Country Profile: Comoros

The Comoros archipelago, located at the northern mouth of the Mozambique Channel, consists of volcanic islands characterized by steep mountains and tropical marine climate. With an estimated population of about 900,141 in 2024, the country has experienced significant political instability since gaining independence from France in 1975, marked by numerous coups and a rotating presidency among its islands. Economically, Comoros relies on a small trade-based economy that has seen impacts from adverse events such as cyclones and the COVID-19 pandemic, while maintaining a complex structure involving remittances and foreign investment.

Geography

Comoros is situated in Southern Africa, approximately two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique. The archipelago comprises the islands of Anjouan, Moheli, and Grande Comore, with volcanic terrains ranging from steep mountains to low hills. The islands have a total area of 2,235 square kilometers and a coastline extending 340 kilometers.

Highest Point: Karthala at 2,360 m
Lowest Point: Indian Ocean at 0 m
Climate: Tropical marine with a rainy season from November to May
Natural Hazards: Cyclones possible during the rainy season, volcanic activity with the last eruption in 2007

People and Society

The population of Comoros is approximately 900,141 as of 2024, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups including Antalote, Cafre, and Makoa. The official languages are Arabic, French, and Shikomoro, while more than 98% of the population adheres to Islam. The population structure indicates a youthful demographic, with a median age of 22.7 years.

Urban Population: 30.1% of the total population
Birth Rate: 21.6 births per 1,000 population (2024)
Life Expectancy: 67.8 years at birth
Total Fertility Rate: 2.61 children born/woman (2024)

Economy

Comoros maintains a small trade-based economy, heavily affected by external factors such as declining remittances and the impacts of cyclones and the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2024, the country's real GDP is estimated to be $3.092 billion, with a GDP growth rate of 3.4%. Agriculture remains a vital sector, contributing significantly to employment and economic activity.

GDP per Capita: $3,600 (2024)
Unemployment Rate: 3.9% (2024)
Population Below Poverty Line: 44.8% (2020)
Exports: $148.455 million (2023), primarily cloves, ships, and essential oils

Government

Comoros functions as a federal presidential republic, with a governance structure established through a constitution adopted in 2018. The current president, AZALI Assoumani, has been in office since 2016 and was most recently reelected in January 2024. The government comprises a unicameral legislature known as the Assembly of the Union.

Capital: Moroni
Legal System: Mixed legal system of Islamic law, French civil code, and customary law
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
Administrative Divisions: Comprised of three islands: Anjouan, Grande Comore, and Moheli

Military and Security

The Comoros military, known as the National Army for Development, is tasked with national defense and internal security, comprising an estimated 600 Defense Force personnel and 500 Federal Police. No conscription exists, and military service is voluntary for ages 18-25.

Major Military Focus: Search and rescue operations and internal security
Defense Treaty: With France for naval resources and military training
Military Equipment: Lightly armed with small arms and a few light aircraft

Energy

Electricity access in Comoros stands at approximately 89.9% of the total population, with urban areas experiencing full electrification. The country's electricity generation is completely reliant on fossil fuels, with installed capacity recorded at 32,000 kW.

Electricity Consumption: 113.052 million kWh (2023)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 436,000 metric tonnes (2023)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 7.139 million Btu/person (2023)

Environment

Comoros faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation and soil degradation due to agricultural practices. The country is part of multiple international environmental agreements, including the Climate Change-Paris Agreement.

Deforestation Issues: Resulting from crop cultivation without proper land management
Water Resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 1.2 billion cubic meters (2020)

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure includes three airports and a merchant marine fleet comprising 273 vessels. The country's key ports facilitate various export activities.

Airports: 3 (2025)
Total Ports: 4 (2024)

Communications

Telecommunication services in Comoros include limited fixed line subscriptions and a growing number of mobile cellular connections, with approximately 934,000 mobile subscriptions as of 2023.

Internet Users: 36% of the population (2023)
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions: 3,000 (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	900,141	Estimated for 2024
Area	2,235 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$3.092 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	3.9%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	21.6 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	67.8 years	Estimated for 2024
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	7.139 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Electricity Access	89.9%	Total electrification for population
Total Ports	4	Estimated for 2024
Median Age	22.7 years	Estimated for 2024