Union des Comores Udzima wa Komori الإتّحاد القمريّ‎ Al-Ittiḥād Al-Qumriyy Union of the Comoros
Flag Coat of arms
Motto "Unité - Justice - Progrès"  (French) "Unity - Justice - Progress"
Anthem Udzima wa ya Masiwa  (Comorian) "The Union of the Great Islands"
Capital (and largest city)		Moroni 11°41′S, 43°16′E
Official languages		Comorian, Arabic, French
Government		Federal republic
-	President	Ahmed Abdallah M. Sambi
Independence		from France
-	Date	July 6, 1975
Area
-	Total	2,235 km² (178th) 838 sq mi
-	Water (%)	negligible
Population
-	2005 estimate	798,000 (159th)
-	Density	275 /km² (25th)  /sq mi
GDP (PPP)		2004 estimate
-	Total	$1.049 billion (171st)
-	Per capita	$1,660 (156th)
HDI (2004)		0.556 (medium) (132nd)
Currency		Comorian franc (KMF)
Time zone		EAT (UTC+3)
-	Summer (DST)	not observed (UTC+3)
Internet TLD		.km
Calling code		+269

The Comoros (IPA: [kəˡmɔːɹəʊz]), Arabic: جزر القمر, Ğuzur al-Qamar; officially the Union of the Comoros (French: Union des Comores, Arabic: الإتّحاد القمريّ, Al-Ittiḥād al-Qamariyy) is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located off the eastern coast of Africa on the northern end of the Mozambique Channel between northern Madagascar and northeastern Mozambique. The nearest countries to the Comoros are Mozambique, Tanzania, Madagascar, and the Seychelles. Prior to 2002, it was known officially as the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros. Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Comoros. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Flag ratio: 3:5 This flag design is a new one, and was adopted in 2003. ... The Coat of Arms of Comoros has the crescent found on the national flag in the center; within this crescent are the four stars found on the flag. ... A motto (from Italian) is a phrase or a short list of words meant formally to describe the general motivation or intention of an entity, social group, or organization. ... A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that is evoking and eulogizing the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nations government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people. ... Udzima wa ya Masiwa (The Union of the Great Islands) is the national anthem of Comoros. ... Comorian (Shikomor) is the most widely used language on the Comoros (independent islands in the Indian Ocean, off Mozambique and Madagascar). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... This article is about a city that serves as a center of government and politics. ... The Comorians inhabiting Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli (86% of the population) share African-Arab origins. ... Moroni is the largest city of the Comores and since 1962 has also been its capital. ... An official language is a language that is given a unique legal status in the countries, states, and other territories. ... Comorian (Shikomor) is the most widely used language on the Comoros (independent islands in the Indian Ocean, off Mozambique and Madagascar). ... Arabic ( or just ) is the largest living member of the Semitic language family in terms of speakers. ... The Federal Republic of Germany and its sixteen Bundesländer (federal states) A federal republic is a federation of states with a republican form of government. ... Holders of the post of President of Comoros. ... Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi (born 5 June 1958 in Mutsamudu) is a Comorian Islamic leader and politician from the island of Anjouan. ... is the 187th day of the year (188th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Area is a physical quantity expressing the size of a part of a surface. ... To help compare orders of magnitude of different geographical regions, we list here areas between 1,000 km² and 10,000 km². See also areas of other orders of magnitude. ... This is a list of the countries of the world sorted by area. ... A square mile is an English unit of area equal to that of a square with sides each 1 statute mile (≈1,609 m) in length. ... Impact from a water drop causes an upward rebound jet surrounded by circular capillary waves. ... A percentage is a way of expressing a proportion, a ratio or a fraction as a whole number, by using 100 as the denominator. ... This is a list of countries ordered according to population. ... Population density by country, 2006 Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. ... Population density by country, 2006 List of countries and dependencies by population density in inhabitants/km². The list includes sovereign states and self-governing dependent territories that are recognized by the United Nations. ... Gross domestic product (by purchasing power parity) in 2006 The Purchasing power parity (PPP) theory was developed by Gustav Cassel in 1920. ... There are three lists of countries of the world sorted by their gross domestic product (GDP) (the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year). ... Per capita is a Latin phrase meaning for each head. ... Map of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita for the year 2006. ... World map indicating Human Development Index (2004). ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Coloured world map indicating Human Development Index (2004) (colour-blind compliant map) This is a list of countries by Human Development Index as included in the United Nations Development Programmes Human Development Report 2006, compiled on the basis of 2004 data. ... ISO 4217 Code KMF User(s) Comoros Inflation rate 3% Source CIA World Fact Book, 2005 est. ... ISO 4217 is the international standard describing three letter codes (also known as the currency code) to define the names of currencies established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ... A time zone is a region of the Earth that has adopted the same standard time, usually referred to as the local time. ... Time zones of Africa: Striped colours indicate countries observing daylight saving East Africa Time, or EAT, is a time zone used in eastern Africa. ... Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is a high-precision atomic time standard. ... Though DST is common in Europe and North America, most of the worlds people do not use it. ... Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is a high-precision atomic time standard. ... A country code top-level domain (ccTLD) is a top-level domain used and reserved for a country or a dependent territory. ... .km is the Internet country code top-level domain ( ccTLD) for Comoros. ... A telephone number is a sequence of decimal digits (0-9) that is used for identifying a destination telephone line in a telephone network. ... Articles with similar titles include the NATO phonetic alphabet, which has also informally been called the “International Phonetic Alphabet”. For information on how to read IPA transcriptions of English words, see IPA chart for English. ... Arabic ( or just ) is the largest living member of the Semitic language family in terms of speakers. ... Arabic ( or just ) is the largest living member of the Semitic language family in terms of speakers. ... A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... Location of Mozambique Channel The Mozambique Channel is a portion of the Indian Ocean between the island of Madagascar and southeast Africa, namely Mozambique. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ...

