comori

Comoros, officially the Union of the Comoros (French: *Union des Comores*; Arabic: اتحاد جزر القمر, *Ittihād Juzur al-Qumur*), is an archipelago and sovereign state in the Indian Ocean, located off the eastern coast of Africa, between Mozambique and Madagascar. The country comprises four main islands—Ngazidja (Grande Comore), Mwali (Mohéli), Ndzuwani (Anjouan), and Mwali (Mayotte)—with Mayotte remaining a French overseas department and region. Comoros gained independence from France in 1975 after a series of colonial transitions, having previously been a French protectorate and a German colony during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Comorian economy relies heavily on agriculture, with vanilla, ylang-ylang, cloves, and copra being key exports. The country faces economic challenges, including limited infrastructure, high unemployment, and dependence on foreign aid. French remains the official language, though Comorian (a Swahili-based creole) and Arabic are widely spoken. Islam is the predominant religion, influencing cultural and legal traditions.

Politically, Comoros has experienced instability, with multiple coups and shifting governments since independence. The country operates as a federal presidential republic, divided into three autonomous regions corresponding to three of its islands. Mayotte’s separation has led to territorial disputes, as it has expressed a desire to remain under French sovereignty.

Geographically, Comoros is known for its volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, including lemurs and endemic bird species. Tourism remains underdeveloped but holds potential as a growth sector. The nation faces environmental pressures, such as deforestation and climate-related threats to its coastal communities.

Comoros is a member of the African Union, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, reflecting its cultural and diplomatic connections across Africa and the Muslim world. The country continues to seek economic diversification and political stability to improve living standards for its population.