Mamoudzou is the capital of the French overseas collectivity of Mayotte, in the Indian Ocean. Mamoudzou is the most populated commune (municipality) of Mayotte. It is located on Grande-Terre (or Mahoré), the main island of Mayotte. The former capital of Mayotte was Dzaoudzi, on the small island of Petite-Terre (or Pamanzi), but Mamoudzou was chosen as the capital in 1977. The commune is composed of 6 villages in addition to its central habitation, also called Mamoudzou. These are: Kawéni, Mtsapéré, Passamainti, Vahibé, Tsoundzou I and Tsoundzou II. The commune is also subdivided into 3 cantons; Mamoudzou I, Mamoudzou II and Mamoudzou III Mamoudzou welcomes its visitors with an intensity of colors and odors emanating from its market stands. Rainbow colored fabrics, mouth watering fruit, and the heady smell of roasted zebu and spices overwhelm the senses.