Comoros
Official Country Name
Comoros
Comoros Overview
Comoros has endured 19 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared independence from Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. AZALI seized power. He 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. Each island in the archipelago elected its own president and a new union president took office in May 2002.
Comoros Economy
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 labor 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 labor 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 - which is hampered by internal political disputes - is struggling to upgrade education and technical training, privatize commercial and industrial enterprises, improve health services, diversify exports, promote tourism, and 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.
Comoros Location
Comoros is located in Southern Africa, group of islands at the northern mouth of the Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique
Region
Comoros is located in Africa
Comoros Population
Comoros has population of 690,948 (July 2006 est.)
Comoros Climate
Comoros has tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)
Comoros Terrain
volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills
Comoros Natural Resources
NEGL
Ethnic Groups in Comoros
Comoros has the following ethnic groups - Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava
Comoros Religions
Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2%
Comoros Languages
Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (a blend of Swahili and Arabic)
Comoros Capital
Comoros capital is Moroni
Comoros Currency
Comoros currency is Comoran franc
Map of Comoros
