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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.
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