The country consists of three islands in the volcanic Comoros archipelago: Ngazidja (French: Grande Comore), Mwali (French: Mohéli), Nzwani (French: Anjouan). Comoros also lays claim to Mayotte (aka. Mahoré), a neighboring island in the Comoro archipelago, which however is a French Overseas collectivity. A small island in the Adriatic sea An island is any piece of land smaller than a continent and larger than a rock, that is completely surrounded by water. ... Categories: Comoros archipelago | Stub ... Flag of Grand Comore. ... Map of Grand Comore Grand Comore (off-white) in relation to Comoros (light brown) Grande Comore (also known as Ngazidja and Ngasidja, and erroneously as Njazidja) is an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. ... Map of Moheli Moheli, also known as Mohéli or Mwali, is one of the three islands which make up the nation of Comoros. ... Map of Mohéli Mohéli, also known as Mwali, is one of the three islands which make up the nation of Comoros. ... Map of Anjouan Anjouan (also known as Ndzuwani) is an island in the Comoros. ... Map of Anjouan Anjouan (also known as Ndzuwani or Nzwani) is an island in the Comoros. ... Categories: Comoros archipelago | Stub ... A collectivité doutre-mer (in English Overseas Community) or COM, is an administrative division of France. ...

The Comoros is notable for its diverse culture and history, as a nation formed at the crossroads of many civilizations. It has three official languages—Comorian (Shikomor), Arabic, and French, and it is the only state to be a member of each of the African Union, Francophonie, Organization of the Islamic Conference, Arab League, and Indian Ocean Commission, among other international organizations. However it has had a troubled history since independence in 1975, marked for its inordinate number of coups d'état. At 2,235 km²,^[1] the Comoros is the third smallest African nation by area, and one of the smallest in the world, and with a population estimated at 798,000 it is also the sixth smallest African nation by population (though it consequently has one of the highest population densities in Africa). The Comoros is sometimes considered a microstate. Its name derives from the Arabic word qamar ("moon"), as seen depicted on its flag.^{[citation needed]} Comorian (Shikomor) is the most widely used language on the Comoros (independent islands in the Indian Ocean, off Mozambique and Madagascar). ... Arabic can mean: From or related to Arabia From or related to the Arabs The Arabic language; see also Arabic grammar The Arabic alphabet, used for expressing the languages of Arabic, Persian, Malay ( Jawi), Kurdish, Panjabi, Pashto, Sindhi and Urdu, among others. ... Anthem Let Us All Unite and Celebrate Together [1] Administrative Centre Largest city Cairo, Egypt Working languages Arabic English French Portuguese Spanish(Eq. ... Motto Égalité, Complémentarité, Solidarité Members and participants of La Francophonie. ... The flag of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) OIC redirects here. ... Headquarters Cairo, Egypt1 Largest cities Alexandria, Baghdad, Cairo, Casablanca, Damascus, Khartoum Official languages Arabic Membership 22 Arab states 2 observer states Leaders  -  Secretary General Amr Moussa (since 2001)  -  Council of the Arab League Sudan  -  Speaker of the Arab Parliament Nabih Berri Establishment  -  Alexandria Protocol March 22, 1945  Area  -  Total 13... The Indian Ocean Commission (COI), known as the Commission de lOcéan Indien in French, is an intergovernmental organization that joins Reunion Island, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, the Seychelles and Mayotte together to encourage cooperation. ... A microstate is a sovereign state having a very small population or very little land area - usually both. ...

