The
Comoros is a group of islands in the Comoros archipelago consisting
of three small islands namely; Grand Comore, Anjouan and Moheli.
A fourth island Mayotte is under French administration a status
disputed by the Comoros’ government. The archipelago is situated
in the Indian Ocean of the African mainland at the north of Mozambique.
The Comoros is a former French colony and attained its independence
on the 6th of July 1975. The Country has however since its independence
had to endure close to 19 coups and coup attempts. A new constitution
was adopted in December 2001 and Presidential elections were held
the following year.
The Country is regarded as one of the poorest in the world
and its economy is based mainly on agriculture. Other prominent
industries in the Country are tourism and perfume distillation.
People:
Comoros has a population of approximately 690, 948 people. Arabic
and French are the official languages though Shikomoro (an amalgamation
of Swahili and Arabic) is widely spoken. Major ethnic groups
in the Country are; Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha and Sakalava.
Capital:
Moroni situated on the Grande Comore Island is the largest urban
centre and the Capital City of the Comoros.
Administration:
Each of the Comoros’ islands has its own semi-autonomous
government headed by an elected president. A union President
is elected to head the federal government.
