School encyclopedia. Comoros: a short description of the country Comoros

Comoros is a small but very proud island nation, nestled in the Indian Ocean next to the famous island of Madagascar.

This small African country includes three islands, and the fourth, Maore, is considered the property of France, but in fact is something like Russian Kamchatka, traveling from country to country as a rolling red banner.

The capital of the Comoros (and concurrently the largest city in the state, with a population of less than 40,000), Moroni, has chosen for itself the largest island of the archipelago (Ngazidzhu, or Grand Comoros).

Comoros are a constitutional state headed by a president and parliament. There is even a regular army here - however, it has only 1,000 people (along with the police), but this is more than enough, because the country's population does not exceed 800,000 people (even if we take into account the controversial Maore, the number will still be less million).

The people living on the islands are mainly Antaloatra (Afro-Arabs), or Comorians, who make up almost 95% of the total population of the country. The remaining five percent are Bantu Negroes, Arabs, Malagasy, Persians, Indians and French. And although the official languages ​​here are French and Arabic, the majority of the inhabitants speak their native Comorian (something like a mixture of Swahili with Arabic). By the way, although most of the Comorians consider themselves to be adherents of Islam, on the islands you can find followers of almost any confession.

Geographically, the Comoros are mountainous islands of volcanic origin, surrounded by numerous beautiful corals, among which live outlandish sea creatures that do not live anywhere else in the world. The climate here is tropical, so it is hot, stuffy and humid all year round. If you go on a trip here, then think about special vaccinations in advance, because there is a very high risk of contracting malaria.
By the way, it is on the Comoros that one of the rarest animals on our planet can be found: Livingston's fruit bat, or the Comorian flying fox (most of all like a cute bat). In addition, many rare plants can be found here that thrive in such a warm climate.

Despite its exotic nature, supposedly preserved since the separation of the continents, Comoros are not a developed tourist center: moreover, travels here are so rare that you will have to sweat a lot to get here.

Cultural features

The multinationality of the Comoros does not prevent them from considering themselves an Islamic state in the literal sense of the word.

Most of the local traditions are associated precisely with Islam (which is characterized here by tolerance that is surprising for neighboring countries), supplemented by some African and Indian elements: for example, the Comorians are terribly afraid of various jinn - evil spirits who, it would seem, have nowhere to come from in the realities of the Islamic world (but they appear from a completely different fairy tale and make the hearts of children and adults flutter).

The architecture of the islands traces the same intercultural eclecticism that distinguishes the entire culture as a whole: this is an amazingly beautiful vinaigrette from Arab, Persian, African and Indian traditions.

It is interesting that the richer Comorians are still trying to build their dwellings in exactly this style - in memory of their ancestors.

Kitchen

Traditional Comorian cuisine is a whimsical and colorful mix of dishes from almost every ethnic group in the area.

The most popular food here is a wide variety of rice, meat or poultry and many aromatic spices.

Often unsweetened bananas are added to the dishes, giving the dishes a unique local flavor.
The most multinational product here is bread. You can find French baguettes, Indian chapatis and a variety of tortillas.

The local cuisine is also famous for its seafood, which occupy almost half of the space on the Comorian tables.

Here they are generously flavored with vanilla and citrus fruits, which gives the dishes an amazing taste and aroma.
Traditional Arabian delicacies are considered to be the favorite desserts in the Comoros since ancient times.

Shopping

The Comoros definitely cannot be called the center of world shopping, however, here you can also find goods that are popular all over the world. Several spices (such as vanilla and cloves) and plants are grown on the islands for cosmetic purposes.

In addition, perfumes are made here based on natural ingredients (for example, ylang-ylang). It is worth noting that the Comoros are considered one of the poorest countries on our planet - they are unlikely to be able to surprise you with masterpieces of manufactures or crafts.