[edit] History

Main article: History of Comoros

// Early inhabitants Over the centuries, the islands of Comoros were invaded by a succession of diverse groups from the coast of Africa, the Persian Gulf, Indonesia, and Madagascar. ...

[edit] Pre-colonial inhabitation

The first human inhabitants of the Comoro Islands are thought to have been Polynesian and Melanesian settlers, Malays and Indonesians, travelling by boat. They settled in at least the sixth century AD, the date of the earliest known archaeological site, found on Nzwani, and some sources speculate settlement as early as the first century.^[2] The islands of Comoros became populated by a succession of diverse groups from the coast of Africa, the Persian Gulf, Indonesia, and Madagascar. Settlers of the Swahili people first reached the islands as a part of the greater Bantu expansion that took place on the continent of Africa throughout the first millennium. Development of the Comoros is periodized into phases beginning with Swahili influence and settlement in the Dembini phase from the ninth to tenth centuries, in which the islands maintained only a single central village each.^[3] By the eleventh to the fifteenth centuries, trade with the island of Madagascar and Middle Eastern merchants flourished and smaller villages sprung up while towns grew. Unconfirmed legends tell of early Arab or Persian settlements before their known arrivals, and Swahili oral historians frequently trace genealogies back to Persian or Arab ancestors. Contact with Middle Eastern merchants brought Islam to the islands for the first time, and it gained in popularity, as large mosques were soon constructed. The Comoro Islands, like other coastal areas in the region, were important stops in early Islamic trade routes frequented by Persians and Arabs. Despite its distance from the coast, Comoros is situated amidst the major sea route between Kilwa and Mozambique, an outlet for Zimbabwean gold.^[4] Carving from the ridgepole of a Māori house, ca 1840 Polynesia (from Greek: πολύς many, νῆσος island) is a large grouping of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. ... Map showing Melanesia. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Map of Anjouan Anjouan (also known as Ndzuwani) is an island in the Comoros. ... A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... Map of the Persian Gulf. ... The Swahili are a people and culture found on the coast of East Africa, mainly the coastal regions and the islands of Kenya and Tanzania, and north Mozambique. ... Map showing the approximate distribution of Bantu (dull yellow) vs. ... A map showing countries commonly considered to be part of the Middle East The Middle East is a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea, a territory that extends from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. ... For people named Islam, see Islam (name). ... Kilwa Kisiwani is an Islamic community on an island off the coast of East Africa, in present day Tanzania. ...

By the nineteenth century, Shirazi influence dominated the islands. Sunni Arabs from Shiraz, Iran, the Shirazi traded along East Africa, the Middle East, and India, and had established colonies in the Comoros. Arab influence increased with the ascendancy of Zanzibar under Arab Omani rule, and Comorian culture, especially architecture and religion, increasingly reflected Arab contact. Many rival sultanates were established in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.^[5] By the time Europeans became interested in the Comoros as more than a stop for traveling merchants, the Arab appearance of the islands led to much of succeeding historiography emphasizing Arab foundations over Swahili and African heritage. Recent scholarship by historians like Thomas Spear and Randall Pouwells emphasizes African historical predominance over the diffusionist perspecitve.^[6] For other uses, see Shiraz (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Shiraz (disambiguation). ... Map of Zanzibars main island Zanzibar is part of Tanzania Coordinates: , Country Tanzania Islands Unguja and Pemba Capital Zanzibar City Settled AD 1000 Government  - Type semi-autonomous part of Tanzania  - President Amani Abeid Karume Area  - Both Islands  637 sq mi (1,651 km²) Population (2004)  - Both Islands 1,070... Several Sultanates on the Comoros, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean with an ethnically complex mix, were founded after the introduction of Islam into the area in the 15th century. ... Please wikify (format) this article or section as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ...

[edit] European contact and French colonization

Portuguese explorers visited the archipelago in 1505. The Mergui Archipelago An archipelago is a landform which consists of a chain or cluster of islands. ... 1505 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

France first established colonial rule in the Comoros beginning in 1841. The first French colonists landed in Mayotte, and Andrian Tsouli, the King of Mayotte, signed the Treaty of April 1841, which ceded the island to French authorities. In 1886, Mohéli was turned over to French protection by its Queen Salimba Mochimba. That same year, after consolidating his authority over all of Grand Comore, Sultan Said Ali agreed to French protection of his island, though he retained sovereignty until 1909. Also in 1909, Sultan Said Muhamed of Anjouan abdicated in favor of French rule of the island. The Comoros (or Les Comores) was officially made a French colony in 1912, and the islands were placed under the administration of the French colonial governor general of Madagascar in 1914.^[7] It has been suggested that Benign colonialism be merged into this article or section. ...

