The Union of Comoros is an island country in the Indian Ocean, located of the eastern coast of Africa on the northern end of Mozambique Channel between northeastern Mozambique and northern Madagascar. Its neighboring countries are Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar and Seychelles. The Comoros consists of four islands Ngazidja, Mwali, Nzwani, and Mayotte. Comoros takes three languages in official use- Comorian (Shikomor), Arabic, and French.
Comoros is member country of each of the African Union, Francophonie, Organization of the Islamic Conference, Arab League, and Indian Ocean Commission, among other international organizations. In terms of land area, Comoros is third smallest African nation and the smallest in the world. The name Comoros is derived from the Arabic word qamar meaning moon.
The island nation of Comoros invaded by many in the past including people from Africa, Persia, Gulf and Madagascar. Portuguese reached here in 1505, around same time Islam was introduced by Arab migrants. French established Colonial rule between 1841 and 1912, later different French companies and Arab merchants established merchandise here. Post World War II Comoros became a French overseas territory and represented in National Assembly of France in 1961. Comoros became free from French rule on July 6, 1975.
After Independence in 1975 there was multiparty democratic government administered by President Ahmed Abdallah. The Ahmed Abdallah government replaced from power in a coup and a constitution was written for Comoros in 1978. Again in 1979, Abdallah came into power as a result of another coup. Further the Constitution of Comoros was revised in 1982 and 1985. Later in 2001, a new constitution was adopted.
The President of Comoros is Head of the Government. People of Comoros, 18 years of age and more elect their president for a maximum of five years. However President cannot serve more than two terms in a row. The president elects governors and other ministers. The judiciary power in Comoros is free from executive and legislature. Each three islands of Comoros enjoy great autonomy under the new constitution adopted in 2001.
The economic scenarios in Comoros are not good. The country is one of the world’s least developed and poorest nations. However, the quality of life in each three island differs greatly. People depend on agriculture and fishing for living. Approximately 80% population depends on Agriculture. Agriculture accounts for 40% of GDP. The rest of the income comes from sources like tourism, construction and other commercial activities. The major Cash Crops of Comoros are vanilla, cloves, perfume essences, and copra. Comoros is world’s largest producer of ylang-ylang, used in manufacturing perfume and second largest in producing vanilla. Principal food crops are coconuts, bananas, and cassava. Foodstuffs constitute 32% of total imports. Once strange fellow to Comoros, France is trading partner now.
