Comoros
AfricaCN December 15, 2025
Background
For centuries prior to colonization in the 19th century, the Comoros archipelago in the Indian Ocean served as a key node in maritime trade networks that connected the Middle East, India, and eastern African regions. Composed of the islands of Anjouan, Mayotte, Moheli, and Grande Comore, Comoros spent most of the 20th century as a colonial outpost until it declared independence from France on 6 July 1975. Residents of Mayotte, however, voted to remain in France, and the French Government has since classified it as a French Overseas Department.
Since independence, Comoros has weathered approximately 20 successful and attempted coups, mostly between 1975 and 2000, resulting in prolonged political instability and stunted economic development. In 2002, President AZALI Assoumani became the first elected president following the completion of the Fomboni Accords, in which the islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli agreed to rotate the presidency among the islands every five years. This power-sharing agreement also included provisions allowing each island to maintain its local government. In 2007, Mohamed BACAR effected Anjouan's de-facto secession from the Union of the Comoros, refusing to step down when Comoros' other islands held legitimate elections. The African Union (AU) initially attempted to resolve the political crisis with sanctions and a naval blockade of Anjouan, but in 2008, the AU and Comoran soldiers seized the island. The island's inhabitants generally welcomed the move. In 2011, Ikililou DHOININE won the presidency in peaceful elections widely deemed to be free and fair. In closely contested elections in 2016, AZALI won a second term, when the rotating presidency returned to Grande Comore. In 2018, a referendum -- which the opposition parties boycotted -- approved a new constitution that extended presidential term limits and abolished the requirement for the presidency to rotate between the three main islands. AZALI formed a new government later that year, and he subsequently ran and was reelected in 2019. AZALI was reelected again in January 2024 in an election that the opposition disputed but the Supreme Court validated.
Since independence, Comoros has weathered approximately 20 successful and attempted coups, mostly between 1975 and 2000, resulting in prolonged political instability and stunted economic development. In 2002, President AZALI Assoumani became the first elected president following the completion of the Fomboni Accords, in which the islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli agreed to rotate the presidency among the islands every five years. This power-sharing agreement also included provisions allowing each island to maintain its local government. In 2007, Mohamed BACAR effected Anjouan's de-facto secession from the Union of the Comoros, refusing to step down when Comoros' other islands held legitimate elections. The African Union (AU) initially attempted to resolve the political crisis with sanctions and a naval blockade of Anjouan, but in 2008, the AU and Comoran soldiers seized the island. The island's inhabitants generally welcomed the move. In 2011, Ikililou DHOININE won the presidency in peaceful elections widely deemed to be free and fair. In closely contested elections in 2016, AZALI won a second term, when the rotating presidency returned to Grande Comore. In 2018, a referendum -- which the opposition parties boycotted -- approved a new constitution that extended presidential term limits and abolished the requirement for the presidency to rotate between the three main islands. AZALI formed a new government later that year, and he subsequently ran and was reelected in 2019. AZALI was reelected again in January 2024 in an election that the opposition disputed but the Supreme Court validated.
Geographic coordinates
12 10 S, 44 15 E
Natural hazards
cyclones possible during rainy season (December to April); volcanic activity on Grand Comore
Volcanism: Karthala (2,361 m) on Grand Comore Island last erupted in 2007; a 2005 eruption forced thousands of people to be evacuated and produced a large ash cloud
Volcanism: Karthala (2,361 m) on Grand Comore Island last erupted in 2007; a 2005 eruption forced thousands of people to be evacuated and produced a large ash cloud
Area - comparative
slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Environmental issues
deforestation; soil degradation and erosion from forest loss and crop cultivation on slopes without proper terracing; silting of coral reefs
International environmental agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)
Coastline
340 km
Land boundaries
Total: 0 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 71.5% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 34.9% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 28.5% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 8.1% (2023 est.)
Forest: 17.8% (2023 est.)
Other: 10.7% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 34.9% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 28.5% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 8.1% (2023 est.)
Forest: 17.8% (2023 est.)
