Country Profile: Comoros
The Union of the Comoros is a small archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, at the northern mouth of the Mozambique Channel. Comprising the islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli, it boasts a tropical marine climate and a diverse terrain characterized by volcanic mountains and low hills. As of 2025, the population is estimated to be approximately 911,707, predominantly of Muslim faith. The nation's economy is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism, yet it faces challenges including political instability and reliance on remittances. The governance is structured as a federal presidential republic, with a history marred by political coups and constitutional changes.
Geography
The Comoros archipelago is situated between northern Madagascar and Mozambique, making it strategically significant in maritime trade. The islands feature volcanic terrain, with Karthala being the highest point at 2,360 meters. Its climate is tropical marine, with a rainy season from November to May, and the coastline spans 340 kilometers.
- 2,235 sq km: Total land area
- 12 nm: Territorial sea claims
- 71.5%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023)
- 340 km: Length of coastline
- 17.8%: Forest cover (2023)
- 200 nm: Exclusive economic zone
People and Society
Comoros has a diverse population of approximately 911,707, with a young median age of 23.1 years and a significant percentage (98.1%) adhering to Islam. The official languages are Arabic, French, and Shikomoro, reflecting the islands’ cultural influences. Urbanization is slowly rising, with about 30.1% of the population living in urban areas as of 2023.
- 32.6%: Population aged 0-14 years (2025 estimate)
- 1.26%: Population growth rate (2025 estimate)
- 67.8 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate)
- 75.8%: Literacy rate (2021 estimate)
- 3.9%: Unemployment rate (2024 estimate)
- 21.12: Birth rate (per 1,000 population, 2025 estimate)
- 98.1%: Muslim population (2020 estimate)
Economy
Comoros features a small, trade-based economy significantly impacted by agricultural productivity and remittances. The GDP in purchasing power parity is estimated at $3.092 billion for 2024, with a growth rate of 3.4%. Key industries include fishing, tourism, and perfume distillation, but the country grapples with structural reforms and residual effects from natural disasters.
- $3,600: GDP per capita (2024 estimate)
- 36.6%: Agriculture's contribution to GDP (2024 estimate)
- 21.4%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2023 estimate)
- 44.8%: Population living below the poverty line (2020 estimate)
- $504.036 million: Total imports (2023 estimate)
- $148.455 million: Total exports (2023 estimate)
- 3.9%: Unemployment rate (2024 estimate)
Government
The Comoros operates under a federal presidential republic system, with Moroni as its capital. The political landscape has been shaped by a history of coups and reforms, including a new constitution adopted in 2018 that altered presidential term limits. The current president, AZALI Assoumani, has been in office since 2016.
- 6 July 1975: Date of independence from France
- 33: Number of seats in the unicameral Assembly of the Union
- 18 years: Voting age for suffrage
- President: AZALI Assoumani (re-elected January 2024)
- 18.2%: Percentage of women in the Assembly (2025 estimate)
- 10 years: Residency required for naturalization
Military and Security
The National Army for Development, which includes the Comoran Defense Force, plays a vital role in internal security and rescue operations. The military is lightly armed and supported by a defense treaty with France, which provides additional resources and training.
- 600: Estimated personnel in the Defense Force (2023)
- 18-25 years: Age range for voluntary military service
- 22.1 million kWh: Electricity transmission/distribution losses (2023)
- 5.9%: Percentage of the budget allocated to military and security services
Energy
Electricity access in Comoros is relatively high, with over 89.9% of the population having access as of 2022. The energy sector is reliant on fossil fuels, with an installed capacity for electricity generation at 32,000 kW.
- 89.9%: Total electricity access (2022 estimate)
- 113.052 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 estimate)
- 100%: Electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023 estimate)
- 7.139 million Btu/person: Energy consumption per capita (2023 estimate)
Environment
Comoros faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation and soil degradation caused by agricultural practices. The country has made commitments to various international environmental agreements to address climate change and biodiversity.
- 71.5%: Agricultural land usage (2023 estimate)
- 436,000 metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 estimate)
- 4.7 million cubic meters: Annual water withdrawal for agriculture (2022 estimate)
- 91,000 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 estimate)
Transportation
Transportation infrastructure in Comoros consists of a limited number of civil aircraft and merchant marine vessels. The country has 4 main ports and several small airports, indicating a reliance on maritime transport for trade.
- 3: Airports (2025)
- 273: Total merchant marine vessels (2023)
- 4: Total ports (2024)
Communications
Communications infrastructure is developing, with a growing number of mobile cellular subscriptions. Internet access is available to about 36% of the population, and various state and regional media outlets operate within the country.
- 934,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
- 36%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2023)
- 8,200: Fixed telephone line subscriptions (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 911,707 (2025 est.) | Total estimated population |
| Area | 2,235 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $3.092 billion (2024 est.) | Real GDP at purchasing power |
| Energy Consumption | 7.139 million Btu/person | Per capita consumption |
| Birth Rate | 21.12 births/1,000 population | Birth rate (2025 est.) |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.9% (2024 est.) | Percentage of labor force |
| Life Expectancy | 67.8 years (2024 est.) | Average life expectancy |
| Literacy Rate | 75.8% (2021 est.) | Total population literate |
| Electricity Access | 89.9% (2022 est.) | Percentage of population with access |
| National Holiday | 6 July | Independence Day |
Explore more about this country: