Comoros

Union des Comores
Udzima wa Komori
الاتحاد القمر

(In Detail) ()
National motto: Unité - Justice - Progrès (French, "Unity, justice, progress")
Official language	Shikomor, Arabic, French
Capital	Moroni
President	Col. Azali Assoumani
Area  - Total  - % water	Ranked 167th 2,170 km² Negligible
Population  - Total (2002)  - Density	Ranked 158th 596,202 275/km²
Independence  - Declared  - Recognised	Independence from France (1975) (1975)
Currency	Comoran franc
Time zone	UTC +3
National anthem	Udzima wa ya Masiwa
Internet TLD	.KM
Calling Code	269

The Union of Comoros (French Union des Comores, Shikomor Udzima wa Komori, Arabic الاتحاد القمر) is an independent country at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean, between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique. The country consists of three vulcanic islands: Grande Comore, Moheli and Anjouan, while Mayotte is claimed by Comoros but under French control. The political situation in Comoros has been extremely fluid since the country's independence in 1975, subject to the volatility of coups and political insurrection.

On February 17, 2000, representatives of the government, the Anjouan separatists, the political opposition, and civil society organizations signed a "Framework Accord for Reconciliation in Comoros," brokered by the Organization for African Unity (OAU). The accord called to develop a "New Comorian Entity" with a new constitution. In August representatives from each island debated the first draft; however, the constitution has not yet been implemented.

It is one of the poorest countries in the world. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, is the leading sector of the economy.

Table of contents

1 History 2 Politics 3 Geography 4 Economy 5 Demographics 6 Culture 7 Miscellaneous topics 8 External Links

History

Over the centuries, the islands of Comoros were invaded by a succession of diverse groups from the coast of Africa, the Persian Gulf, Indonesia, and Madagascar. Portuguese explorers visited the archipelago in 1505 and Arab migrants introduced Islam at about the same time.

Between 1841 and 1912, France established colonial rule and placed the islands under the administration of the governor general of Madagascar. Later, French settlers, French-owned companies, and wealthy Arab merchants established a plantation-based economy that now uses about one-third of the land for export crops. Agreement was reached with France in 1973 for Comoros to become independent in 1978. On July 6, 1975, however, the Comorian parliament passed a resolution declaring independence. The deputies of Mayotte, which stayed under French control, abstained.

In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared their independence from Comoros. A subsequent attempt by the government to reestablish control over the rebellious islands by force failed, and presently the African Union is brokering negotiations to effect a reconciliation.

Politics

Colonel Azali seized power in a bloodless coup in April 1999, overthrowing Interim President Tadjiddine Ben Said Massounde, who himself had held the office since the death of democratically elected President Mohamed Taki Abdoulkarim in November, 1998.

In May 1999, Azali decreed a constitution that gave him both executive and legislative powers. Bowing somewhat to international criticism, Azali appointed a civilian Prime Minister, Bainrifi Tarmidi, in December 1999; however, Azali retained the mantle of Head of State and army Commander. In December 2000, Azali named a new civilian Prime Minister, Hamada Madi, and formed a new civilian Cabinet.

Geography

Comoros is formed by three of the four main islands in the Comoros Archipelago; the fourth is the French territory of Mayotte. The archipelago is situated in the Indian Ocean, between the African coast and Madagascar. The interior of the volcanic islands vary from steep mountains to low hills. Le Kartala (2316 m) on Grand Comore is an active volcano.

Economy

Comoros has inadequate transportation system, 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 contributes 40% to GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports.

The government is struggling to upgrade education and technical training, to privatize commercial and industrial enterprises, to improve health services, to diversify exports, to promote tourism, and to reduce the high population growth rate.

Demographics

The Comorians inhabiting Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli (86% of the population) share African-Arab origins. Islam is the dominant religion, and Koranic schools for children reinforce its influence. Although Arab culture is firmly established throughout the archipelago, a substantial minority of the citizens of Mayotte (the Mahorais) are Catholic and have been strongly influenced by French culture.

The most common language is Shikomor, a Swahili dialect. French and Arabic also are spoken. About 57% of the population is literate.

Culture

• Communications in Comoros
• Transportation in Comoros
• Military of Comoros
• Foreign relations of Comoros
• List of Presidents of Comoros

• [1] - US State Dep. page about Comoros
• [1] - Republican party of Comoros
• [1] - More information about the islands