Other: 10.7% (2023 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Natural resources
fish
Geography - note
important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel; the only Arab League country that lies entirely in the Southern Hemisphere
Terrain
volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills
Location
Southern Africa, group of islands at the northern mouth of the Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique
Map references
Africa
Irrigated land
1.3 sq km (2012)
Total renewable water resources
1.2 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
the capital city of Maroni, on the western side of the island of Grande Comore, is the country's largest city; however, Anjouan is the most densely populated of the three islands that comprise Comoros, as shown in this population distribution map
Elevation
Highest point: Karthala 2,360 m
Lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
Lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
Area
Total : 2,235 sq km
Land: 2,235 sq km
Water: 0 sq km
Land: 2,235 sq km
Water: 0 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 32.6% (male 146,480/female 146,626)
15-64 years: 62.8% (male 271,139/female 294,231)
65 years and over: 4.6% (2024 est.) (male 18,139/female 23,526)
15-64 years: 62.8% (male 271,139/female 294,231)
65 years and over: 4.6% (2024 est.) (male 18,139/female 23,526)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Literacy
Total population: 75.8% (2021 est.)
Male: 79.9% (2021 est.)
Female: 72.2% (2021 est.)
Male: 79.9% (2021 est.)
Female: 72.2% (2021 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Comoran(s)
Adjective: Comoran
Adjective: Comoran
Urbanization
Urban population: 30.1% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 2.97% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 2.97% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 97.4% of population
Rural: 88.5% of population
Total: 91% of population
Unimproved:
Urban: 2.6% of population
Rural: 11.5% of population
Total: 8.9% of population (2017 est.)
Urban: 97.4% of population
Rural: 88.5% of population
Total: 91% of population
Unimproved:
Urban: 2.6% of population
Rural: 11.5% of population
Total: 8.9% of population (2017 est.)
Major urban areas - population
62,000 MORONI (capital) (2018)
Mother's mean age at first birth
23 years (2012 est.)
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 59.2 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 51.8 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 7.4 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 13.6 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 51.8 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 7.4 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 13.6 (2024 est.)
Ethnic groups
Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava
Religions
Muslim 98.1% (overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim, small Shia Muslim and Ahmadiyya Muslim populations), ethnic religionist 1.1%, Christian 0.6%, other 0.3% (2020 est.)
Note: Sunni Islam is the state religion
Note: Sunni Islam is the state religion
Languages
Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (official; similar to Swahili), Comorian
Physician density
0.42 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Health expenditure
6.3% of GDP (2021)
4.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
4.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.28 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
63.1% (2022 est.)
Child marriage
Women married by age 15: 4.9% (2022)
Women married by age 18: 20.7% (2022)
Men married by age 18: 6.9% (2022)
Women married by age 18: 20.7% (2022)
Men married by age 18: 6.9% (2022)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 8.9% (2024 est.)
Male: 8.3% (2024 est.)
Female: 9.6% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 8.3% (2024 est.)
Female: 9.6% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-2.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 22.7 years (2024 est.)
Male: 22.1 years
Female: 23.3 years
Male: 22.1 years
Female: 23.3 years
Maternal mortality ratio
179 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
2.61 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 900,141 (2024 est.)
Male: 435,758
Female: 464,383
Male: 435,758
Female: 464,383
Infant mortality rate
Total: 54.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 64.9 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 44.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 64.9 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 44.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 14.7% (2025 est.)
Male: 24.8% (2025 est.)
Female: 4.7% (2025 est.)
Male: 24.8% (2025 est.)
Female: 4.7% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
7.8% (2016)
Death rate
6.4 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
21.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
9.1% (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 0.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 67.8 years (2024 est.)
Male: 65.5 years
Female: 70.2 years
Male: 65.5 years
Female: 70.2 years
Education expenditure
2.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
11.5% national budget (2025 est.)
11.5% national budget (2025 est.)
