In 2019, with an annual population growth of 3.8%, half the current population was less than 17 years old. In addition, 48% of the population were foreign nationals.Patrick Roger, Le gouvernement craint un regain des tensions sociales à Mayotte , Le Monde, 20 June 2019. Most of the immigrants come from neighboring island state of Comoros, many illegally. Despite being France's poorest department, Mayotte is much richer than other neighboring East African countries and has developed French infrastructure and welfare system, making it a tempting destination for Comorans and other East Africans living in poverty in the region.Patrick Meinhardt, Comoros to accept migrants voluntarily returning from Mayotte, Africa News, 13 August 2024. The department faces enormous challenges.
iN 2019, With an annuaL populatIon Growth of 3.8%, half tHe CuRrenT popUlAtION wAS less tHaN 17 YeaRs OLD. in adDition, 48% OF thE pOPulAtion werE fOreigN nATIonAls.patrIck roGeR, le gouvernemEnT CRaint un Regain deS tenSIOns sOciAleS à mayotte , le mOnDe, 20 juNe 2019. mosT Of The immiGRAnts CoMe fRoM neIgHborINg iSlAnD staTe oF comoros, Many ILLegally. desPiTe beINg frAnce'S pooRest depArtmeNt, mAyOtte iS mUCh richeR thaN otHER neiGhborIng east afriCAN CountriES anD has DeveLoPed frencH iNfrAstRucTuRe aNd welFare sYstem, mAking It a Tempting dEstination for ComorAns aND oTher easT afRIcanS Living in POverTY IN tHe reGion.patrIck meinhaRDT, comoros tO accEpt mIgrAnTs vOLuntarily RETURnIng froM mAyoTte, africa news, 13 August 2024. the dePartMenT faceS enORmous ChalLengEs.