🇰🇲
Comoros
Africa
A small island nation in the Indian Ocean, Comoros is known for its blend of African, Arab, and French influences. Its economy relies on agriculture and remittances.
850,000
Population
2,235
Area (km²)
Moroni
Capital
17
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
17 Events
July 07, 2025 - The sixth International Crafts Fair (SIACOM) is held in Moroni to mark the independence anniversary, promoting local artisans and cultural heritage.
July 06, 2025 - Comoros celebrates its 50th Independence Day from France with nationwide festivities, including presidential addresses, traditional music, and dances.
February 26, 2025 - One year after joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), Comoros highlights economic benefits under its Emerging Comoros Plan 2030, focusing on five pillars including trade diversification.
February 16, 2025 - Second round of parliamentary elections proceeds in remaining constituencies, solidifying the CRC's control despite low turnout from the boycott.
January 30, 2025 - President Assoumani states that a "child" (widely interpreted as his son) will eventually replace him, sparking opposition accusations of a dynastic succession plan; he later denies intending to hand power directly to his son.
January 30, 2025 - A Supreme Court-ordered re-run occurs in four constituencies (Domoni I, Domoni III, Niomakele III, and others) due to procedural irregularities; the CRC retains its majority.
January 12, 2025 - Parliamentary elections are held to renew the 33-seat Assembly of the Union; President Assoumani's Convention for the Renewal of Comoros (CRC) wins 28 seats amid an opposition boycott labeling the vote a "farce."
December 01, 2024 - Cyclone Chido strikes Anjouan and Mohéli islands, destroying homes and crops, displacing thousands, and exacerbating food insecurity.
September 14, 2024 - President Assoumani sustains minor injuries in a knife attack during a public event; the assailant is arrested and later dies in custody.
July 17, 2024 - The ReSea Project is launched to enhance coastal community resilience to climate change, targeting women, youth, and marginalized groups.
May 26, 2024 - President Assoumani is sworn in for his fourth non-consecutive term, pledging to focus on peace and economic growth.
January 16, 2024 - Post-election protests erupt, leading to one death and a nighttime curfew in Moroni; opposition parties reject the results.
January 14, 2024 - Incumbent President Azali Assoumani wins re-election with 64.53% of the vote in a disputed presidential election marred by opposition boycotts and allegations of fraud; turnout is 52.12%.
December 29, 2023 - The U.S. State Department places Comoros on the Special Watch List for violations of religious freedom, citing restrictions on non-Muslim practices.
May 01, 2023 - Comoros is invited as a non-member guest to the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, enhancing its diplomatic profile.
February 18, 2023 - President Azali Assoumani assumes the chairmanship of the African Union for 2023, marking Comoros' first time leading the continental body.
February 02, 2023 - Four journalists are questioned by the national gendarmerie on charges of "defamation and insult," highlighting press freedom concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Comoros
100 Questions
Comoros is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, situated between Madagascar and Mozambique.
The capital is Moroni, on Grande Comore island.
Around 1 million people as of 2025 estimates.
Comorian (Shikomori), Arabic, and French are official languages.
Tropical marine climate with two main seasons: hot and rainy (November–April) and cooler dry (May–October).
The Comorian franc (KMF).
Four horizontal stripes (yellow, white, red, blue) with a green triangle containing a crescent and four stars.
Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Mohéli (Mwali), and Anjouan (Nzwani).
On July 6, 1975, from France.
Mayotte voted to remain a French territory and is still administered by France.
Ahmed Abdallah.
Azali Assoumani (as of 2025).
A federal presidential republic.
Because it produces fragrant crops like ylang-ylang, vanilla, and cloves.
Islam, with nearly 99% of the population Muslim (Sunni).
Around $1.5 billion in 2025 estimates.
About $1,500.
Around 75%.
About 65 years.
About 4 children per woman.
Around 60%.
Vanilla, cloves, ylang-ylang, and fish.
Rice, petroleum products, machinery, and manufactured goods.
Agricultural products, fishing waters, and limited mineral potential.
Rice, cassava, bananas, breadfruit, fish, and coconuts.
A lobster dish popular in Comorian cuisine.
Cassava leaves cooked in coconut milk.
Tea, coffee, and tropical juices.
Langouste Ă la vanille (lobster with vanilla sauce).
Football (soccer) and basketball.
Yes, for the first time in 2021, reaching the Round of 16.
Not yet.
Taarab, twarab, and influences from Swahili, Arab, and Indian Ocean traditions.
Drums, zithers, and ouds.
Mwali and taarab dances.
Men wear kanzu and women wear shiromani.
Mostly Comorian (a mix of Arab, African, and Malagasy heritage).
Around 70%, lower than men.
Around 80%.
Active in markets and family life, with growing political presence.
High, around 20–25%, especially among youth.
Over 50%.
Moderate, often linked to import dependence.
About 30–40%.
High, with most people using mobile services.
Around 30%, with most living in rural areas.
The capital city, port, and economic hub.
One of the oldest mosques in the Indian Ocean, located in Moroni.
University of Comoros and Islamic universities.
Underdeveloped, with many relying on aid or traveling abroad for treatment.
Malaria, diarrheal diseases, and respiratory infections.
High but improving with better healthcare.
Also high, reflecting weak healthcare services.
“Udzima wa ya Masiwa” (“The Union of the Great Islands”).
“Unité – Solidarité – Développement” (“Unity – Solidarity – Development”).
The Coelacanth, a rare prehistoric fish found off Comoros.
The Comoro green pigeon.
The ylang-ylang flower.
It is exported for use in perfumes worldwide.
Overdependence on agriculture and remittances.
They are a major source of national income.
Large communities in France, Madagascar, and Mayotte.
Very important, sending remittances that support families and the economy.
Marked by frequent coups since independence.
Over 20 attempted coups since 1975.
A French mercenary involved in several coups in Comoros.
A federal republic with rotating presidency among the islands (though modified under Assoumani).
Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (Moroni).
Moroni, Mutsamudu, and Fomboni.
Central to culture, law, and education.
Strong ties through aid, trade, and the Mayotte issue.
Supports stability and elections in Comoros.
Comoros is a member, linking it to Arab countries.
Comoros is a member, cooperating with island states.
Fruit bats, lemurs, sea turtles, and rare fish.
Coral reefs, coelacanths, whales, and dolphins.
Deforestation, overfishing, and climate change.
Gradually declining.
Around $1,500 annually.
Expanding, but many challenges in quality and access.
Around 85%, higher than older generations.
African, Arab, Malagasy, and French heritage.
Weaving, pottery, and wood carving.
Still widely used alongside modern healthcare.
Active in climate change and small-island development discussions.
Member supporting regional stability.
Links it culturally and politically with Arab nations.
Much lower, especially among rural women.
Moderate, linked to imports.
High, given its small land area.
Mohéli.
Its marine park and sea turtle nesting sites.
Political instability and separatist movements.
Mount Karthala volcano and the capital Moroni.
An active volcano, one of the largest shield volcanoes in the world.
Main source of livelihood, with cash crops like vanilla and cloves.
Vital for food and exports.
Balancing stability, economy, and climate vulnerability.
Dependent on political stability, tourism, and diaspora support.
It is a unique island nation with rich culture, biodiversity, and strategic location in the Indian Ocean.