Current Local Time
Federal Republic
98%
Muslim Population
Geography
3
Volcanic Islands
Union of the Comoros
Capital
Moroni (on Grande Comore)
Population
852,075 (2023 est.)
Area
2,235 km² (863 sq mi)
Government
Federal presidential republic
President
Azali Assoumani
Currency
Comorian franc (KMF)
GDP
$1.3 billion (2022 est.)
Languages
Comorian, Arabic, French
Geography & Nature
Highest Point
Mount Karthala (2,361m) - active volcano
Islands
Grande Comore, Mohéli, Anjouan (+ Mayotte claimed)
Climate
Tropical marine, rainy season (Nov-May)
Marine Life
Coral reefs, sea turtles, coelacanths
Location
Mozambique Channel, between Madagascar and Africa
National Animal
Livingston's fruit bat
Time Zone
East Africa Time (EAT) - UTC+3
Calling Code
+269
Cultural Highlights
Ylang-Ylang
Comoros produces 80% of the world's ylang-ylang flowers, used in perfumes like Chanel No. 5.
Nicknamed "The Perfume Islands"
Grand Marriage
Elaborate wedding ceremonies that can last weeks and cost years of savings.
Status symbol in Comorian society
Mwali
Traditional crescent-shaped gold jewelry worn by Comorian women.
Symbol of wealth and status
Traditional Dance
Twarab music blends Arabic, African and Indian influences with poetic lyrics.
Often performed at weddings
Historical Significance
Arab Traders
Settled by Arab merchants in 8th century, introducing Islam.
Sultanates
Ruled by competing sultanates from 15th-19th centuries.
Colonial Era
French protectorate from 1886 until independence in 1975.
Modern Politics
Over 20 coups since independence, with Mayotte remaining French.
Travel Information
Security Situation
- ! Exercise Caution: Political instability possible
- ! Crime: Petty theft in urban areas
- ! Health: Malaria and dengue fever present
- ! Infrastructure: Limited outside main islands
Visiting Comoros
- Visa required for most visitors (obtainable on arrival)
- International airport: Prince Said Ibrahim (HAH)
- Major airlines: Air Austral, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian
- Ferries connect the islands (schedules unreliable)
- Best visited as part of organized tour
- French useful, English limited outside hotels
Cultural Etiquette
- Modest dress recommended (especially for women)
- Remove shoes before entering homes/mosques
- Right hand for eating/greeting
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Friday is holy day (many businesses closed)
- Ramadan observance strict (eating/drinking in public frowned upon)
- Alcohol available but not widely consumed
Climate Considerations
- ✓ May-Oct: Cooler dry season (best time to visit)
- ! Nov-Apr: Hot and humid with cyclones possible
- ✓ Jul-Sep: Whale watching season
- X Jan-Mar: Peak of rainy season
Unique Facts About Comoros
Coelacanth
"Living fossil" fish found in Comoran waters.
Karthala
One of world's most active volcanoes (last erupted 2007).
Vanilla
Second largest export after ylang-ylang.
Population
Young population (60% under 25 years old).
Comoros on the Map
Coordinates
11.6455° S, 43.3333° E (Moroni)
Neighboring Countries
Between Mozambique and Madagascar
Flight Time
1 hour from Dar es Salaam, 2 hours from Nairobi
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