Country Profile: Comoros

Comoros, a small archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, is a federal presidential republic comprising the islands of Anjouan, Moheli, and Grande Comore. Despite its strategic historical significance as a maritime trade hub, the nation has struggled with political instability since gaining independence from France in 1975, marked by numerous coups and conflicts. The economy is primarily trade-based and has been trying to recover from recent challenges, including the impacts of COVID-19 and cyclones. As of 2024, Comoros has a population of approximately 900,000 and continues to develop its governance and economic structures.

Geography

Comoros is situated at the northern mouth of the Mozambique Channel, approximately two-thirds of the way between Madagascar and Mozambique. The archipelago consists of volcanic islands characterized by steep mountainous terrains and tropical marine climate, with a rainy season from November to May. The highest point in the country is Mount Karthala, which stands at 2,360 meters.

Total area: 2,235 sq km
Coastline: 340 km
Natural resources: Primarily fish
Agricultural land: 71.5% (2023 estimate)
Urbanization: 30.1% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)

People and Society

Comoros has an estimated population of 900,141 as of 2024, predominantly composed of Muslim ethnic groups, with Arabic and French as the official languages. The society is characterized by a youthful demographic, with a median age of 22.7 years. The country faces challenges related to urbanization and a significant youth population, with 32.6% of the population aged 0-14 years.

Life expectancy: 67.8 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate: 75.8% (2021 est.)
Birth rate: 21.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.3% (2024 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.61 children per woman (2024 est.)

Economy

The economy of Comoros is primarily based on trade and agriculture, with a focus on producing coconuts, yams, and cloves. Despite its challenges, including manageable debts and the effects of climate change, the country is pursuing structural reforms. Real GDP growth is projected at 3.4% for 2024, with remittances playing a significant role, constituting 21.4% of GDP.

GDP (PPP): $3.092 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per capita: $3,600 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 3.9% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate: 1% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 276,400 (2024 est.)

Government

Comoros operates as a federal presidential republic with a legal system that incorporates Islamic law, the French civil code, and customary law. The President serves as both the head of state and government, currently held by AZALI Assoumani since May 2016. The governance structure includes an Assembly of the Union comprising 33 seats, directly elected by the populace.

Independence: 6 July 1975
Last presidential election: 14 January 2024
Suffrage: Universal, starting at age 18
Administrative divisions: Three main islands
Constitution: Most recent adopted on 30 July 2018

Military and Security

The Comoran military, known as the National Army for Development, consists of approximately 600 personnel and focuses primarily on internal security and search and rescue operations. The country does not enforce conscription and maintains a defense treaty with France, which supports its military through naval resources and personnel training.

Military service age: 18-25 years for a 2-year voluntary service
Military equipment: Lightly armed with small arms and a few aircraft
Total military personnel: Approximately 1,100 (including police)
Coast Guard: Part of the security structure

Energy

Comoros’ energy sector is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, creating all electricity through this source. The electrification rate is relatively high, at 89.9%, although rural areas still lag behind urban areas in access to electricity.

Installed electricity capacity: 32,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity consumption: 113.052 million kWh (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 7.139 million Btu (2023 est.)
Rural electrification rate: 82.9%

Environment

Environmental challenges in Comoros include deforestation and soil degradation, primarily driven by agricultural practices. The country is committed to various international environmental agreements aimed at promoting sustainable development and protecting biodiversity.

Forest cover: 17.8% (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 436,000 metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Municipal solid waste generated: 91,000 tons annually (2024 est.)

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes three airports and a modest merchant marine fleet primarily for cargo transport. The transportation system faces limitations but serves the needs of the population across the islands effectively.

Airports: 3 (2025)
Merchant marine vessels: 273 (2023)
Total ports: 4 (2024), with Dzaoudzi and Moroni as key ports

Communications

The telecommunications sector in Comoros is developing, with mobile cellular subscriptions reaching 934,000 in 2023. Internet access remains limited, with about 36% of the population using the internet.

Fixed telephone lines: 9,000 (2023)
Mobile subscriptions: 100 per 100 inhabitants (2022)
Broadband fixed subscriptions: 3,000 (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	900,141 (2024 est.)
Area	2,235 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$3.092 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	3.9% (2024 est.)
Birth rate	21.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	67.8 years (2024 est.)
Energy consumption per capita	7.139 million Btu/person (2023 est.)