Few people know what is interesting in the Comoros and where they are generally located. If the answer to the first question can only be given by the traveler himself, then the second is easy to answer - the archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean, more precisely, in the northern part of the Mozambique Strait between continental Africa and Madagascar. So the Comoros are also essentially Africa. The full name of the country is the Union of the Comoros. A visa is required to visit the archipelago, but it can be obtained upon arrival in the country. How long can a visa be issued upon arrival? For 24 hours and 45 days. The validity of the passport The passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry. Do I need additional documents for entry? As a rule, immigration officers are not interested in hotel reservations or financial resources, but return tickets or tickets to a third country are required, and in printed form. What are the fees for tourists? There are no fees for a 24-hour transit visa, for a visa for 45 days - 30 EUR (or 50 USD). What documents are required to apply for a visa upon arrival? ... Read more

You can get to the Comoros from the mainland with Air Madagascar (from Antananarivo), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa) and ...

Moroni 03:31 24 ° C
rain

Population of the country 773 407 people Territory Comoros 2 170 sq. km Situated on the continent Africa Capital of the Comoros Moroni Money in the Comoros Franc (KMF) Domain zone.Km Country dialing code 269

Resorts

In the western part of the largest island of the Comoros, Ngazidja, there are excellent beaches with all kinds of entertainment: cafes, bars, restaurants, casinos.

Buni is the best beach on the island, with exotic wildlife, the serenity and tranquility of which is conducive to a romantic getaway. South of Buni, the town of Chaumone is located, in a beautiful bay, with a snow-white sandy coast and black lava rocks, the contrasting combination of which makes the beach spectacular and special.

Fumbuni - rich in white sand beaches and recognized as the best diving destination. Moya is a quiet place where you can take a break from the benefits of civilizations. It features fantastic beaches associated with a "tropical paradise" and has ideal conditions for snorkelling thanks to the reefs.

Climate of the Comoros :: Tropical marine. The rainy season (November to May).

Hotels

Comoros can provide tourists with many options for a comfortable and cozy settlement. You can rent a room in hotels of various "stars", as well as an inexpensive bungalow. Prices for hotels in Comora depend both on the number of "stars" and the season. During the low season, many hotels reduce the cost of living, as a large amount of rain does not dispose to a beach holiday and tourists are in no hurry to come to the Comoros. Having visited the island of Anjouan of the island state, you can stay in hotels: "Al Amal", "La Paillotte" or "Moya Plage Bungalows". Arriving on Moheli Island, Les Abou, Relais de Singani and Moheli Laka Lodge are good choices.

The relief of the Comoros: Volcanic islands, the terrain ranges from steep mountains to low hills.

sights

The main attraction of the Comoros is untouched wildlife, warm sea with rich water world and clean sandy beaches. But besides a pleasant beach holiday, the island state can offer tourists to visit the Old Friday Mosque, which is located in the capital of the state - Moroni.

This attraction is a popular tourist destination and is located on the shore of the harbor. The mosque was built presumably in 1472 and since that time, for five centuries, a service has been conducted in it. The temple is built of white coral limestone. According to traditional Arab architecture, the Old Friday Mosque has arched two-tier galleries, a carved border along the perimeter of the roof and a square-section minaret topped with a green dome with a crescent.

Comoros has resources like :: no

Leisure

Arriving on a tourist trip to the Comoros, you must definitely visit its capital - Moroni. This is a bustling young city with many cafes and restaurants, a bazaar, a variety of shops, which will be interesting to shopping lovers. This city is full of life at any time of the day. Tired of the bustle of the city, you can retire to one of the remote beaches of the island, enjoying the smell of cinnamon, vanilla, ylang-ylang, the aromas of which are filled with the air. Diving enthusiasts come to the country, as the waters washing the islands have many aquatic inhabitants. While diving, you can see exotic coelacanth fish, sailfish, sunflower fish, great stingray, as well as other sea inhabitants.

Money of the Comoros: In the turnover of the state, there are bills of par value from five hundred to ten thousand francs of the Comoros. The coin version of francs is presented in sizes from five to one hundred. Due to the depreciation of the monetary unit, the centimes were withdrawn from circulation, and the metal equivalent of francs is more used as tourist souvenirs than a full-fledged popular official currency

Museums

When visiting the Comoros, traveling around the country or coming for a quiet beach holiday, tourists will be interested in visiting the National Museum of the Comoros. The museum is located in the picturesque capital of the state, the city of Moroni.

