mwali

Mwali, also known as Mohéli in French, is one of the four main islands of the Union of the Comoros, located in the Indian Ocean between Grande Comore to the north and Anjouan to the northeast. In Swahili, the island is called Mwali. The capital and largest town is Fomboni. The island covers roughly 290 square kilometers and has a population in the tens of thousands.

Geographically, Mwali features a central highland area surrounded by coastal plains and mangrove-lined shores. It has a tropical climate with a rainy season and is noted for its relatively undeveloped interior compared with some neighboring islands. The surrounding seas protect a marine ecosystem that includes coral reefs and spawning grounds for sea life. Mohéli National Park, established to conserve terrestrial and marine habitats, is a key feature around the island and is important for biodiversity management in the region.

Administratively, Mwali is part of the Union of the Comoros and is divided into several communes. Its economy traditionally relies on fishing and agriculture, with growing emphasis on ecotourism linked to the island’s natural areas and protected coastlines. Conservation and sustainable tourism initiatives have been pursued to balance development with environmental protection.

Culturally, inhabitants speak Shikomori, a Swahili-based language, with French and Arabic used in education, administration, and religious life. The island shares in the broader Comorian cultural heritage, including music, crafts, and traditional practices. Mwali’s status within the Comoros highlights a pattern of small, diverse islands contributing to the nation’s biodiversity, culture, and economy.