Country Profile: Comoros

The Comoros, an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, consists of the islands of Anjouan, Mayotte, Moheli, and Grande Comore. Despite its strategic position along historical maritime trade routes, Comoros has faced political instability since gaining independence from France in 1975. The nation's economy, primarily reliant on agriculture and fishing, has been challenged by natural disasters and limited infrastructure, yet it has seen recent reforms aimed at stabilization and growth. Governed as a federal presidential republic, Comoros is characterized by a unique power-sharing agreement among its islands, which has shaped its political landscape over the years.

Geography

Comoros is situated at the northern entrance of the Mozambique Channel, roughly two-thirds of the distance between Madagascar and Mozambique. The archipelago's total land area is about 2,235 sq km, featuring volcanic terrain and a tropical marine climate with a rainy season from November to May. The islands boast a 340 km coastline and rich natural resources primarily in fish.

340 km of coastline
2,360 m high volcanic peak, Karthala, on Grande Comore
71.5% of land is agricultural
17.8% forested area (2023 est.)
Home to 3 main islands: Anjouan, Moheli, and Grande Comore

People and Society

The estimated population of Comoros is 911,707 (2025), with a slightly higher number of females compared to males. The population is diverse, with ethnic groups including Antalote, Cafre, and Sakalava, and the predominant religions are Islamic, representing 98.1% of the population, primarily Sunni Muslims. The literacy rate stands at 75.8% (2021 est.), reflecting ongoing educational efforts.

32.6% of the population is aged 0-14 years
23.1 years is the median age (2025 est.)
21.12 births/1,000 people (2025 est.)
67.8 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
30.1% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)

Economy

Comoros has a small, trade-based economy significantly impacted by external factors such as remittances, which constituted 21.4% of GDP in 2023. The economy is primarily driven by agriculture (36.6% of GDP), with the nation producing crops like bananas and cloves. Structural reforms are underway to enhance economic resilience, though the country grapples with high unemployment rates and poverty.

$3.092 billion real GDP (PPP) projected for 2024
3.9% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
44.8% of the population lives below the poverty line (2020 est.)
$148.5 million in exports (2023 est.)
$504 million in imports (2023 est.)

Government

The Union of the Comoros functions as a federal presidential republic, with a legal system combining Islamic law, French civil code, and customary law. The capital city, Moroni, has a governance structure that allows rotating presidency among the islands. As of January 2024, President AZALI Assoumani has been reelected, amid a politically charged atmosphere.

Established independence on 6 July 1975
Current constitution adopted on 30 July 2018
Composed of 3 main administrative divisions
33 seats in the unicameral Assembly of the Union
Voting age is set at 18 years

Military and Security

Comoros maintains a small defense force known as the National Army for Development, comprising roughly 600 personnel. The military focus is largely on internal security and disaster response, supported by a defense treaty with France that aids in naval protection and military training.

600 personnel in the Defense Force (2023)
Military service is voluntary for ages 18-25
The military primarily equipped with light arms and utility vehicles
Defense treaty with France for territorial protection
Includes Coast Guard and Federal Police under the Ministry of Interior

Energy

Access to electricity in Comoros is at 89.9% of the total population (2022), with complete access in urban areas. The country relies entirely on fossil fuels for electricity generation, facing challenges in energy production capacity.

32,000 kW installed generating capacity (2023)
113.052 million kWh electricity consumption (2023)
7.139 million Btu/person total energy consumption per capita (2023)
82.9% of the rural population has electricity access
No renewable energy sources reported

Environment

Comoros confronts environmental issues such as deforestation and soil erosion, largely due to agricultural practices. The government has committed to various international environmental agreements aimed at sustainability.

71.5% of land is used for agriculture (2023)
436,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
Urban population growth at 2.97% annually (2020-25)
Total renewable water resources estimated at 1.2 billion cubic meters
Municipal solid waste generation stands at 91,000 tons annually (2024 est.)

Transportation

The Comoros features a limited transportation network with several small airports and a merchant marine fleet. The country's transportation infrastructure is essential for connecting its islands and supporting trade.

3 airports operational (2025)
273 vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
Major ports include Dzaoudzi, Fomboni, and Moroni
4 major ports handle maritime traffic (2024)
100% of urban areas have transport access

Communications

Communication infrastructure includes both fixed and mobile telephony, with a growing number of internet users. The country has state-owned media and a small number of independent radio stations.

934,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
36% of the population are internet users (2023)
Total fixed-line subscriptions stand at 8,200 (2023)
3,000 broadband fixed subscriptions (2023)
National television and radio stations operate alongside community services

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	911,707 (2025 est.)
Area	2,235 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$3.092 billion (2024)
Energy Consumption per Capita	7.139 million Btu (2023)
Birth Rate	21.12 births/1,000 (2025)
Unemployment Rate	3.9% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth	67.8 years (2024 est.)
Total Electricity Access	89.9% (2022 est.)
Literacy Rate	75.8% (2021 est.)
Urban Population Percentage	30.1% (2023)