Comoros

Description of Comoros

Comoros is an island nation located off the eastern coast of Africa. The islands are located in the Indian Ocean and are between the northern area of Madagascar and Mozambique. Since the country gained its freedom in 1975 from France there have been 20 coups and attempted coups to take it over. In the year 1997 power was seized by military chief Colonel Azali. Azali pledged to fix the secessionist crisis using a confederate arrangement called the 2000 Fomboni Accord.  New constitutions were approved in December of 2001, and in the spring of 2002 presidential elections were held. Each of the islands in the group elects their own president and in May of 2002 a new union president was placed in office.

Comoros is one of the poorest countries in the world. It is made up of 3 islands that do not have adequate transportation links. The population of the islands is young and increasing drastically and there are very few natural resources available on the islands.

Climate and Landscape

The climate of the islands is tropical marine. There is a hot and rainy season that lasts from November through May. The landscape of the islands is made up of volcanic islands. The interiors of the islands vary with low hills to very steep mountain peaks. The highest point is on the island of Grand Comore. It is Le Karthala and it rises 2360 meters.

The 3 islands that make up Comoros are Grand Comore, Moheli, and Anjouan. Mayotte is another island of the group that Comoros claims, but it is governed by France.

Moroni is the capital of the country and Fombini is the capital of Moheli. Other cities include Domoni, Nioumachoua, which is the 2^nd largest village of Moheli located on the south coast. The capital city of Anjouan is Moutsamoudou.

What to See and Do

There are many things to see and do on the Comoros Islands. You can take an 8 hour hike one way to the karthala volcano crater. There are guides available to take you to the crater for around 100 Euro. On Grand Comore you can visit Lac Sale. This is a lake that is next to the beaches just beyond Mytsamiouli. Off the coast of Hahaya you will be able to find dolphins swimming in the sea. At Moheli you will have the opportunity to see giant sea turtles laying their eggs if you come during the right time of the year. Moheli is also the home to Livingstone bats.

There are many great cycling, trekking, and snorkeling and deep sea diving adventures waiting for you off the islands.

Most of the handicrafts on the island are not of the best quality. However, some of the women on the islands make very nice baskets. You can purchase colorful cloths, scarves, and other imported items from the islands. You should never purchase shells from vendors located on the beach.

The Comoros are isolated, which means that the cost of things is typically more than the costs of things in other areas of East Africa. Moroni offers the cheapest bungalows and hotels to stay in. Imported goods tend to be cheapest on Grand Comore.

You should not eat any of the local food unless it has been cooked completely. Jackfruit is a specialty of the island. It is a green fruit that is quite large and tastes like lychee.

Some facts about Comoros

Gallery of Comoros

Comoros video guide

More information about Comoros

Top cities of Comoros