Mohéli

Mohéli, also known as Mwali in Shikomori, is one of the four major islands of the Union of the Comoros. It lies in the northwest Indian Ocean, between Madagascar and the African mainland, south of Anjouan and Grande Comore, with Mayotte to the west. The island covers about 290 square kilometers and has a population of roughly tens of thousands. The administrative center is the town of Fomboni, and Mohéli is organized as a prefecture within the Union.

Geography and environment are characterized by a mix of coastal plains and a hilly interior. The island hosts the Mohéli National Park, which protects coastal habitats and marine ecosystems around Mohéli and its islets, contributing to the area’s biodiversity and natural heritage.

Economy and society are based mainly on fishing and subsistence agriculture. Principal crops include coconuts and vanilla, with other spices and fruits grown locally. Tourism is small but focused on the park and the island’s natural scenery, offering opportunities for guided nature visits and marine activities.

History and demographics: Mohéli was historically a sultanate before becoming part of the French colonial empire in the 19th century. It joined the independent Union of the Comoros in 1975. The population is predominantly Muslim, and languages spoken include Shikomori and French, with Arabic influences present in religious and cultural life.