Location: The Comoro Islands lie at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel, between Africa and Madagascar. The archipelago consists of 3 islands - Grande-Comoroe, Anjouan and Moheli - and number of islets and coral reefs. With neighbouring Mayotte, they were attached to Madagascar from 1914 to 1947, when the four islands became a French Overseas Territory. In a referendum (1974), the three islands voted for independence while Mayotte voted to remain French. The main islands are volcanic and Grande-Comoroe, the largest island, is dominated by Mount Karthala (2361m), an active volcano. The islands are densely forested.

In Aug. 1997, separatists from Anjouan seeking a return to French rule declared independence from the Comoros federation at a rally in Mutsamudu, the main town. They wanted a status similar to that Mayotte, which now is a French overseas territory. In Feb. '98, voters in the Indian Ocean island of Nzwani voted for a complete breach from Comoros.

People & Economy: The population is a mixture of various strains-Arabs, Africans, Malagasys, Persians, Indians, Indonesians and Europeans. African and Arab influences are strongest. A purely European population of around 1500 completes the scene. Grande-Comoroe is the most populous island and has as capital and principal town, Moroni. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. (Vanilla, copra, perfume plants, fruits). Industry: Perfumes.

Mission in India:
Hon. Consulate
B-50, Gulmohar Park
New Delhi.
Tel: +91 - 11 - 26791100
Fax: +91 - 11 - 26791002