The Comoros are a group of volcanic islands in the Mozambique Channel between northern Madagascar and Africa. The people share African-Arab origins. In 1975 three of the so-called perfume islands voted for independence from France; the fourth, Mayotte, elected to remain a dependency. Some 18 coups, or attempted coups, since independence have created great instability. In 1997 the islands of Anjouan and Mohéli declared independence, but a new federal constitution in 2001 brought the islands back together. Most inhabitants make their living from subsistence agriculture or fishing; exports include vanilla and essences used in the manufacture of perfumes.
Fast Facts
Population: 671,000
Capital: Moroni; 53,000
Area: 1,862 square kilometers (719 square miles)
Language: Arabic, French, Shikomoro
Religion: Sunni Muslim, Roman Catholic
Currency: Comoran franc
Life Expectancy: 56
GDP per Capita: U.S. $700
Literacy Percent: 57
ECONOMY
Industry: Tourism, perfume distillation
Agriculture: Vanilla, cloves, perfume essences, copra
Exports: Vanilla, ylangylang, cloves, perfume oil, copra
Source: The National Geographic
CIA- The World Factbook
