Mayotta
Mayotta one of the Comoro Isles (in the Indian Ocean), since 1843 under the control of the French, is situated in latitude 12° 34'-13° 4' S., and longitude 440 59' 15"-45° 23' E., covering some twenty-one miles from north to south, with an average breadth of six or seven miles; if, however, the dangerous coral reefs which surround the island be included, the whole occupies a space of thirty miles north and south, and twenty-four miles east and west, and contains a population of about 8000, mostly Romanists. The surface of this isle is very uneven, and is studded with volcanic-looking peaks, some of which exceed 2000 feet in height. Its shores are in some places lined with mangrove swamps, which are uncovered at low water, and are productive of malaria and fever; it is in most parts capable of cultivation, prominently that of sugar, the only article exported. The French themselves live mainly on the island of Gaondzi, inside the chain of reefs on the east side of Mayotta. A governor and colonial officer are residents, and some 100 French soldiers, besides some natives, were stationed there. The Roman Catholic Church alone has a hold here.
