Country Summary
Introduction
Background
The archipelago of the Comoros in the Indian Ocean, composed of the islands of Anjouan, Moheli, and Grande Comore declared independence from France on 6 July 1975.
Geography
Area
total: 2,235 sq km
land: 2,235 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate
tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)
Natural resources
fish
People and Society
Population
876,437 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava
Languages
Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (official; a blend of Swahili and Arabic) (Comorian)
Religions
Sunni Muslim 98%, other (including Shia Muslim, Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant) 2%
Population growth rate
1.37% (2022 est.)
Government
Government type
federal presidential republic
Capital
name: Moroni
Executive branch
chief of state: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2016); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government; note - AZALI takes oath of office 2 June 2019 after 24 March 2019 reelection (2019)
head of government: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2016)
Legislative branch
description: unicameral Assembly of the Union (33 seats; 24 members directly elected by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed and 9 members indirectly elected by the 3 island assemblies; members serve 5-year terms) (2017)
Economy
Economic overview
Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged after the dissolution of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador and Venezuela). Colombia maintains relatively strong democratic institutions characterized by peaceful, transparent elections and the protection of civil liberties.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$2.73 billion (2020 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$3,100 (2020 est.)
Agricultural products
coconuts, cassava, rice, bananas, pulses nes, milk, taro, sweet potatoes, maize, cloves
Industries
fishing, tourism, perfume distillation
Exports
$140 million (2019 est.)
Exports - partners
France 32%, India 23%, Germany 10%, Turkey 9%, Madagascar 7% (2019)
Exports - commodities
cloves, essential oils, vacuum flask, vanilla, scrap vessels (2019)
Imports
$350 million (2019 est.)
Imports - partners
China 22%, United Arab Emirates 16%, France 11%, Pakistan 9%, India 6% (2019)
Imports - commodities
rice, chicken products, refined petroleum, cement, cars (2019)
Page last updated: Wednesday, Jun 15, 2022