Population growth rate
1.3% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 4.8 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 500,000 cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 4.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 500,000 cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 4.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 91,000 tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.1% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.1% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
14.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
436,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 436,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 436,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
7.139 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Embassy: The US does not have an embassy in Comoros; the US Ambassador to Madagascar is accredited to Comoros
Administrative divisions
3 islands; Anjouan (Ndzuwani), Grande Comore (N'gazidja), Moheli (Mwali)
Capital
Name: Moroni
Geographic coordinates: 11 42 S, 43 14 E
Time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The name means "at the place of fire," referring to the capital's location below the active volcano Mt. Karthala
Geographic coordinates: 11 42 S, 43 14 E
Time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The name means "at the place of fire," referring to the capital's location below the active volcano Mt. Karthala
Constitution
History: Previous 1996, 2001; newest adopted 30 July 2018
Amendment process: Proposed by the president of the union or supported by at least one third of the Assembly of the Union membership; adoption requires approval by at least three-quarters majority of the total Assembly membership or approval in a referendum
Amendment process: Proposed by the president of the union or supported by at least one third of the Assembly of the Union membership; adoption requires approval by at least three-quarters majority of the total Assembly membership or approval in a referendum
Executive branch
Chief of state: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2016)
Head of government: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2016)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term
Most recent election date: 14 January 2024
Election results:
2024: AZALI Assoumani reelected president in first round - AZALI Assoumani (CRC) 63%, SALIM ISSA Abdallah (PJ) 20.3%, DAOUDOU Abdallah Mohamed (Orange Party) 5.9%, Bourhane HAMIDOU (independent) 5.1%
2019: AZALI Assoumani elected president in first round - AZALI Assoumani (CRC) 60.8%, Ahamada MAHAMOUDOU (PJ) 14.6%, Mouigni Baraka Said SOILIHI (independent) 5.6%, other 19%
Expected date of next election: 2029
Note: The president is both chief of state and head of government
Head of government: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2016)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term
Most recent election date: 14 January 2024
Election results:
2024: AZALI Assoumani reelected president in first round - AZALI Assoumani (CRC) 63%, SALIM ISSA Abdallah (PJ) 20.3%, DAOUDOU Abdallah Mohamed (Orange Party) 5.9%, Bourhane HAMIDOU (independent) 5.1%
2019: AZALI Assoumani elected president in first round - AZALI Assoumani (CRC) 60.8%, Ahamada MAHAMOUDOU (PJ) 14.6%, Mouigni Baraka Said SOILIHI (independent) 5.6%, other 19%
Expected date of next election: 2029
Note: The president is both chief of state and head of government
Flag
Description: Four equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), white, red, and blue, with a green isosceles triangle based on the left; a vertical white crescent moon is centered in the triangle, with four five-pointed white stars placed vertically in a line between the points of the crescent
Meaning: The horizontal bands and the stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago -- Mwali, N'gazidja, Ndzuwani, and Mahore (Mayotte is a department of France, but claimed by Comoros)
Note: The crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam
Meaning: The horizontal bands and the stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago -- Mwali, N'gazidja, Ndzuwani, and Mahore (Mayotte is a department of France, but claimed by Comoros)
Note: The crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam
Independence
6 July 1975 (from France)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (consists of 7 judges)
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges - selection and term of office NA
Subordinate courts: Court of Appeals (in Moroni); Tribunal de première instance; island village (community) courts; religious courts
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges - selection and term of office NA
Subordinate courts: Court of Appeals (in Moroni); Tribunal de première instance; island village (community) courts; religious courts
Legal system
mixed legal system of Islamic religious law, the French civil code of 1975, and customary law
Legislative branch
Legislature name: Assembly of the Union (Assemblée de l'Union)
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 33 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Plurality/majority
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 1/12/2025 to 2/16/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros (CRC) (31); Other (2)
Percentage of women in chamber: 18.2%
Expected date of next election: January 2030
Note: opposition parties, which claimed there was "gross fraud" during the most recent election, boycotted the elections in 2020 and 2025
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 33 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Plurality/majority
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 1/12/2025 to 2/16/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros (CRC) (31); Other (2)
Percentage of women in chamber: 18.2%
