Comoros

The Union of the Comoros is a small island nation located at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean, between Madagascar and the east coast of Africa. The country consists of three main islands—Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Anjouan (Ndzuwani), and Moheli (Mwali)—and claims a fourth, Mayotte (Maore), which remains under French administration. Blending African, Arab, and French influences, Comoros exhibits a unique cultural and historical identity. Despite its scenic landscapes and strategic maritime location, it has long faced developmental constraints, fragile governance, and economic dependence on foreign aid and remittances.

Historical Background

The Comoros archipelago has served as a key node in Indian Ocean trade networks for centuries. Arab, Persian, and later African traders established settlements and introduced Islam, which remains the dominant religion. These interactions led to the formation of coastal sultanates that integrated the islands into broader trade routes connecting East Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. The Shikomoro language, a Swahili dialect influenced by Arabic, reflects this intercultural synthesis.
French influence began in the nineteenth century, when France gradually took control of the islands. By the early twentieth century, Comoros was incorporated into the French colonial system as part of Madagascar and Dependencies and later as a French overseas territory. Colonial agriculture focused on ylang-ylang, vanilla, and cloves, establishing the economic structure that persists today.
The struggle for independence intensified in the mid-twentieth century, culminating on 6 July 1975, when the Comoros declared independence. However, Mayotte voted to remain under French control and later became a French Overseas Department, a status still contested by Comoros.
Post-independence politics were marked by extreme instability. Between 1975 and 2000, the country experienced around 20 coups or coup attempts, fuelled by regional rivalries and weak central authority. The Fomboni Accords of 2001 introduced the Union of the Comoros, a federal arrangement granting each island significant autonomy and establishing a rotating presidency.
Azali Assoumani became president in 2002, initiating a period of relative stability. However, in 2007, Mohamed Bacar declared Anjouan’s independence, prompting an African Union intervention in 2008 to restore national unity. A peaceful power transfer occurred in 2011 with the election of Ikililou Dhoinine.
In 2016, Azali Assoumani returned to power. Following a 2018 constitutional referendum, he abolished the rotating presidency and extended presidential term limits, centralising power in Grande Comore. His re-elections in 2019 and 2024, both disputed by opposition groups, have reinforced his dominance while narrowing democratic space.

Geography and Environment

The Comoros archipelago spans 2,235 square kilometres, ranking among Africa’s smallest nations. The islands are volcanic, with fertile soils and rugged topography. Mount Karthala, an active volcano on Grande Comore, rises to 2,360 metres, serving as the nation’s highest point and a major natural landmark.
The islands experience a tropical marine climate, featuring a rainy season (November–May) and a dry season (June–October). They are vulnerable to cyclones, volcanic eruptions, and heavy rainfall, all of which threaten agriculture and settlements. The last major eruption of Mount Karthala occurred in 2007.
Agriculture occupies approximately 71.5% of land use, with major crops including bananas, cassava, coconuts, and cloves. However, deforestation, soil erosion, and coastal degradation pose ongoing environmental threats. Coral reefs and marine ecosystems are under pressure from overfishing and sedimentation.
Comoros participates in global environmental initiatives such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity, though limited institutional capacity and funding restrict the implementation of conservation and disaster management programmes.

People and Society

In 2024, Comoros had an estimated population of 900,141, with a median age of 22.7 years, indicative of a youthful society. Population density varies, with Anjouan being the most crowded and Grande Comore hosting Moroni, the capital and largest city.
The population is ethnically mixed, comprising Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, and Sakalava groups, reflecting a long history of African and Arab intermarriage.
Languages: Arabic, French, and Shikomoro (a Swahili dialect).Religion: Islam (98%), predominantly Sunni, plays a defining role in governance, education, and daily life, with the Constitution recognising Islam as the state religion.
Key social indicators:

• Life expectancy: 67.8 years
• Fertility rate: 2.61 children per woman
• Access to safe drinking water: 91%
• Physicians: 0.42 per 1,000 people
• Education expenditure: 2.3% of GDP

While literacy and school enrolment have improved, limited higher education opportunities and underfunded public services hinder development. Migration remains significant, with a large Comorian diaspora—mainly in France and Mayotte—sending remittances exceeding 20% of GDP, a vital source of household income and foreign exchange.

