About
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 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 of 2002.
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Source: The World Factbook
Population: 671,247 (July 2005 est.)
Capital: Moroni
Languages: Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (a blend of Swahili and Arabic)
Religions: Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2%
Government: independent republic
Climate: tropical marine; rainy season
(November to May)
Terrain: volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low
hills
Geography: important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel
Ethnic groups: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava
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.
GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $600
(2005 est.)
GDP real growth: 3% (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate: 20% (1996 est.)
Internet country code: .km
Dial code: +269
Cities
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Local currency is the Comoro Franc
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