The National Museum will give its guests the opportunity to get acquainted with the history of the Comoros state and the people living on it. The exposition of the museum is presented by exhibits of both ancient and modern eras, and allows you to plunge into the life and traditions of different eras, to understand the way of life of far-gone times.

It is also worth seeing ancient books and writings, myths and legends, by which you can better learn the history of the country, collected in the National Library. You can freely familiarize yourself with this collection of books by visiting the city's library.

Transport

The island state of Comoros has four airports throughout the country. Two of them are located on the main island, one international, located in the capital of the state of Moroni. Between the islands of Ngazij, Anjouan and Moheli, you can travel using the local airline. There is no public transport on the Comoros Islands. To move around the islands, you can rent a car or use a taxi. It is worth noting that there is water transport in the country that connects the islands with each other, however, it runs quite inconveniently and rarely, and it is not always safe to use it due to the state of the ships. Large ships run between Moroni and Fomboni several times a week. Boats are more mobile and connect the main island with Moheli, while a ferry service connects the capital with Anjouan.

Standard of living

Union of the Comoros, one of the poorest Arab countries in the world. Life expectancy in the country does not exceed 60 years. The state has a low level of development, both health care and education. The country has recently introduced compulsory secondary education - nine classes. The Comoros has no higher education institutions. The main branch of the country's economy, in which most of it is involved, is agriculture, both for the country's internal needs and for export. Livestock raising and fishing are well developed. Comoros exports vanilla, ylang-ylang, cloves for the perfume industry, as well as coffee, essences, copra (dried coconut pulp).

Cities

The archipelago located in the Indian Ocean is called the Comoros. Several islands of the archipelago are part of a republic called the Union of the Comoros.

The capital of the state is the city of Moroni, located on the largest of the islands - Ngazidja (Grand Comoros). The main city of the republic is home to about fifty thousand inhabitants.

The second most populous city is the city of Mutsamudu, the largest city on the island of Anjouan.

Fomboni is the third largest city in the country, the center of the Moheli island.

Also, on the territory of the Comoros there are such cities as: Ounkazi, Domoni, Tsimbeo, Sima, Ouani, Mirontsi, Bazimini, Ikoni, Dindri, Ngandzale and Mbeni.

Population

Coordinates

Ile Autonomous de Grande Comore

Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros

The name of the country comes from the Arabic Jebel el-Komor - "lunar islands".

Capital of the Comoros... Moroni.

Comoros area... 1862 km2.

Comoros population... 788,000 people (

Comoros GDP. $623.8 mln. (

Location of Comoros... Comoros is a state consisting of a group of islands located in the northern part of the strait, between the African mainland and the island. consists of four main islands: Grande Comore, Moheli, Anjouan, Mayotte (the latter is considered French territory).

Administrative divisions of the Comoros... Comoros is a federation of 3 islands: Ngazidja (Grand Comoros), Njuani (Anjouan) and Mwali (Moheli).

Form of government of the Comoros... Republic.

Head of State Comoros... President elected for a term of 5 years.

Supreme Legislature of the Comoros... Unicameral Parliament (Federal Assembly).

Supreme Executive Body of the Comoros... Government.

Major cities of Comoros... Mutsamudu.

Official language of the Comoros... Comoros, French, Arabic.

Religion of the Comoros... 86% are Sunni Muslims, 14% are.

Ethnic composition of the Comoros... Arabs, Africans, Malagasy.

Comoros currency... Comoros franc = 100 centimes.

Flora of Comoros... Tropical forests grow in the upper parts of the mountain slopes, and shrub thickets are located below. Sugarcane, coconut, banana, coffee tree, cloves are cultivated on the land.

Fauna of Comoros... On the Comoros one of the rarest animals on Earth is found - Livingston's bat. Lemurs, tenrecs, mongooses live in. In the coastal waters, cross-finned fish were caught - tsecalates, which were found in the ocean 400 million years ago.