The Comoros continued to be used as a way station for merchants to the Far East and India until the construction of the Suez Canal greatly reduced traffic passing through the Mozambique Channel. The only native commodities exported by the Comoros were coconuts. French settlers, French-owned companies, and wealthy Arab merchants established a plantation-based economy that now uses about one-third of the land for export crops. After its annexation, France converted Mayotte into a sugar plantation colony. The other islands were soon transformed as well, and the major crops ylang-ylang, vanilla, coffee, cocoa, and sisal were introduced.^[8] For other uses, see Suez (disambiguation). ... Binomial name L. For other uses, see Coconut (disambiguation). ... Binomial name Cananga odorata (Lam. ... Vanilla pods Vanilla is a flavouring derived from orchids in the genus Vanilla native to Mexico. ... A cup of coffee. ... Cocoa beans in a cacao pod Cocoa is the dried and partially fermented fatty seed of the cacao tree from which chocolate is made. ... Binomial name Agave sisalana Perrine Sisal or sisal hemp is an agave Agave sisalana that yields a stiff fiber used in making rope. ...

Agreement was reached with France in 1973 for Comoros to become independent in 1978. On July 6, 1975, however, the Comorian parliament passed a resolution declaring independence. The deputies of Mayotte, which stayed under French control, abstained. Referendums on all four of the islands excluding Mayotte showed strong support for independence. Ahmed Abdallah became the first president and proclaimed the Comoros' independence on September 5, 1975. Year 1973 (MCMLXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. ... is the 187th day of the year (188th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 248th day of the year (249th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

[edit] Independent Comoros

The next thirty years were a period of political turmoil. It began in 1975 when mercenary Bob Denard with clandestine funding by Jacques Foccart and the French government removed president Ahmed Abdallah from office in an armed coup on August 3, 1975, and replaced him with United National Front of the Comoros (UNF) member Prince Said Mohammed Jaffar. Just a few months later, in January 1976, Jaffar was ousted in favor of his Minister of Defense Ali Soilih.^[9] Around that time, in two referendums — December 1974 and February 1976 — the population of Mayotte voted against independence from France (by 63.8% and 99.4% respectively). The three independent islands, ruled by President Soilih, instituted a number of socialist and isolationist policies that soon strained relations with France. On May 13, 1978, Bob Denard returned and overthrew President Solih by force and re-instated Abdallah with the support of the French and South African governments. In contrast to Soilih, Abdallah's presidency was marked by authoritarian rule and increased adherence to traditional Islam.^[10] During Soilih's short rule, there had been seven further documented coup attempts before the successful overthrow by Denard in May 1978.^[11] Unlike Abdallah, Soilih was killed after being forced from office. Colonel Bob Denard, known in Arabic as Said Mustapha Mahdjoub (born April 7, 1929 in Bordeaux, France as Gilbert Bourgeaud) is perhaps the most famous and influential mercenary in the last fifty years. ... Jacques Foccart (1914–1997) was French President Charles de Gaulles and then Georges Pompidous spindoctor for African policy, who founded in 1959 the Gaullist organization Service dAction Civique (SAC) with Charles Pasqua, which specialized in shady operations. ... Ahmed Abdallah Abderamane (June 12, 1919 _ November 26, 1989) was a leader in the Comoros. ... Said Mohamed Jaffar (14 April 1918–22 October 1993) was a former president of The Comoros from August 1975 until January 1976 and chief minister of The Comoros government from July 1972 until December of the same year. ... Ali Soilih (January 7, 1937 - May 29, 1978) was a Comorian socialist revolutionary and political figure. ... A blonde haired, very skilled worker with a 70s look. ... Year 1976 (MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Abdallah continued as president until 1989 when, fearing a probable coup d'état, he signed a decree ordering the Presidential Guard, led by Bob Denard, to disarm the armed forces. Shortly after the signing of the decree, Abdallah was allegedly killed by a disgruntled military officer fatally shooting the president in his office, and injuring Denard at the same time, though later sources claim an anti-tank missile launched into his bedroom was the cause of Abdallah's death.^[12] It is suspected that Abdallah's killer was a soldier in Denard's command.^[13]A few days later, Bob Denard was evacuated to South Africa by French paratroopers. Said Mohamed Djohar, Soilih's older half-brother, then became president and served until September 1995 when Bob Denard returned and attempted another coup. France intervened with paratroopers and forced Denard to surrender.^[14][15] The French moved Djohar to Reunion and the Paris-backed Mohamed Taki Abdulkarim became president by election. He led the country from 1996, during a time of labor crises, government suppression, and secessionist conflicts, until he died in November 1998 and was succeeded by Interim President Tadjidine Ben Said Massounde.^[16] Mohamed Taki Abdoulkarim (1936 - 6 November 1998) was President of the Comoros from 25 March 1996 until his death on 6 November 1998. ... Tadjidine Ben Said Massounde (1938 - 1 March 2004) was a Comorian politician. ...

