Comoros

The Perfumed Isles of the Indian Ocean

The Union of the Comoros is a small archipelagic nation located in the Indian Ocean, between Madagascar and the east coast of Africa. Known as the “Perfumed Isles” for its fragrant plant life, Comoros blends African, Arab, and French influences. Despite limited resources, the country possesses a rich culture, strategic maritime location, and a predominantly Islamic identity.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Historically inhabited by Bantu, Arab, and Austronesian settlers.

  • Became part of the Sultanates of the Indian Ocean, later colonized by France in the 19th century.

  • Gained independence from France on July 6, 1975, though the island of Mayotte voted to remain under French administration.

  • Since independence, the country has undergone several coups, but democratic progress continues under a union-based federal system.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Union of the Comoros
Capital Moroni (on Grande Comore)
Continent Africa (Indian Ocean)
Official Languages Comorian (Shikomori), Arabic, French
Currency Comorian Franc (KMF)
Area Approx. 2,235 sq. km
Population Approx. 920,000 (2024 est.)
Time Zone East Africa Time (UTC+3)
ISO Code KM
Internet TLD .km
Calling Code +269

Religious Affiliation (Estimated)

Religion Population Share
Islam (Sunni, Shafi’i) ~98%
Christianity <1%
Other / None ~1%

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Azali Assoumani
Vice President Position abolished in 2018
Government Type Federal presidential republic
Legislature Unicameral – Assembly of the Union
Judiciary Supreme Court, Constitutional Court (not always fully functional)

Administrative Divisions (Islands & Governorates)

The country consists of three main islands, each considered a governorate, with its own local administration.

Islands of Comoros:

  1. Ngazidja (Grande Comore) – Capital: Moroni

  2. Ndzuwani (Anjouan) – Capital: Mutsamudu

  3. Mwali (Mohéli) – Capital: Fomboni

Note: A fourth island, Mayotte (Maore), remains an overseas department of France but is claimed by Comoros.

Local Government Structure

  • Each island has an elected Governor and Island Assembly.

  • The Union Government oversees foreign affairs, defense, and currency.

  • Recent reforms have centralized powers under the President, reducing island autonomy.

Leadership & Governance

  • Comoros follows a rotational presidency system among the three islands (modified in recent years).

  • Priorities include:

    • Political stability and constitutional reform

    • Economic diversification

    • Strengthening Islamic education and civic services

  • Governance is influenced by a mix of Islamic tradition, French legal heritage, and local customs.

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Security is provided by:

    • Comorian National Police

    • National Development Army

  • Challenges:

    • Political unrest during elections

    • Maritime piracy threats (declining)

  • Emergency services exist but are limited, especially in rural areas

Economy & Industry

  • Key sectors:

    • Agriculture: vanilla, cloves, ylang-ylang (perfume industry)

    • Fishing

    • Remittances from diaspora (a major economic pillar)

  • Tourism potential underdeveloped due to infrastructure gaps

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 1.3 billion

  • Part of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)

Education & Institutions

  • Primary education is free and compulsory

  • Instruction in Arabic, French, and Comorian

  • Higher education:

    • University of the Comoros (Moroni)

    • Islamic institutions supported by Gulf states

  • Literacy rate: around 78%

Healthcare

  • Public hospitals and clinics present on all islands

  • Main hospitals:

    • El-Maarouf National Hospital (Moroni)

    • Mutsamudu Regional Hospital (Anjouan)

  • Issues:

    • Shortage of medical professionals

    • Reliance on foreign aid for drugs and training

    • Improvements in maternal health and vaccinations in recent years

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Prince Said Ibrahim International (Moroni)

    • Ouani Airport (Anjouan)

    • Mohéli Bandar Es Eslam Airport

  • Ferries connect islands; flights available but irregular

  • No railway; road infrastructure varies by island

  • Telecom and internet access improving slowly, especially in urban areas

Tourism & Attractions

  • Beaches: untouched white sand beaches in Mohéli and Anjouan

  • Marine biodiversity: Mohéli Marine Park

  • Historic towns: Mutsamudu, Moroni’s medina

  • Volcanic sites: Mount Karthala (active volcano on Grande Comore)

  • Cultural festivals with Swahili-Islamic traditions

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Ethnic roots: African, Arab, Malagasy blend

  • Religion: Sunni Islam (Shafi’i school) is dominant and deeply integrated into daily life

  • Dress: modest Islamic attire common

  • Cuisine: coconut-based stews, seafood, rice, plantains

  • Music: influences from Zanzibar, Madagascar, and Arabia (Twarab, M’godro)

Summary

Comoros is a vibrant island nation balancing Islamic values, African heritage, and environmental beauty. With its aromatic exports, cultural depth, and peaceful island life, Comoros holds untapped potential in tourism, renewable energy, and blue economy. Stability and reform will be key to unlocking its full promise.