Country Profile: Comoros
The Comoros, a small archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, consists of the islands Anjouan, Moheli, and Grande Comore, with a population of approximately 911,707 as of 2025. The economy is primarily trade-based but faces challenges such as declining remittances, impacts from cyclones, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Governance has experienced significant instability since independence from France in 1975, with a federal presidential republic structure currently in place. President AZALI Assoumani, in power since 2016, recently secured reelection in January 2024 amidst ongoing political disputes.
Geography
Comoros is situated at the northern mouth of the Mozambique Channel, between Madagascar and Mozambique, with a total area of 2,235 square kilometers. The islands are characterized by volcanic terrain with high peaks, such as Karthala, which rises to 2,360 meters. The climate is tropical marine, bringing a rainy season from November to May, and the islands can experience cyclones and volcanic activity.
- 340 km of coastline
- 71.5% of land used for agriculture (2023)
- 17.8% of land covered by forests (2023)
- 0 km of land boundaries, as an island nation
- Residents face potential hazards from cyclones and volcanic eruptions.
People and Society
As of 2025, Comoros has an estimated population of 911,707, with a demographic composition largely identified as Comoran. The official languages are Arabic, French, and Shikomoro, while the predominant religion is Sunni Islam, practiced by over 98% of the population. The age structure reveals a youthful population, with a median age of 23.1 years.
- 32.6% of the population is aged 0-14 years
- 30.1% of the population is urban (2023)
- 21.12 births per 1,000 population (2025)
- 67.8 years life expectancy at birth (2024)
- 75.8% literacy rate (2021)
Economy
Comoros has a small trade-based economy that is fragile and heavily reliant on foreign remittances, which made up about 21.4% of GDP in 2023. The economy has seen some restructuring efforts, but continues to face challenges from natural disasters and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $3.092 billion.
- 3.4% GDP growth rate expected in 2024
- 36.6% of GDP derived from agriculture (2024)
- 3.9% unemployment rate (2024)
- 276,400 people in the labor force (2024)
- 44.8% of the population lives below the poverty line (2020)
Government
The Union of the Comoros is a federal presidential republic, with governance marked by a history of political instability and numerous coups. The current president, AZALI Assoumani, has been in office since 2016, following the adoption of a new constitution in 2018 that altered the rotation of presidential powers among the islands.
- 3 main islands serve as administrative divisions
- 18 years is the minimum voting age
- 33 members in the unicameral Assembly of the Union
- Constitutions adopted: most recent in 2018
Military and Security
The Comoros maintains a small National Army for Development, comprising approximately 600 defense personnel and 500 federal police. The military is lightly armed, focusing mainly on internal security and disaster response. A defense treaty with France supports naval and aerial security measures.
- Military service is voluntary for ages 18-25
- The primary focus includes search and rescue and internal security operations
- Light arms and utility vehicles are the main military equipment
Energy
Electricity access in Comoros is relatively high, with an electrification rate of 89.9%. The nation relies entirely on fossil fuels for its electricity, with an installed capacity of 32,000 kW as of 2023.
- 100% of electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023)
- 113.052 million kWh electricity consumption (2023)
- 82.9% electrification in rural areas
Environment
Comoros faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil degradation, and silting of coral reefs. The country participates in various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing issues such as climate change and biodiversity.
- 71.5% of land utilized for agriculture (2023)
- 30.1% urban population (2023)
- 436,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023)
Transportation
Comoros has a modest transportation network, including three airports and several small ports. The merchant marine fleet consists of 273 vessels, primarily handling local trade.
- 4 ports with oil terminals
- 3 airports (2025)
- The civil aircraft registration code is D6.
Communications
Telecommunications in Comoros have seen growth, with mobile cellular subscriptions reaching 934,000 in 2023. The internet penetration rate is currently at 36% of the population.
- 8,200 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023)
- 3,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
- Internet country code: .km
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 911,707 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 2,235 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $3.092 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.9% | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 89.9% | 2022 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 21.12 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 67.8 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 75.8% | 2021 estimate |
| Urban Population | 30.1% | 2023 estimate |
| Agriculture Land Usage | 71.5% | 2023 estimate |
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