Expected date of next election: January 2030
Note: opposition parties, which claimed there was "gross fraud" during the most recent election, boycotted the elections in 2020 and 2025
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AMF, AOSIS, AU, CAEU (candidates), COMESA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
National holiday
Independence Day, 6 July (1975)
Political parties
Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros or CRC
Juwa Party (Parti Juwa) or PJ
Orange Party (2020)
Juwa Party (Parti Juwa) or PJ
Orange Party (2020)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
federal presidential republic
Country name
Conventional long form: Union of the Comoros
Conventional short form: Comoros
Local long form: Udzima wa Komori (Comorian)/Union des Comores (French)/Al Ittihad al Qumuri (Arabic)
Local short form: Komori (Comorian)/Les Comores (French)/Juzur al Qamar (Arabic)
Former: Comorian State, Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros
Etymology: Name derives from the Arabic al qamar, meaning "the moon"
Conventional short form: Comoros
Local long form: Udzima wa Komori (Comorian)/Union des Comores (French)/Al Ittihad al Qumuri (Arabic)
Local short form: Komori (Comorian)/Les Comores (French)/Juzur al Qamar (Arabic)
Former: Comorian State, Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros
Etymology: Name derives from the Arabic al qamar, meaning "the moon"
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Issimail CHANFI (since 23 December 2020); note - also Permanent Representative to the UN
Chancery: Permanent Mission to the UN, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 495, New York, NY 10017
Telephone: [1] (212) 750-1637
FAX: [1] (212) 750-1657
Email address and website:
Comoros@un.int
https://www.un.int/comoros/
Chancery: Permanent Mission to the UN, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 495, New York, NY 10017
Telephone: [1] (212) 750-1637
FAX: [1] (212) 750-1657
Email address and website:
Comoros@un.int
https://www.un.int/comoros/
National anthem(s)
Title: "Udzima wa ya Masiwa" (The Union of the Great Islands)
Lyrics/music: Said Hachim SIDI ABDEREMANE/Said Hachim SIDI ABDEREMANE and Kamildine ABDALLAH
History: Adopted 1978
Lyrics/music: Said Hachim SIDI ABDEREMANE/Said Hachim SIDI ABDEREMANE and Kamildine ABDALLAH
History: Adopted 1978
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
four five-pointed stars and crescent moon
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: No
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of the Comoros
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of the Comoros
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
National color(s)
green, white
Population below poverty line
44.8% (2020 est.)
Note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Exports - commodities
cloves, ships, essential oils, vanilla, scrap iron (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
Indonesia 25%, India 23%, Turkey 16%, UAE 11%, USA 3% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
bananas, coconuts, cassava, yams, maize, taro, milk, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pulses (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $212.551 million (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $230.338 million (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $230.338 million (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, poultry, rice, flavored water, additive manufacturing machines (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Comoran francs (KMF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
454.524 (2024 est.)
454.991 (2023 est.)
467.184 (2022 est.)
415.956 (2021 est.)
430.721 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
454.524 (2024 est.)
454.991 (2023 est.)
467.184 (2022 est.)
415.956 (2021 est.)
430.721 (2020 est.)
Industries
fishing, tourism, perfume distillation
Economic overview
small trade-based island economy; declining remittances; new structural and fiscal reforms; adverse cyclone and COVID-19 impacts; manageable debts; fragile liquidity environment; large foreign direct investment; state-owned enterprises suffering
GDP (official exchange rate)
$1.546 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 103.6% (2024 est.)
Government consumption: 9.2% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 11.7% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 9.9% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -34.5% (2024 est.)
Note: Figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 9.2% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 11.7% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 9.9% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -34.5% (2024 est.)
Note: Figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
China 24%, UAE 21%, Tanzania 12%, France 7%, India 6% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Remittances
21.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
22% of GDP (2022 est.)
22.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
22% of GDP (2022 est.)
22.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
276,400 (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$267.652 million (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$323.946 million (2024 est.)
$324.561 million (2023 est.)
$283.746 million (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$324.561 million (2023 est.)
$283.746 million (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Unemployment rate
3.9% (2024 est.)
3.8% (2023 est.)
3.9% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
3.8% (2023 est.)
3.9% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$3.092 billion (2024 est.)
$2.99 billion (2023 est.)
$2.901 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$2.99 billion (2023 est.)
$2.901 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
1% (2017 est.)
1.8% (2016 est.)