The islands of Anjouan and Mohéli declared their independence from the Comoros in 1997, attempting to rejoin French rule. However, France refused the islands, and there were bloody confrontations between federal troops and rebels during Taki's government.^[17] Colonel Azali Assoumani, Army Chief of Staff, seized power in a bloodless coup in April 1999, overthrowing the Interim President Tadjiddine Ben Said Massounde citing weak leadership in the face of crisis. The BBC reported that Azali's takeover was the Comoros' eighteenth coup d'etat since independence in 1975.^[18] A subsequent failed attempt by Azali to consolidate power and reestablish control over these islands was the subject of international criticism, and the African Union, under the auspices of President Mbeki of South Africa, intervened, imposing sanctions on Anjouan to help broker negotiations and effect a reconciliation.^[19][20] This involved a system of governmental autonomy for each island, plus a Union government for the three islands. Azali stepped down in 2002 to run in the democratic election of the President of the Comoro Union, which he won. Under ongoing international pressure, as a military ruler who had originally come to power by force and was not always democratic while in office, Azali led the Union through constitutional changes that enabled new elections.^[21] A "Loi des compétences" (a law that defines the responsibilities of each governmental body) was passed in early 2005 and is in the process of implementation. The elections in 2006 were won by Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi, a Sunni Muslim Cleric nick-named the "Ayatollah" for his time spent studying Islam in Iran. Azali honored the election results, thus allowing the first-ever peaceful and democratic exchange of power in the archipelagos' recent and turbulent history.^[22] Map of Anjouan Anjouan (also known as Ndzuwani or Nzwani) is an island in the Comoros. ... Map of Mohéli Mohéli, also known as Mwali, is one of the three islands which make up the nation of Comoros. ... Azali Assoumani (born January 1, 1959) is the current president of the Comoros. ... Anthem Let Us All Unite and Celebrate Together [1] Administrative Centre Largest city Cairo, Egypt Working languages Arabic English French Portuguese Spanish(Eq. ... Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi (born 5 June 1958 in Mutsamudu) is a Comorian Islamic leader and politician from the island of Anjouan. ...

[edit] Politics

Main article: Politics of Comoros

Politics of the Union of the Comoros takes place in a framework of a federal presidential republic, whereby the President of the Comoros is both head of state and head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. The Constitution of the Union of the Comoros was ratified by referendum on December 23, 2001, and the islands' constitutions and executives were elected in the following months. It had previously been considered a military dictatorship, and the transfer of power from Azali Assoumani to Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi in May 2006 was the first peaceful transfer in Comorian history. Executive power is exercised by the government. Federal legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. The preamble of the constitution guarantees an Islamic inspiration in governance, a commitment to human rights, and several specific enumerated rights, democracy, "a common destiny" for all Comorians. Each of the islands (according to Title II of the Constitution) has a great amount of autonomy in the Union, including having their own constitutions (or Fundamental Law), president, and Parliament. The presidencey and Assembly of the Union are distinct from each of the Islands' governments. The presidency of the Union rotates between the islands.^[23] Anjouan holds the current presidency rotation, and so Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi is President of the Union; Mohéli and Ngazidja follow in four year terms.^[24] Politics of the Union of the Comoros takes place in a framework of a federal presidential republic, whereby the President of the Comoros is both head of state and head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. ... A map displaying todays federations. ... A presidential system, also called a congressional system, is a system of government where the executive branch exists and presides (hence the term) separate from the legislature, to which it is not accountable, and which cannot in normal circumstances dismiss it. ... in particular, for the archaizing senses of republic, as a translation of politeia or res publica Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A republic is a form of government maintained by a state or country whose sovereignty is based on consent of the governed... // Latest election Past election List of Heads of State of the Comoros (Dates in italics indicate de facto continuation of office) Affiliations:- See also Comoros Presidents of Comoros, with biographical tracts Heads of government of the Comoros Colonial heads of the Comoros Lists of office-holders Categories: ... Queen Elizabeth II, is the Head of State of 16 countries including: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Jamaica, New Zealand and the Bahamas, as well as crown colonies and overseas territories of the United Kingdom. ... The Head of Government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. ... Under the doctrine of the separation of powers, the executive is the branch of a government charged with implementing, or executing, the law. ... A legislature is a governmental deliberative body with the power to adopt laws. ...

