Article Outline
Comoros, independent state comprising a group of islands at the northern entrance to the Mozambique Channel, between the African mainland and the island of Madagascar. Officially called the Union of the Comoros, the nation comprises three islands: Njazidja (formerly known as Grande Comore), Mwali (Mohéli), and Nzwani (Anjouan). Since independence in 1975, the fourth island in the Comoros Islands archipelago, Mayotte (Mahoré), has in two referenda chosen to remain a dependency of France. The state has an area of 1,862 sq km (719 sq mi), while the Comoros Islands group (including Mayotte) has an area of 2,171 sq km (838 sq mi). The capital of the Comoros is Moroni.
The Comoros Islands are of volcanic origin and are mountainous. The highest peak, Kartala (2,361 m/7,746 ft) on Njazidja, is an active volcano. The islands have a tropical climate with a rainy season lasting from November to April and a cooler dry season prevailing the rest of the year. About 53 per cent (1997) of the country's land area is devoted to arable land, and soil degradation and erosion have resulted from crop cultivation on slopes without proper terracing. A relatively high proportion of the islands' limited biodiversity is threatened, and fishing and tourism are damaging coral reefs.
The islands have an ethnically diverse population, including people of Arab, black African, and Malagasy descent. The largest group, the Antalaotra, is of mixed origin.
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Population Characteristics
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The total population is 731,775 (2008 estimate); the average population density is 337 people per sq km (873 per sq mi). The principal towns are the capital, Moroni, with a population of 53,000 (2003 estimate), on Njazidja; Mutsamudu, population 30,900 (2003 estimate), on Nzwani; and Fomboni, 13,300 (2003 estimate), on Mwali. Life expectancy is 61 years for men and 66 years for women.