Note: Annual % change based on consumer prices
1.8% (2016 est.)
Note: Annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$24.621 million (2023 est.)
-$5.248 million (2022 est.)
-$4.076 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$5.248 million (2022 est.)
-$4.076 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$3,600 (2024 est.)
$3,500 (2023 est.)
$3,500 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$3,500 (2023 est.)
$3,500 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$504.036 million (2023 est.)
$480.268 million (2022 est.)
$415.965 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$480.268 million (2022 est.)
$415.965 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$148.455 million (2023 est.)
$166.032 million (2022 est.)
$128.331 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$166.032 million (2022 est.)
$128.331 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
3.4% (2024 est.)
3.1% (2023 est.)
2.8% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
3.1% (2023 est.)
2.8% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
3.8% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 36.6% (2024 est.)
Industry: 9.6% (2024 est.)
Services: 50.1% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 9.6% (2024 est.)
Services: 50.1% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 89.9% (2022 est.)
Electrification - urban areas: 100%
Electrification - rural areas: 82.9%
Electrification - urban areas: 100%
Electrification - rural areas: 82.9%
Coal
Imports: 2,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
Refined petroleum consumption: 3,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 32,000 kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 113.052 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 22.1 million kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 113.052 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 22.1 million kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 36% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.km
Broadcast media
national state-owned TV station and a TV station run by Anjouan regional government; national state-owned radio; regional governments on the islands of Grande Comore and Anjouan each operate a radio station; a few independent and small community radio stations operate on the islands of Grande Comore and Moheli, and these two islands have access to Mayotte Radio and French TV
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 934,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 100 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 100 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 3,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 9,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2023 est.) less than 1
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2023 est.) less than 1
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
D6
Airports
3 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 273 (2023)
By type: Bulk carrier 17, container ship 7, general cargo 125, oil tanker 36, other 88
By type: Bulk carrier 17, container ship 7, general cargo 125, oil tanker 36, other 88
Military service age and obligation
18-25 years of age for 2-year voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2021)
Military and security forces
National Army for Development (l'Armee Nationale de Developpement, AND): Comoran Defense Force (Force Comorienne de Defense or FCD; includes Comoran National Gendarmerie); Ministry of Interior: Coast Guard, Federal Police, National Directorate of Territorial Safety (customs and immigration) (2024)
Note 1: When the Gendarmerie serves as the judicial police, it reports to the Minister of Justice; the Gendarmerie also has an intervention platoon that may act under the authority of the Interior Minister
Note 2: The FCD is also known as the Comoran Security Force
Note 1: When the Gendarmerie serves as the judicial police, it reports to the Minister of Justice; the Gendarmerie also has an intervention platoon that may act under the authority of the Interior Minister
Note 2: The FCD is also known as the Comoran Security Force
Military - note
the focus for the security forces is search and rescue operations and maintaining internal security; a defense treaty with France provides naval resources for the protection of territorial waters, training of Comoran military personnel, and air surveillance; France maintains a small maritime base and a Foreign Legion contingent on neighboring Mayotte (2024)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the AND is lightly armed and equipped with small arms, a few light aircraft, and utility vehicles (2024)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 600 Defense Force; estimated 500 Federal Police (2023)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 18 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 38 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 38 (2024 est.)
Ports
Total ports: 4 (2024)
Large: 0
Medium: 0
Small: 0
Very small: 4
Ports with oil terminals: 3
Key ports: Dzaoudzi, Fomboni, Moroni, Moutsamoudu
Large: 0
Medium: 0
Small: 0
Very small: 4
Ports with oil terminals: 3
Key ports: Dzaoudzi, Fomboni, Moroni, Moutsamoudu
National coat of arms
the coat of arms is in the national colors of green and white; was adopted in 1978; the crescent and stars represent Islam, with the four stars also symbolizing the archipelago’s four main islands: Grande Comore, Mohéli, Anjouan, and Mayotte (the last of which is a French department claimed by Comoros); above and below the sun’s rays is the name of the nation written in French and Arabic; two olive branches, representing peace, are connected by a banner with the national motto in French, which translates as "Unity, Solidarity, Development"