The Comorian legal system rests on Islamic law and an inherited French (Napoleonic code) legal code. Village elders or civilian courts settle most disputes. The judiciary is independent of the legislative and the executive. The Supreme Court acts as a Constitutional Council in resolving constitutional questions and supervising presidential elections. As High Court of Justice, the Supreme Court also arbitrates in cases where the government is accused of malpractice. The Supreme Court consists of two members selected by the president, two elected by the Federal Assembly, and one by the council of each island.^[25] Islam (Arabic: ; ( â–¶ (help· info)), the submission to God) is a monotheistic faith, one of the Abrahamic religions and the worlds second-largest religion. ... First page of the 1804 original edition The Napoleonic Code, or Code Napoléon (originally called the Code civil des Français) was the French civil code, established at the behest of Napoléon I. It was drafted rapidly by a commission of four eminent jurists and entered into force... The Politics series Politics Portal This box:      In law, the judiciary or judicial is the system of courts which administer justice in the name of the sovereign or state, a mechanism for the resolution of disputes. ... A legislature is a governmental deliberative body with the power to adopt laws. ...

[edit] Military

The military resources of the Comoros consist of a small standing army and a 500-member police force, as well as a 500-member defense force. A defense treaty with France provides naval resources for protection of territorial waters, training of Comorian military personnel, and air surveillance. France maintains a small troop presence in Comoros at government request. France maintains a small maritime base and a Foreign Legion Detachment (DLEM) on Mayotte. See also Military of Comoros. “Legionnaire” redirects here. ... The military resources of the Comoros consist of a small standing army and a 500-member police force, as well as a 500-member defense force. ...

[edit] Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Comoros

In November 1975, Comoros became the 142nd member of the United Nations. The new nation was defined as consisting of the entire archipelago, despite the fact that France maintains control over Mayotte. Comoros has repeatedly pressed its claim to Mayotte before the United Nations General Assembly, which has adopted a series of resolutions under the caption "Question of the Comorian Island of Mayotte", opining that Mayotte belongs to Comoros under the principle that the territorial integrity of colonial territories should be preserved upon independence. As a practical matter, however, these resolutions have little effect and there is no foreseeable likelihood that Mayotte will become de facto part of Comoros without its people's consent. More recently, the Assembly has maintained this item on its agenda but deferred it from year to year without taking action. In November 1975, Comoros became the 143d member of the United Nations. ... The foundation of the U.N. The United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are to facilitate co-operation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress and human rights issues. ... The Mergui Archipelago An archipelago is a landform which consists of a chain or cluster of islands. ... The United Nations General Assembly (GA) is one of the five principal organs of the United Nations. ...

Comoros also is a member of the African Union, the Arab League, the European Development Fund, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Indian Ocean Commission, and the African Development Bank. Anthem Let Us All Unite and Celebrate Together [1] Administrative Centre Largest city Cairo, Egypt Working languages Arabic English French Portuguese Spanish(Eq. ... Headquarters Cairo, Egypt1 Largest cities Alexandria, Baghdad, Cairo, Casablanca, Damascus, Khartoum Official languages Arabic Membership 22 Arab states 2 observer states Leaders  -  Secretary General Amr Moussa (since 2001)  -  Council of the Arab League Sudan  -  Speaker of the Arab Parliament Nabih Berri Establishment  -  Alexandria Protocol March 22, 1945  Area  -  Total 13... The European Development Fund (EDF) is the main instrument for European Community aid for development cooperation in the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT). ... ... This article needs additional references or sources to facilitate its verification. ... The Indian Ocean Commission (COI), known as the Commission de lOcéan Indien in French, is an intergovernmental organization that joins Reunion Island, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, the Seychelles and Mayotte together to encourage cooperation. ... The African Development Bank (ADB) is a development bank established in 1964 with the intention of States dollar|$]]47. ...

[edit] International disputes

The Comoros claims French-administered Mayotte and the Glorioso Islands.

[edit] Government functions

At independence in 1975 the Comoros was a multiparty democracy led by President Ahmed Abdallah. However, he was overthrown in a coup a year later. A constitution was written in 1978, but a 1979 coup bringing Abdallah back to power set back the competitive process. The constitution was revised in 1982 and 1985, but it has never really taken seed as there have been at least 20 coups or coup attempts in the Comoros in its 25 years of independence. A new constitution was approved by referendum in 2001.

Typically, the president is to be elected by direct universal suffrage to a five-year term and is limited to two terms. Suffrage is extended to all citizens over the age of 18 who still possess full civil and political rights. The president nominates ministers to form a cabinet called the Council of Government and he nominates governors for each of the three islands. These governors each serve a five-year term. If the presidency becomes vacant for any reason the president of the Supreme Court serves as interim president until an election can be held.

The judiciary is independent of the executive and legislature. It is charged with supervising elections and examining constitutional issues. There are seven members in the Supreme Court, two chosen by the president, two chosen by the Assembly and one chosen by each of the three island councils.

The legislature is bicameral. Assembly (lower house) representatives are elected to four-year terms through a popular vote. An electoral college chooses senators. The leader of the party with the most number of seats in the Assembly holds the post of prime minister.

