Country Profile: Comoros
The Comoros, an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, is strategically positioned between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique. Comprising the islands of Anjouan, Moheli, Grande Comore, and the French territory of Mayotte, the country has a rich maritime trade history. With an estimated population of 911,707 in 2025, the Comoros has faced persistent political instability since gaining independence from France in 1975. The economy is primarily trade-based, heavily reliant on agriculture, with significant contributions from fishing and tourism.
Geography
The Comoros archipelago consists of volcanic islands featuring diverse terrain, ranging from steep mountains to low hills. The climate is tropical marine, characterized by a rainy season from November to May. The islands boast a coastline of 340 km and a total land area of 2,235 sq km, making them slightly more expansive than Washington, D.C.
- 340 km of coastline.
- 2,235 sq km total land area.
- 12 nm territorial sea claims.
People and Society
Comoros has a population of approximately 911,707, with a majority of the inhabitants identifying as Comoran. The population is predominantly Muslim (98.1%), with Arabic, French, and Shikomoro recognized as official languages. The demographic profile indicates a young population; the median age is 23.1 years, and a significant portion is under 14 years old.
- 32.6% of the population is aged 0-14 years.
- 30.1% of the population resides in urban areas.
- 67.8 years is the life expectancy at birth.
Economy
The economy of Comoros is primarily trade-based, with agriculture contributing significantly to GDP. The real GDP is projected to grow at a rate of 3.4% in 2024, reaching approximately $3.092 billion in purchasing power parity. The country faces challenges such as declining remittances and adverse effects from natural disasters. However, the labor market remains relatively stable, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%.
- 36.6% of GDP comes from the agricultural sector.
- $3,600 is the estimated GDP per capita in 2024.
- 44.8% of the population is below the poverty line (2020 est.).
Government
Comoros operates as a federal presidential republic with a history marked by political turbulence, including numerous coups. The current president, AZALI Assoumani, has been in power since 2016. The government is based on a mixed legal system incorporating Islamic, civil, and customary law. The capital city is Moroni, which serves as the political and administrative center.
- 6 July 1975: Date of independence from France.
- 33 seats in the unicameral Assembly of the Union.
- 18 years is the minimum voting age.
Military and Security
The Comoros has a small military force, primarily focused on internal security, search, and rescue operations. The National Army for Development oversees the Comoran Defense Force. The country has no conscription and offers voluntary military service for both men and women aged 18-25.
- Estimated 600 personnel in the Defense Force.
- Military equipment is primarily small arms and light aircraft.
- Defense treaty with France provides additional naval resources.
Energy
Electricity access in Comoros is relatively high, with about 89.9% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022. The country relies entirely on fossil fuels for electricity generation, with an installed capacity of 32,000 kW.
- 113.052 million kWh of electricity was consumed in 2023.
- 3,000 bbl/day of refined petroleum consumption (2023).
- 82.9% of rural areas have electrification coverage.
Environment
Comoros faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation and soil degradation stemming from agricultural practices. The nation is committed to various international environmental agreements related to biodiversity and climate change.
- 17.8% of land is forested.
- 71.5% of land is used for agriculture (2023).
- 436,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions reported in 2023.
Transportation
The Comoros has a limited transportation network, with three airports serving the islands. The merchant marine consists of a fleet of 273 vessels, predominantly for cargo transport.
- 4 major ports operational.
- Estimated 3 airports as of 2025.
Communications
Communications infrastructure includes both fixed and mobile telephone services, with mobile subscriptions surpassing fixed lines. Internet penetration is lower, with only 36% of the population being internet users.
- 934,000 mobile cellular subscriptions in 2023.
- 8,200 fixed-line subscriptions as of 2023.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 911,707 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 2,235 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $3.092 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| GDP per capita | $3,600 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Electricity access | 89.9% | Total population with access (2022 est.) |
| Life expectancy | 67.8 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Birth rate | 21.12 births/1,000 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Urban population | 30.1% | Of total population (2023) |
| Forested land | 17.8% | Of total land area (2023) |
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