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Country Guide > Africa > Comoro Islands | |
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General Information Area 1862 sq km (719 sq miles). Population 812,000 (UN 2005). Population Density 436 per sq km. Capital Moroni. Population: 60,200 (2003). Geography The Comoro archipelago is situated in the Indian Ocean north of Madagascar and consists of four main islands of volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs: Ngazidja (formerly Grande Comore), Nzwani (formerly Anjouan), Mwali (formerly Mohéli) and Mahoré (Mayotte). The latter is administered by France but is claimed by the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros. Land can only support subsistence agriculture but the surrounding seas are rich in marine life. Government Federal Islamic Republic. Head of State: President Assoumani Azali, since the military coup of April 1999. Language The official languages are French, Arabic and Comorian, a blend of Arabic and Swahili. Religion Muslim (mostly Sunni) with Roman Catholic minority. Time GMT + 3. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Electricity shortages occur. Communications Telephone Outgoing international calls must be made through the international operator. Country code: 269. Mobile telephone GSM 900 network Societe Nationale des Postes et Telecommunications - Comores Telecom (HURI) (website: www.snpt.km) provides limited coverage. Internet Main ISP is ComNet (website: www.snpt.km). A few hotels have Internet access. Post Mail to Western Europe takes at least one week. Press There are no English-language newspapers. The main (weekly) papers are Al Watwan (state-owned), Kuesi and La Gazette des Comores (independent). L’Archipel (independent) is published monthly. Radio BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online. |