Comoros

Overview

Comoros comprises of three islands located between Madagascar and Mozambique. The capital city is Moroni, located at the Island of Grande Comore.

In Arabic, its name mean “Islands of the Moon”. The fourth island is Mayotte, which although claimed by Comoros, it is administered by France.

The Comorian volcanic islands are called “perfumed islands” because of their good plant life and great attractive appearance.

Boats in the harbour of Moroni.

Comoros became a French protectorate in 1886. In 1974, three of the four islands voted for independence, but Mayotte voted to remain administered by France. islands went ahead to gain their independence in 6th July 1975 with Ahmed Abdallah as the first president. President Abdallah was overthrown the same year which resulted in political instability and coup formations.

In 1997, the islands of Moheli and Anjouan tried to claim independence from Comoros. Soldiers from the island of Grande Comore in Anjouan tried to interfere with the succession process but were defeated. The conflict carried on until 2001 when a new constitution was formed that made the three islands one country.

In 2003, the leaders of the three islands agreed to be sharing power and a presidential election was conducted when Denis Sassou Ngueso won unopposed. In 2007, the African Union sent soldiers to intervene in the June elections when Anjouan President Mohamed Bacar refused to step down. The conflict increased when held local elections to resist the united government and the African Union.

Mohamed Bacar was inaugurated as the Anjouan’s president. The African Union soldiers besieged the island. In 2008, the rebels were defeated. In 2009, Mayotte voted to be fully joined with France but Comoros government which claims the island declared the votes null and void. In 2015, President Sassou Nguesso called a national dialogue recommending constitutional changes to allow him to run for another term, but the opposition boycotted.

The population of the country as per 2019 was 877,277. The majority of the population rely on subsistence farming.

The beautiful beaches on the Island also attract many tourists.

The national dish is Lobster in Vanilla.

The common sport is football.

The country’s major religion is Islam.

The islands at northwest to the southeast are Grande Comore (N’gazidja), Moheli (Mwali), Anjouan (Ndzuwani) and Mayotte (Mahore).

History

Arab traders and Swahili sultanates shaped the islands before France took control in the 19th century. Comoros declared independence in 1975, though Mayotte remained French.

Food & culture

Seafood, rice, cassava and coconut dominate, with spices such as cloves and vanilla grown locally.

Wildlife

Green turtles nest on Mohéli, humpback whales pass through in winter, and the deep waters off the islands are home to the coelacanth, a fish once thought extinct.

Festivals & events

The grand mariage, an elaborate wedding ceremony, is the most important social event in Comorian life. Independence Day is 6 July.

Things to see

Mount Karthala volcano on Grande Comore, Mohéli Marine Park and the old medina of Moroni.

Interesting facts

Comoros is one of the world's largest producers of ylang-ylang, used in perfumes. It is made up of three main islands.

Neighbours

Comoros has no land borders with other countries.