Rivers and lakes of the Comoros... There are no permanent ones. There are freshwater lakes in the extinct craters. Sights. Several mosques in Moroni.

Useful information for tourists

The islands are known for their supernatural and unique wildlife, which "mastered" these ancient lands (locals call them "terra firma") with numerous lava fields and chaos of rocks, magnificent "local", because of the beauty of which Arab sources even called these islands " Lunar ", seaports, always packed with white" dhow "fishermen and yachts of tourists, and the colorful history of sultans and soothsayers, planters and oriental princesses.

A unique Comorian tradition - "Gran Mariage" or "Big Wedding". This is usually a pre-planned union between a rather mature man and a young woman, in which the groom has to pay for all the festivities for guests from all over the village within 18 days (the so-called "toirab"). He is also required to buy an expensive dowry for the bride, which must include rich clothing, gold and jewelry. Such a wedding often leaves the groom in poverty for the rest of his life, but the fact is that the villagers will consider the groom wise and give him social status precisely for the level of the wedding. As compensation for possible poverty, the groom receives the right to wear a special “mruma” belt, which proves his privileged status as a warrior and a man. The Gran Mariage tradition is also preserved for most of the noble members of society and is used to mark their social and political status.

Comoros

Union of the Comoros

Square: 2235 sq. km

Administrative divisions: 3 islands of the Comoros archipelago: Ngazidzha (Grande Comore), Njuani (Anjouan), Mwali (Moheli)

Capital: Moroni

Official languages: Arabic and French

Currency unit: Comorian franc

Population: OK. 800k (2007)

Population density per sq. km: 358 people

Share of urban population: 15 %

Ethnic composition of the population: antaloatra (descendants of Arabs who mixed with Malagasy and Bantu)

Religion: Islam

Basis of the economy: Agriculture

Employment: in agriculture - approx. 95%; in the service sector - approx. 5 %; in industry - 0.5%

GDP: USD 462.8 million (2006)

GDP per capita: 580 USD

Form of government: federalism

Form of government: presidential republic

Legislature: unicameral parliament

Head of State: the president

Head of the government: the president

Party structures: multiparty

Fundamentals of government

Union of the Comoros (until 2002 - Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros)- a small state in the Indian Ocean, between Africa and the island of Madagascar. Until 1975 - a colony of France.

The current Constitution was adopted in December 2001 after being approved by a referendum. A radical change in the Basic Law (this is the fourth constitution in the history of the country) is associated with the attempt of the islands of Njuani and Mwali (1997) to join the French Republic, like the island of Maore (Mayotte), which shortly after granting independence, in December 1976, based on referendum received the status of a special territorial unit of France. The new constitution gave the islands wide autonomy. Maore Island is also formally part of the Union. The Basic Law of the Union of the Comoros is very short, with only six chapters and thirty-seven articles. Amendments to the Constitution are adopted at three levels - in the federal parliament, in the parliament of each of the islands, and then submitted to a referendum. Minor changes to the referendum are not required.

The head of state is the president, who is elected on a rotating basis. This means that the highest government office is held by representatives of each of the islands. The presidential term is four years. In May 2006, Ahmed Sambi, the representative of the island of Njuani, became president of the country.

Federal legislature (Union Assembly) consists of thirty-three deputies. Eighteen of them are elected by direct universal suffrage in two rounds, the rest are appointed by the parliaments of the islands (five from each, excluding Maore). Parliamentary powers last five years.

Government (Council of Ministers)- a body controlled by the president. The head of state not only heads it, but also appoints ministers.

Judicial system

The judicial system of the Union of the Comoros includes Supreme Judicial Council, which simultaneously acts as an appellate instance and a body of constitutional control, criminal, civil and labor courts. Considering that Islam has the status of a state religion, the Sharia courts are widespread.

