General background: Unstable Comoros has endured
19 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence
from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan
and Moheli declared their independence from Comoros.
In 1999, military chief Col. AZALI seized power. He
has pledged to resolve the secessionist crisis through
a confederal arrangement named the 2000 Fomboni Accord.
In December 2001, voters approved a new constitution
and presidential elections took place in the spring
of 2002.
Area comparative: Slightly
more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC
Climate: Tropical marine; rainy season (November
to May)
Terrain: Volcanic islands, interiors
vary from steep mountains to low hills.
Population: 614,382 (July 2002 est.)
Ethnic groups: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha,
Sakalava
Religions: Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic
2%
Language: Arabic (official), French (official),
Shikomoro (a blend of Swahili and Arabic)
Government type: Independent republic
Capital: Moroni
Legal system: French and Muslim law in a new
consolidated code.
Economic overview: One of the world's poorest
countries, Comoros is made up of three islands that
have inadequate transportation links, a young and
rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources.
The low educational level of the labour force contributes
to a subsistence level of economic activity, high
unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants
and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing,
hunting, and forestry, contributes 40% to GDP, employs
80% of the labour force, and provides most of the
exports. The country is not self-sufficient in food
production; rice, the main staple, accounts for the
bulk of imports. The government is struggling to upgrade
education and technical training, to privatise commercial
and industrial enterprises, to improve health services,
to diversify exports, to promote tourism, and to reduce
the high population growth rate. Increased foreign
support is essential if the goal of 4% annual GDP
growth is to be met. Remittances from 150,000 Comorans
abroad help supplement GDP.
Communication/Telephone system: Sparse system
of microwave radio relay and HF radiotelephone communication
stations.
Places of interest:
Travel tips:
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