotte benefits from French infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems.

Values and Culture

Mayotte’s culture is a blend of African, Arab, and French influences. Core values include a strong sense of community, respect for tradition, and an emphasis on family life. The island is predominantly Muslim, with Islam playing a central role in daily life.

Religion

Islam is the predominant religion in Mayotte, practiced by over 95% of the population. Traditional Islamic customs and practices are observed widely, with mosques playing an important role in social and religious life. There are also small Christian and Hindu communities.

Holidays

Major public holidays in Mayotte include:

• Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
• French national holidays like Bastille Day on July 14
• Mayotte’s own celebration of Mahoré Day on March 27, marking its decision to remain part of France

Demographics and Society

Language

The official language of Mayotte is French, used in government, education, and media. However, many people also speak local languages, including Shimaore, a Bantu language, and Kibushi, a Malagasy dialect.

Society and Sports

Mayotte has a vibrant community life, with traditional sports like pétanque (a French sport similar to bocce) and soccer being particularly popular. Water-based activities like snorkeling and diving are also common due to the island’s rich marine life.

Safety

Mayotte is generally a safe destination for residents and tourists, although some areas face challenges related to immigration and local conflicts. The French government actively works to maintain security and law enforcement across the territory.

Economy and Currency

Economy

Mayotte’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and a growing service sector. Key industries include:

• Agriculture, particularly the cultivation of vanilla, ylang-ylang, and cloves
• Fishing, which supports local communities and contributes to the island’s food supply
• Tourism, driven by Mayotte’s natural beauty, coral reefs, and rich biodiversity

Currency

As part of France, the official currency of Mayotte is the Euro (€), which simplifies trade and financial transactions with the European Union.

Culture and Arts

Culture and Arts

Mayotte’s culture reflects a unique blend of African, Arab, and French influences. Music and dance play a significant role, with traditional rhythms like m’godro and chigoma being popular. The island is also known for its vibrant handicrafts, including pottery and woven goods.

Cuisine

The cuisine of Mayotte is influenced by its diverse cultural heritage, featuring a mix of African, Indian, and French flavors. Key elements include:

• Fresh seafood, such as grilled fish and octopus
• Spiced rice dishes, often flavored with coconut milk and local spices
• Ylang-ylang and vanilla, which are used in both food and perfumes

National Anthem

As part of France, Mayotte shares the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” symbolizing its connection to the French Republic.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation

Mayotte has a developing transportation network, with a primary road connecting the main towns on Grande-Terre. Public transportation includes minibuses and taxis, and the island is served by Dzaoudzi–Pamandzi International Airport, located on Petite-Terre.

Time Zone

Mayotte follows the East Africa Time Zone (UTC+3), which is the same as countries like Kenya and Tanzania.

Web and Phone Code

Mayotte’s internet country code is “.yt,” and its international dialing code is +262.

Mayotte: Things to See and Do

Mayotte offers visitors a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Mayotte:

Explore Marine Life

Mayotte’s coral reefs and lagoons are some of the most beautiful in the Indian Ocean, ideal for snorkeling and diving.

• Lagoon of Mayotte: One of the largest enclosed lagoons in the world, home to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine species.
• Whale watching: Mayotte is a popular spot for watching humpback whales during their migration season.

Discover Cultural Heritage

Mayotte’s rich culture is showcased in its historic sites and local festivals.

• Dziani Lake: A crater lake located on Petite-Terre, offering stunning views and historical significance.
• Traditional villages: Explore the local villages to experience Mahoran life, crafts, and cuisine.

Enjoy Scenic Beaches

Mayotte is known for its beautiful and tranquil beaches.

• N’Gouja Beach: Famous for its calm waters, rich marine life, and the chance to swim with sea turtles.
• Musical Beach: Known for its lively atmosphere and scenic views.