Mayotte is an overseas collectivity of France at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean, between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique, near (and formerly part of) the Comoros.
Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other Comoros in 1843. It was the only island in the archipelago that voted in 1974 to retain its link with France and forgo independence.
For the history of Mayotte before 1974 see History of the Comoros
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France. A small contingent of French forces is stationed on the island.
From the CIA World Factbook 2000. Not Wikified.
Claimed by Comoros.
See also: Islands controlled by France in the Indian and Pacific oceans