What You Need to Know

Comoros is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, known for its volcanic landscapes, Swahili-Arab cultural heritage, and strategic location between East Africa and Madagascar. Comprising three main islands, Comoros blends African, Arab, and Indian Ocean influences. Long shaped by migration, trade, and political fragility, the country is focused today on stability, development, and strengthening ties with its diaspora.

Comoros at a Glance

Capital: Moroni

Population: ~900,000

Official Languages: Comorian (Shikomori), Arabic, French

Government: Presidential republic

Economy: Agriculture- and services-led, with remittances as a key driver

Key Strengths: Strategic Indian Ocean location, fertile volcanic soil, diaspora ties

Regional Role: Indian Ocean and East Africa bridge state

Why Comoros Matters

Though small, Comoros occupies an important position in the Indian Ocean corridor linking East Africa, the Middle East, and island states of the region. Its stability has implications for regional maritime security, migration, and trade. With strong cultural links to East Africa and a large diaspora abroad, Comoros plays an outsized role in regional social and economic networks.

Geography and Location

Comoros is an archipelago of volcanic islands located in the Indian Ocean between Mozambique and Madagascar. The three main islands—Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Anjouan (Nzwani), and Mohéli (Mwali)—are mountainous, lush, and surrounded by coral reefs.

Mount Karthala, an active volcano on Grande Comore, dominates the landscape and shapes the islands’ fertile soils. Limited land area and environmental vulnerability influence settlement patterns, agriculture, and development planning.

People and Society

Comoros has a population of approximately 900,000 people, with a large proportion living abroad, particularly in France. Remittances from the diaspora are a major source of household income and economic stability.

The population shares a common cultural identity rooted in Swahili traditions, Islam, and Indian Ocean trade networks. Shikomori is widely spoken in daily life, while Arabic and French are used in religious, educational, and administrative contexts.

Islam is the predominant religion and plays a central role in social organization and community life.

A Brief Historical Context

The Comoros Islands were settled by African, Arab, and Austronesian peoples and became an important stop along Indian Ocean trade routes. Over centuries, Islamic sultanates emerged, linking the islands culturally and economically to East Africa and the wider Muslim world.

France colonized the islands in the late 19th century. Comoros gained independence in 1975, though the island of Mayotte remained under French administration, a situation that continues to shape regional and diplomatic relations.

Post-independence Comoros experienced repeated coups and political instability. Since the early 2000s, reforms have aimed to improve political stability through power-sharing arrangements among the islands, though governance challenges persist.

Government and Politics

Comoros is a presidential republic with a history of political volatility. Reforms over the past two decades have sought to strengthen national institutions and reduce inter-island tensions.

Political stability has improved relative to earlier decades, but governance, economic management, and institutional capacity remain ongoing challenges.

Economy: Agriculture, Remittances, and Services

Comoros’ economy is small and highly dependent on agriculture, remittances, and public-sector employment. Key agricultural exports include vanilla, cloves, and ylang-ylang, which is widely used in the global perfume industry.

Economic priorities include:

• Strengthening agricultural productivity and value addition

• Expanding fisheries and the blue economy

• Improving infrastructure and energy access

• Supporting small businesses and tourism

Limited resources and external shocks continue to constrain growth.

Trade, Diplomacy, and Regional Influence

Comoros is a member of the African Union, the Arab League, and the Indian Ocean Commission. Its diplomacy focuses on regional cooperation, development assistance, and engagement with its diaspora.

The country’s location positions it as a link between East Africa and Indian Ocean island states.

Tourism and Island Heritage

Tourism in Comoros remains limited but holds potential. The islands offer pristine beaches, coral reefs, volcanic scenery, and rich marine biodiversity. Mohéli National Park is known for its marine conservation efforts and eco-tourism potential.

Infrastructure and connectivity constraints currently limit tourism growth, but the sector is viewed as a long-term opportunity.

Safety and Travel Considerations

Comoros is generally considered calm, though infrastructure and public services can be limited. Travelers are advised to plan carefully, monitor local conditions, and rely on local guidance when moving between islands.

Culture and Daily Life

Comorian culture emphasizes family, faith, and community. Social life is shaped by Islamic traditions, music, and ceremonial gatherings, particularly weddings and religious celebrations.

Daily life for most citizens centers on agriculture, fishing, and local trade, with strong ties to relatives living abroad.

Sports and National Identity

Football is the most popular sport in Comoros and an important source of national pride. In recent years, the national team’s growing visibility has strengthened national identity and international recognition.