Leading political parties

Since the proclamation of independence, an extremely unstable situation has developed on the islands - almost every year there have been coups d'état organized by various forces. (The latter, organized by Colonel of the General Staff Osman Azali Assumani, took place in April 1999) In these conditions, until 1992, only the pro-Islamic Democratic Union, United National Front, Democratic Unification of the Comorian People and Union of Comoros for Progress. Separatist organizations operated on the islands of Njuani and Mwali, whose goals were different: some sought complete independence, others advocated joining France. Currently, the population is supported by Movement for Renewal and Democratic Action, founded in 1990 (leader - Issa Abdoi); National Association for Development, emerged in 1996 as a result of the merger of small groups that mainly supported the government (leaders - Omar Tammu, Abdulhamid Affratan); The movement of citizens for the republic, organizationally formed in 1998 (leader - Mahamud Mradabi); Movement for Democracy and Progress, established in 1999 (leader - Jussuf Abbas). According to the results of the 2002 elections (the last at the time of publication of the book), two parties are represented in the union parliament - Autonomous Islands Party and Convention for the Rebirth of Comoros.

The president

Since May 2006 - Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi

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Comoros Vladimir Dinets, 2006Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros (FIRCO) - one of the five Islamic republics on the planet, located in the Indian Ocean halfway between about. Zanzibar (Tanzania) and about. Madagascar. In 1974, the three islands voted for

Motto: "Fr. Unité Solidarité Développement»
"Unity, Solidarity, Development" Hymn : "Umodja wa Masiwa (Union of Islands)"
Independence date July 6, 1975 (from France) official languages Comoros, French, Arabic Capital Moroni The largest city Moroni Form of government federal presidential republic The president Azali Assumani Vice Presidents

• Abdallah Said Saruma
• Jafar Ahmed Said
• Mustadruan Abdou

Gosreligion Islam (Sunni) Territory 168 (169) -th in the world Total 2235 km² / 1862 km² % water surface insignificantly Population Assessment (2016) 806,153 people (158th) Density 433 people / km² Gdp (PPP) Total (2016) $ 1.259 billion (182nd) Per capita $ 1528 (167th) GDP (nominal) Total (2016) $ 0.613 billion (179th) Per capita $ 744 (178th) HDI (2013) ▲ 0.429 (lowest; 169th place) Currency Comoros Franc (KMF, code 174) Internet domain .km ISO Code KM IOC code COM Telephone code +269 Time Zones +3 Car traffic on right[d]

The name comes from the Arabic word al-qamar(al-kamar), which means "moon". The moon is present on the flag of the state.

Geography

The state is located on the volcanic archipelago of the Comoros, which includes four main islands. The islands of Ngazidzha (Grand Comoros), Ndzuani (Anjouan) and Mwali (Moheli) actually constitute the Union of the Comoros, and the island of Maore (Mayotte) actually has the status of an “overseas region” of France, but the Union of the Comoros claims it.

Since the 1600s, the second wave of settlement of the islands by immigrants from Africa, the countries of the Arab East and the island of Madagascar began. The archipelago was also home to pirates who brought captive Indians and Chinese here. Since 1785, raids were made from Madagascar with the aim of capturing slaves, which is why at the beginning of the 19th century the island of Mayotte was practically depopulated and, together with the island of Moheli, was controlled by the rulers of Madagascar.

Colonial period

The farms of the colonists were based on the cultivation of vanilla, cloves and coffee. The local elite worked closely with the colonial administration. After the occupation by British troops during the Second World War, according to the new constitution of France in 1947, the status of its "overseas territory" was obtained. In 1957, the Government Council was established (in 1961, it was headed by a native of the country, S. M. Sheikh), in 1961, an elected Chamber of Deputies was established. Local self-government (except for issues of finance, defense and foreign relations) has been introduced since 1968. The administrative center in 1968 was moved from the city of Mamudzu (Mayotte island) to the city of Moroni (Grande Comore island). The administration was headed by a high commissioner.

The first political organizations representing different groups of the Muslim aristocracy emerged in 1962: the Democratic Union of the Comoros (DSKO, created by S. M. Sheikh) - the so-called Green Party (the party of senior civil servants) and the Democratic Union of the Comorian People "(MLC), called the" party of whites "or" party of princes. " In 1963, the Comoros community in Tanganyika created the Movement for the National Liberation of the Comoros (MOLINACO), recognized by the OAU as the leader of the national liberation movement on the islands. Since 1970, the archipelago has had its branch, the Comoros Evolutionary Party (PEC). In 1972, the "Party of the People" ("Ummah") was created on the island of Grande Comoros.

