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Union of the Comoros is an island union in indian Ocean. It is located off the eastern coast of the Africa on the northern located end of the Mozambique Channel between northeastern Mozambique and northern Madagascar. The neighboring countries to the Comoros are Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, and the Seychelles. Before 2002, it was known officially as the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros. Comoros is the third smallest African nation by area at 2235 km².
The country officially comprises of the four islands in the volcanic Comoros archipelago, the Ngazidja, Mwali, Nzwani and Mahore and other small islands. The government of the Union has never administered the island of Mayotte, considered as an overseas community by France who still administers. Since Mayotte was the only island in the archipelago that voted against independence from France, and France has vetoed United Nations Security Council resolutions that would affirm Comorian sovereignty over the island control was never passed to the Comoros.
Moroni is the largest city, is located on Ngazidja. The land area is 2,235 km² ranking it as one of the smallest countries in the world. The Comoros also has claim to 320 km² of territorial seas.
The two volcanoes are Karthala and La Grille, and it lacks a good harbor which is distinctive of the terrain in this island. Fomboni's capital Mwali, is the smallest of the four major islands. Mutsamudu's capital Nzwani, has a distinctive triangular shape as a result of three mountain chains, Sima, Nioumakele, and Jimilime, emanating from a central peak, Mtingui at 5,177 ft. Mahore, the oldest island has the richest soil as well as good harbors and local fish populations, due to its ring of coral reefs. The previous capital of all the colonial Comoros, Dzaoudzi is located on Pamanzi which is the largest islet of Mahore. Mamoudzou is the current capital of Mahore. The term Mayotte also refer to the group of islands, of which the largest is known as Mahore, and it includes Mahoré's surrounding islands, most notably Pamanzi.
He volcanic activity resulted in the formation of the islands of the Comoros Archipelago. The country's highest point, at 2,361 m is the Mount Karthala, an active shield volcano located on Ngazidja, It contains the largest patch of disappearing rainforest. Karthala is currently one of the most active volcanoes in the world. | | |
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| Climate |
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| The climate is generally tropical and mild, and the two major seasons are distinguishable by their density in rain. The temperature reaches an average of 29-30°C in March, the hottest month in the rainy season from December to April, and an average low of 19°C in the cool, dry season from May to November. During rainy season the islands are subject to cyclones which are strong enough to devastate the infrastructure about twice every decade. |
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| People |
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The population of Comoros is estimated to be 798,000 ranking it the sixth smallest African nation. The Comoros is one of the least populated countries in the world, simultaneously is also one of the most densely populated, with an average of 275 people per km².Comoros share mostly African-Arab origins. The dominant religion is Sunni Islam representing 98% of the population. Arab culture is firmly established throughout the archipelago; minorities of the citizens of Mayotte are Roman Catholic and have been strongly influenced by French culture. Malagasy and indian and Chinese minorities also exist.
The most commonly used language by the inhabitants is Comorian, or Shikomor, a descendant of Swahili with Arabic influences. The local dialect spoken on each islands are Shingazidja, Shinzwani, Shimwali, and Shimaore, Ngazidja, Mwali, Nzwani, and Mahoré, respectively. The official language is largely Comorian, French and Arabic. Second language is Arabic, being the language of Quranic teaching, and French is the language of all other formal education. Number of the Malagasy speak.
The country is observed for its diverse culture and history, as a nation formed at the crossroads of many civilizations. Comoros has three official languages Comorian , Arabic, and French, and it is the only state to be a member of each of the African Union, Organization of the Islamic Conference, Francophonie Arab league and indian Ocean Commission and other international organizations. |
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| Government |
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The island of Comoros operates under the republic framework. The president is both the chief of the state and the head of the government and the Council of Ministers appointed by him. As per the 2001 constitution, the presidency rotates every four years among the elected presidents from the three main islands in the Union. The Prime Minister appointed by the president, Although, the post of prime minister has been vacant since May 2002
The island is administratively divided into 3 islands and 4 municipalities Islands-Grande Comore, Anjouan, Moheli and municipalities- Domoni, Fomboni, Moroni, Mutsamudu
Capital: Moroni
Independence Day: 6 July 1975
President: Ahmed Abdallah Sambi |
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| Economy |
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Comoros is one of the poorest country of the world, it 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 labor force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance.40% of the GDP is a contribution of Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry and employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. Comoros is not self-sufficient in food production. Rice, the main staple, accounts for the bulk of imports.
The chief agricultural products are vanilla, cloves, ylang-ylang, perfume essences, copra, coconuts, bananas and cassava. The major industrial produce and services are fishing, tourism and perfume distillation. |
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