Each of the islands, under the new 2001 constitution, holds a great amount of autonomy, each with its own council. The council, which is elected by an island-level popular vote, is expected to serve as a local legislature and the (appointed) governor is expected to serve as the local executive.

[edit] Economy

Main article: Economy of Comoros

Comoros is one of the poorest countries in the world. Economic growth and poverty reduction are major priorities for the government. With a rate of 14.3%, unemployment is considered very high. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, is the leading sector of the economy, and 38.4% of the working population is employed in the primary sector. High population densities, as much as 1000 per square kilometer in the densest agricultural zones, for what is still a mostly rural, agricultural economy may lead to an environmetal crisis in the near future, especially considering the high rate of population growth. The Comoros' real GDP growth was a low 1.9% in 2004 and real GDP per capita was continuing declining annually in 2004. These declines are explained by factors like declining investment, a drop in consumption, rising inflation, and an increase in trade imbalance in part due to lowered cash crop prices, especially vanilla.^[26] Overview One of the worlds poorest countries, Comoros is made up of three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. ... Poverty reduction (or poverty alleviation) is any process which seeks to reduce the level of poverty in a community, or amongst a group of people or countries. ... Fishing is the activity of hunting for fish by hooking, trapping, or gathering. ... “Hunter” redirects here. ... A decidous beech forest in Slovenia. ... The primary sector of industry generally involves the changing process of natural resources into primary products. ...

Comoros has inadequate transportation system, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture contributes 40% to GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. Comoros is the world's largest producer of ylang-ylang, and a large producer of vanilla. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Binomial name Cananga odorata (Lam. ... Vanilla pods Vanilla is a flavouring derived from orchids in the genus Vanilla native to Mexico. ...

The government is struggling to upgrade education and technical training, to privatize commercial and industrial enterprises, to improve health services, to diversify exports, to promote tourism, and to reduce the high population growth rate.

The Comoros claims the Banc du Geyser and the Glorioso Islands as part of its exclusive economic zone. Banc du Geyser is a mostly submerged reef 125 km northeast from Mayotte, 112 km southwest of the ÃŽles Glorieuses, and 200 km off the northwestern coast of Madagascar, at . ...

[edit] Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Comoros

With fewer than a million people, the Comoros is one of the least populous countries in the world, but is also one of the most densely populated, with an average of 275 people per km². In 2001, 34% of the population was considered urban, but that is expected to grow, since rural population growth is negative, while overall population growth is still relatively high.^[27] Major urban centers include Moroni, Mutsamudu, Domoni, Fomboni, and Tsémbéhou. The Comorians inhabiting Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli (86% of the population) share African-Arab origins. ... This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Location of Mutsamudu on the island of Anjouan Mutsamudu (population 23,600) is the second largest city in the Comoros. ... Location of Domoni on the island of Anjouan Domoni (population 14,500) is the second largest city on the Comorian island of Anjouan. ... Location of Fomboni on the island of Mohéli Fomboni (population 15,000) is the third largest city in the Comoros. ... Location of Tsimbeo on the island of Anjouan Tsimbeo (or Tsémbehou) is a town located on the island of Anjouan in the Comoros. ...

The islands of the Comoros share mostly African-Arab origins. Sunni Islam is the dominant religion, representing as much as 98% of the population. Although Arab culture is firmly established throughout the archipelago, a minority of the citizens of Mayotte (the Mahorais) are Roman Catholic and have been strongly influenced by French culture.^[28] Malagasy and Indian minorities also exist, as well as Creole-speaking minorities mostly descended from Réunionnaise. Chinese peoples are also present on Mayotte and parts of Grande Comore (especially Moroni). Sunni Muslims are the largest denomination of Islam. ... Islam and its institutions help to integrate Comoros society and provide an identification with a world beyond the islands shores. ... The Roman Catholic Church in Comoros is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope and Curia in Rome. ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... (Region flag) (Region logo) Location Administration Capital Saint-Denis Regional President Paul Vergès (PCR) (since 1998) Departments Réunion Arrondissements 4 Cantons 49 Communes 24 Statistics Land area1 2,512 km² Population (Ranked 21st)  - January 1, 2006 est. ... ‹ The template below (Expand) is being considered for deletion. ...