Government and Political Structure

The Union of the Comoros operates as a federal presidential republic. The President, currently Azali Assoumani, serves as both head of state and government. The Council of Ministers exercises executive authority, while the unicameral Assembly of the Union, consisting of 33 members elected for five-year terms, performs legislative functions.
The judiciary combines Islamic law, French civil law, and customary law, with the Supreme Court serving as the highest judicial authority.
The 2018 Constitution strengthened executive powers and eliminated the rotating presidency, consolidating authority in the central government. While multiparty politics is permitted, the political environment is dominated by the Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros (CRC). Opposition groups, including the Juwa Party, frequently allege electoral irregularities and authoritarian governance.
The national flag, featuring yellow, white, red, and blue stripes with a green triangle containing a crescent and four stars, symbolises the unity of the four islands, while the crescent represents Islam. The national motto, “Unity, Solidarity, Development,” encapsulates the country’s aspirations for cohesion and progress.

Economic Landscape

Comoros’ economy is small, agriculture-based, and highly dependent on remittances and external aid. In 2024, its GDP was approximately $1.55 billion, with modest growth of 3.4%.
Sectoral composition:

• Agriculture: 36.6%
• Industry: 9.6%
• Services: 50.1%

Agriculture remains the mainstay of livelihoods, with exports dominated by cloves, vanilla, and ylang-ylang essential oils. These products make Comoros one of the world’s leading exporters of natural essences, though dependence on a few commodities leaves it vulnerable to price shocks.
Trade remains structurally imbalanced: exports totalled $148 million, while imports reached $504 million in 2023. Key imports include foodstuffs, fuel, and manufactured goods. The Comorian franc (KMF), pegged to the euro, ensures relative monetary stability.
Public finances: Revenue in 2023 was $212 million, against expenditure of $230 million, resulting in a moderate deficit. The external debt stood at $268 million, while foreign reserves totalled $324 million.
Poverty remains pervasive, with 44.8% of the population below the national poverty line. The government relies on foreign aid, diaspora remittances, and international development assistance to finance infrastructure, energy, and education initiatives.

Infrastructure and Energy

Infrastructure development is constrained by limited capital and island fragmentation. Electricity access covers 89.9% of the population, but supply remains unreliable, with generation capacity (32 MW) insufficient to meet demand. The energy mix depends almost entirely on diesel fuel, although solar power projects are beginning to emerge.
The transport network includes three airports and four ports—Moroni, Moutsamoudu, Fomboni, and Dzaoudzi—that facilitate regional trade and connectivity. Mobile phone penetration has reached parity (100 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants), but internet access remains limited at 36%.

Defence and Security

Comoros maintains a small defence establishment known as the National Army for Development (AND), which includes the Comorian Defence Force, Gendarmerie, and Coast Guard. Its focus lies on internal security, maritime surveillance, and disaster response.
A defence cooperation agreement with France provides training, equipment, and naval assistance, bolstering national security. France also stations a Foreign Legion detachment on nearby Mayotte. Domestic challenges include political unrest, illegal migration, and smuggling across the Mozambique Channel.

Culture and International Relations

Comorian culture reflects the fusion of Arab, African, and French traditions, strongly shaped by Islamic values. The Shikomoro language, Islamic architecture, and communal celebrations express this syncretic identity. Music and dance—especially twarab—and oral poetry play a central role in social gatherings.
The national anthem, “Udzima wa ya Masiwa” (“The Union of the Great Islands”), adopted in 1978, symbolises unity among the islands.
Comoros is an active member of international and regional organisations, including the African Union (AU), Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and United Nations (UN). It also participates in regional bodies such as COMESA and the Indian Ocean Commission, underscoring its diplomatic engagement within both African and Indian Ocean frameworks.