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Comoros
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The Union of the Comoros (until 2002 the Islamic
Federal Republic of the Comoros) is a country in the Indian
Ocean, situated at the northern end of the Mozambique
Channel between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique.
The country consists of three of the four main islands in
the volcanic Comoros archipelago: Grande Comore, Moheli and
Anjouan. The fourth island in the island group, Mayotte, is
not part of the country. Mayotte has voted against
independence from France, but is claimed by Comoros. The
country's territory also encompasses many smaller islands.
Its name was adopted from the word al-Khamar, meaning
'island of small moon,' as seen depicted on its flag.
History
Main article: History of Comoros
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.
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 two
referendums, in December 1974 and February 1976, the
population of Mayotte voted against independence from France
(by 63.8% and 99.4% respectively).
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 subsequently the African Union,
under the auspices of President Mbeki of South Africa, has
brokered negotiations to effect a reconciliation. This
involves a system of governmental autonomy for each island,
plus a Union government for the three islands. A "Loi des
compétences" (a law that defines the responsibilities of
each governmental body) was passed in early 2005 and is in
the process of implementation.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Comoros
The Comorians inhabiting Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli
(86% of the population) share African-Arab origins. Islam is
the dominant religion. 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, Arabic and Malagasy also are spoken. About 57% of
the population is literate in the Latin alphabet, more with
the Arabic alphabet.
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Background:
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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 has
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. |
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Location:
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Southern Africa, group of islands in the Mozambique
Channel, about two-thirds of the way between
northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique |
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Geographic coordinates:
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12 10
S, 44 15 E
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Map references:
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Africa |
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Area:
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total: 2,170 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 2,170 sq km |
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Area - comparative:
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slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington,
DC |
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Land boundaries:
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0 km
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Coastline:
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340
km |
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Maritime claims:
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exclusive economic zone: 200 NM
territorial sea: 12 NM |
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Climate:
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tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)
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Terrain:
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volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep
mountains to low hills |
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Elevation extremes:
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lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Le Kartala 2,360 m |
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Nationality:
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noun: Comoran(s)
adjective: Comoran |
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Ethnic groups:
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Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava |
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Religions:
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Sunni
Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2% |
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Currency:
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Comoran franc (KMF)
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Currency code:
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KMF
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Exchange rates:
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Comoran francs per US dollar - 557.09 (January
2002), 549.78 (2001), 533.98 (2000), 461.77 (1999),
442.46 (1998), 437.75 (1997)
note: prior to January 1999, the official
rate was pegged to the French franc at 75 Comoran
francs per French franc; since 1 January 1999, the
Comoran franc is pegged to the euro at a rate of
491.9677 Comoran francs per euro |
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Internet country code:
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.km
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