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Part of the Comoros archipelago, Mayotte lies about 8000 km (5000 miles) from France, between Madagascar and the east African coast. It was the only island in the archipelago to vote against independence from France in a 1974 referendum. The other islands declared unilateral independence in 1975 and laid claim to Mayotte. Despite widespread poverty, endemic unemployment, and a cost of living twice that of France, the Mahorais voted again in 1976 to maintain the link. The main political movement has since unsuccessfully demanded that Mayotte be given the status of a French département, hoping that this would bring more aid to develop their largely agricultural economy. France opposes this idea because of the expense involved, but did grant the island département-style autonomy in 2000.

The economy is still largely agricultural, producing crops both for internal consumption and for export. However, large quantities of foodstuffs are also imported. France has invested in an airport and port, but tourism has been slow to develop. Nevertheless, the relative prosperity of Mayotte has encouraged separatist movements on the two other small Comoros islands to seek closer relations with France.