At the referendum on independence (December 1974), the majority of the inhabitants of the archipelago spoke out positively. Of these, 96% of the inhabitants of the islands of Anjouan, Grande Comore and Moheli voted for its secession from France, and 64% of the population of the Isle of Mayotte - against. On July 6, 1975, the local Chamber of Deputies unilaterally proclaimed the independent Republic of the Comoros (RCO), controlling three islands: Anjouan, Grande Comoros and Moheli. Chairman of the Government Council Ahmed Abdallah became the President. This council was abolished, a parliament was formed, a constitution was adopted, and the Arabic names of the islands were restored.

In November 1975, the Comoros were admitted to the UN as a part of the four islands as a single state. France, having recognized the independence of the RKO, unilaterally secured the status of its "territorial unit" to the island of Mayotte.

After gaining independence

As a result of a bloodless coup d'état on August 3, 1975, a Maoist sympathizer, Ali Sualih, came to power, proclaiming the course of the so-called "national socialism": the nationalization of large land holdings and property of the French colonists expelled from the country, the introduction of planning in the economy, the abolition of Sharia law and the limitation of influence Muslim clergy, dissolution of political parties. The anti-Islamic orientation of the government's policy led to the destabilization of the situation in the country. RKO found itself in conditions of international isolation.

In May 1978, a new coup took place, led by the French mercenary Bob Denard (Ali Sualih was killed, power again passed to A. Abdallah). The activities of the administrative apparatus, private French and local companies were resumed, land was returned to large owners, foreign investments were encouraged, diplomatic relations with France were restored.

According to the 1978 constitution, the country was renamed the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros (FIRCO) (fr. République Fédérale Islamique des Comores; Arab. جمهورية القمر الإتحادية الإسلامية) , Parliament - to the Federal Assembly, and Islam is declared the state religion. After the introduction of the one-party system (1979), the ruling Union for Progress Comoros (Ujima, created in 1982) became the only party.

The 1990 presidential elections were held in a multi-party system (14 legal parties were created). Said Mohamed Johar was elected President (55.3% of the vote). Constant confrontation between parties contributed to a new coup in September 1995, carried out by foreign mercenaries. In 1996-1998, Mohamed Taqi Abdulkarim held the presidency. The new constitution (1996) consolidated the existence of a multi-party system and Islam as a state religion.

After the death of the president, this post was taken by T. Massund. The deteriorating economic situation (including due to the fall in world prices for vanilla and cloves) and separatism (unilateral proclamation of independence by the Anjouan and Moheli islands in 1997) have destabilized the situation in the country. As a result of the military coup on April 30, 1999, Colonel Azali Assumani came to power. In 2001, government forces thwarted attempted military coups on the islands of Anjouan and Moheli.

Following a referendum on December 21, 2001, a new constitution was approved giving the islands more autonomous rights. The country became known as the Union of the Comoros (SKO). A. Assumani won the presidential elections on April 14, 2002 (postponed several times and held in two rounds). In March-April of the same year, the presidents of the islands of Anjouan and Moheli were elected. President of the island of Grande Comore was elected in May 2002, A. Assumani's opponent A.S. Elbak (63% of the votes).

According to the 2001 constitution, the Comoros retain claims to the Maore (Mayotta) island, considering it an integral part and one of the four autonomous islands of the Union of the Comoros.

Parliament (assembly) - 33 deputies, of whom 18 are elected by universal suffrage, 15 - by the assemblies of the three islands, for a five-year term.

Army

According to the 2012 census, the country's population was 724,294 people (excluding Mayotte (Maore), with him - about 936,900 thousand people).

The annual growth rate is 2.7% (fertility is 4.8 births per woman).

The average life expectancy is 61 years for men, 66 years for women.

The official languages ​​are Arabic and French, the majority of the population speaks the Comorian language (an offshoot of Swahili with a large admixture of Arabic).