Country Profile: Comoros

The Comoros is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, comprising the islands of Anjouan, Moheli, and Grande Comore. Once a significant maritime trade center, Comoros gained independence from France in 1975 but has faced challenges such as political instability and natural disasters. The nation has a population of approximately 911,000 and a mixed economy primarily focused on agriculture and remittances, with a governance structure defined as a federal presidential republic.

Geography

Comoros is situated at the northern mouth of the Mozambique Channel, roughly two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique. The archipelago features varying terrain, including volcanic islands with steep mountains and low hills, with Grande Comore's Karthala being the highest point at 2,360 meters. The climate is tropical marine, characterized by a rainy season from November to May.

Total Area: 2,235 sq km
Coastline: 340 km
Highest Point: Karthala at 2,360 m
Natural Hazards: Cyclones possible from December to April and volcanic activity
Land Use: 71.5% agricultural land (2023 est.)

People and Society

With an estimated population of 911,707 in 2025, Comoros is predominantly made up of Comoran ethnic groups including Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, and others. The society is largely Muslim (98.1%), and the official languages are Arabic, French, and Comorian. The population is young, with a median age of 23.1 years and a significant portion under 15 years old.

Population Growth Rate: 1.26% (2025 est.)
Urban Population: 30.1% (2023)
Literacy Rate: 75.8% (2021 est.)
Life Expectancy: 67.8 years (2024 est.)
Dependency Ratio: 57.3 (2025 est.)

Economy

The economy of Comoros is primarily trade-based and relies heavily on agriculture, which accounts for 36.6% of GDP. The country has been grappling with declining remittances and effects from natural disasters, but it remains open to foreign direct investment. In 2024, the GDP is estimated at approximately $3.092 billion, with a real GDP growth rate of 3.4%.

GDP (PPP): $3.092 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per Capita: $3,600 (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 3.9% (2024 est.)
Public Debt: 27.7% of GDP (2016 est.)
Remittances: 21.4% of GDP (2023 est.)

Government

Comoros operates as a federal presidential republic, with Moroni as the capital. The political landscape has been shaped by a history of coups and a power-sharing agreement that rotates the presidency among the islands. The most recent election was held in January 2024, resulting in the reelection of President Azali Assoumani.

Independence: July 6, 1975
Legislature: Unicameral Assembly of the Union with 33 members
Chief of State: President Azali Assoumani (as of May 2016)
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Constitution: Adopted July 30, 2018

Military and Security

The Comoran Defense Force, known as the National Army for Development, includes both military and police components, totaling approximately 1,100 personnel. The focus of the armed forces is on internal security and disaster response, supported by a defense treaty with France for maritime security.

Defense Force Personnel: Estimated 600
Police Personnel: Estimated 500 (2023)
Military Service Age: 18-25 years (voluntary, no conscription)
Military Equipment: Lightly armed with small arms and utility vehicles
Defense Treaty with France: Provides naval resources and military training

Energy

Electricity access in Comoros reached 89.9% of the population by 2022, with urban areas fully electrified. The energy sector is entirely reliant on fossil fuels, and the total installed generating capacity was about 32,000 kW in 2023.

Electricity Consumption: 113.052 million kWh (2023)
Energy Consumption per Capita: 7.139 million Btu/person (2023)
Electrification Rate: 89.9% (total population)
Rural Electrification Rate: 82.9%
Refined Petroleum Consumption: 3,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Environment

Comoros faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation and soil degradation due to agricultural practices. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, including those addressing biodiversity and climate change.

Major Environmental Concerns: Deforestation, soil erosion
Municipal Solid Waste Generated: 91,000 tons (2024 est.)
Percentage of Waste Recycled: 10.1% (2022 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 436,000 metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Total Renewable Water Resources: 1.2 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Transportation

Comoros has three airports and a merchant marine fleet of 273 vessels, consisting mainly of general cargo and oil tankers. The country has a limited number of fixed and mobile telecommunication subscriptions.

Total Airports: 3 (2025)
Merchant Marine Vessels: 273 (2023)
Total Telecommunications Subscriptions (Mobile): 934,000 (2023)
Telecommunication Access: Fixed lines at 8,200 (2023 est.)
Internet Users: 36% of the population (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	911,707 (2025 est.)
Area	2,235 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$3.092 billion	2024 est.
Birth Rate	21.12 births/1,000	2025 est.
Unemployment Rate	3.9% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	67.8 years	2024 est.
Total Energy Consumption	7.139 million Btu	per capita, 2023 est.
Electricity Access	89.9%	Total population, 2022 est.
Literacy Rate	75.8%	2021 est.
Urban Population	30.1%	2023