The Island of Spices

The Comoros is known as the "Island of Spices" due to its major production of ylang-ylang, vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon. The country is one of the world's largest exporters of ylang-ylang oil, which is widely used in perfumes and cosmetics.

A Group of Islands

The Comoros is an island nation made up of four volcanic islands: Grande Comore, Mohéli, Anjouan, and Mayotte (the latter is a French overseas department). Mayotte remains under French control, while the rest of the islands are part of the independent nation of Comoros.

A Rich History of Colonialism

The Comoros has a complex colonial history, having been ruled by Arab, Portuguese, and French powers. It gained independence from France in 1975, but the legacy of French influence remains, especially on Mayotte, which chose to remain part of France.

Diverse Culture and Languages

The people of Comoros belong to a mix of Arab, African, and French cultures, and there are three official languages: Comorian, Arabic, and French. The population has strong ties to Islam, with the majority of people being Muslim.

Pristine Marine Life

The Comoros Islands are known for their stunning marine biodiversity and are a popular spot for diving and snorkeling. The coral reefs surrounding the islands are home to various fish species, sea turtles, and whale sharks.

Comoros’ Volcanic Landscape

The islands are of volcanic origin, and the largest island, Grande Comore, is home to the active Mount Karthala, one of the largest volcanoes in the world. The volcano has erupted multiple times, the most recent eruption occurring in 2005.

Political Instability

The Comoros has experienced considerable political instability, with numerous military coups and changes in leadership since its independence. Despite this, the country has worked toward stability and development in recent years.

Famous for its Traditional Music

Comorian music blends African, Arab, and French influences. One of the most important traditional music forms is "m'godro", a style of music that is deeply rooted in the island’s culture, often performed with drums and traditional instruments.

A Small Population

The Comoros has a relatively small population of around 850,000 people. The country’s population is scattered across the four islands, with the majority living on Grande Comore and Anjouan.

Unique Flag and Symbolism

The flag of the Comoros features a crescent moon and four stars, each representing one of the four main islands. The crescent moon symbolizes Islam, which is the dominant religion, and the stars represent the country’s unity and aspirations.