Comoros

The Comoros officially the Union of the Comoros is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located off the eastern coast of Africa on the northern end of the Mozambique Channel between northern Madagascar and northeastern Mozambique.

Official Name: Union des Comores (French)Udzima wa Komori (Comorian)

Short form: Comores

International Short Form: Comoros

Country Calling Code: +269

Capital City: Moroni (pop. 60,000)

Other Cities: Mutsamudu (pop. 20,000), Fomboni, Mamoutzou.

Government Type: Republic.

Independence: 6 July 1975 (from France, Mayotte remains under French administration).

Nationality: Comorian(s).

Population: 800,000

Ethnic Groups: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava.

Religions: Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2%.

Languages: Shikomor (Comorian, a Swahili-Arabic blend), Arabic, French, Swahili.

Natural Resources: Few natural resources.

Agriculture Products: Vanilla, ylang-ylang, jasmine, cassis, cloves, perfume essences,  copra, coconuts, bananas, cassava (tapioca)

Industries: Tourism, perfume distillation.

Currency: Comoran Franc (KMF)

Source: www.nationsonline.org/Africa; www.bbc.com/ Comoros Profile; other.