3 islands; Grande Comore (Njazidja), Anjouan (Nzwani), and Moheli (Mwali); note - there are also four municipalities named Domoni, Fomboni, Moroni, and Moutsamoudou.
Population:
596,202 (July 2001 est.)
Currency:
Comoran franc (KMF)
Languages:
Arabic (official), French (official), Comoran (a blend of Swahili and Arabic)
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
Natural hazards:
cyclones possible during rainy season (December to April); Le Kartala on Grand Comore is an active volcano
One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of three islands that have inadequate transportation links, 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, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, is the leading sector of the economy. It contributes 40% to GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. The country is not self-sufficient in food production; rice, the main staple, accounts for the bulk of imports. 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. Continued foreign support is essential if the goal of 4% annual GDP growth is to be met. Remittances from 150,000 Comorans abroad help supplement GDP.
Industry:
tourism, perfume distillation, textiles, furniture, jewelry, construction materials, soft drinks
Ethnicgroups:
Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava
Vaccination requirements:
No vaccination requirements for any international traveller.
Malaria:
Malaria risk—predominantly due to P. falciparum—exists throughout the year in the whole country. Resistance to chloroquine reported.