The most common language is Comorian, or Shikomor, a descendant of Swahili with Arabic influences. Shingazidja, Shimwali, Shinzwani, and Shimaore are the local dialects spoken on each of the islands, Ngazidja, Mwali, Nzwani, and Mahoré, respectively. French and Arabic are also official languages, along with Comorian. Arabic is widely known as a second language, being the language of Quranic teaching, and French is the language of all other formal education. Malagasy is also spoken by a small number of Malagasy immigrants.^[29] About fifty-seven percent of the population is literate in the Latin alphabet, more with the Arabic alphabet; total literacy is estimated at 62.5%.^[30] Comorian has no native script, but both Arabic and Latin scripts have been used. Comorian (Shikomor) is the most widely used language on the Comoros (independent islands in the Indian Ocean, off Mozambique and Madagascar). ... Swahili (also called Kiswahili; see below for derivation) is a Bantu language. ... Arabic ( or just ) is the largest living member of the Semitic language family in terms of speakers. ... The Latin alphabet, also called the Roman alphabet, is the most widely used alphabetic writing system in the world today. ... The Arabic alphabet is the script used for writing languages such as Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and others. ...

[edit] Media and culture

See also: Holidays in Comoros, Islam in Comoros, and Music of Comoros

Nearly the entirety of the educated populace of the Comoros has attended Quranic schools at some point in their life, often before regular schooling, where boys and girls are taught and memorize the Quran and Arabic at early ages. Some parents specifically choose this early schooling to offset French schools children usually attend later. Since independence and the ejection of French teachers, the education system has been plagued by poor teacher training and poor results, though recent stability may allow for substantial improvements.^[31] Holidays in Comoros: Categories: Stub ... Islam and its institutions help to integrate Comoros society and provide an identification with a world beyond the islands shores. ... Comoros is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, most an independent nation but also including the French territory of Mayotte. ... The Quran (Arabic al-qurʾān أَلْقُرآن; also transliterated as Quran, Koran, and less commonly Alcoran) is the holy book of Islam. ...

Comorian (Shikomori) is the most widely used language on the Comoros. It is a close relative of Swahili with a very strong Arabic influence, and is one of the three official languages of the Comoros, next to French and Arabic. Each island has a slightly different dialect; that of Anjouan is called Shindzuani, that of Moheli Shimwali, that of Mayotte Shimaore, and that of Grande Comore Shingazidja. No official alphabet existed in 1992, but Arabic and Latin scripts were both used. Comorian (Shikomor) is the most widely used language on the Comoros (independent islands in the Indian Ocean, off Mozambique and Madagascar). ... Swahili (also called Kiswahili; see Kiswahili for a discussion of the nomenclature) is an agglutinative Bantu language widely spoken in East Africa. ... Arabic ( or just ) is the largest living member of the Semitic language family in terms of speakers. ... Arabic ( or just ) is the largest living member of the Semitic language family in terms of speakers. ... Map of Anjouan Anjouan (also known as Ndzuwani or Nzwani) is an island in the Comoros. ... Introduction Shimaore is one of the two indigeneous languages spoken on the island of Mayotte; Shimaore being the Comorian language, while Shibushi clearly descends from languages spoken on Madagascar. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ... The Arabic alphabet is the script used for writing languages such as Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and others. ... The Latin alphabet, also called the Roman alphabet, is the most widely used alphabetic writing system in the world today. ...

There is no national newspaper in Comoros; the leading regional paper is Al-Watwan published on Grande Comore; Kwezi is also published on Mayotte. Radio Comoros is the national radio service and Comoros National TV is the television service. Map of Grand Comore Grand Comore (off-white) in relation to Comoros (light brown) Grande Comore (also known as Ngazidja and Ngasidja, and erroneously as Njazidja) is an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. ...

[edit] See also

• Communications in Comoros
• List of notable Comorians
• List of Presidents of Comoros
• Transportation in Comoros
• Wezombeli

Telephones - main lines in use: 5,000 (1995) Telephones - mobile cellular: 0 (1995) Telephone system: sparse system of microwave radio relay and HF radiotelephone communication stations domestic: HF radiotelephone communications and microwave radio relay international: HF radiotelephone communications to Madagascar and Réunion Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 2... This is a list of notable people from the Comoros Abou Chihabi, musician Al Moustoifa Idarousse, musician Wanamah, musician Ali Mroivili, artist Amad Mdahoma, journalist and editor Lubaina Himid, painter and academic Mohamed Ali MZe, painter Ali Mroivilli, painter Napalo, painter and sculptor Said Bacar Housseine, artist Oubeidi Mze... Holders of the post of President of Comoros. ... Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 880 km paved: 673 km unpaved: 207 km (1996 est. ... Logo of Wezombeli Wezombeli, the national Scouting organization of the Comoros, was founded in 1975, and became a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1990. ...

[edit] References

This article incorporates text from the Library of Congress Country Studies, which is in the public domain. The Library of Congress is the de facto national library of the United States and the research arm of the United States Congress. ... The public domain comprises the body of all creative works and other knowledge—writing, artwork, music, science, inventions, and others—in which no person or organization has any proprietary interest. ...