Comoros

The Comoros is a small nation of islands located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, just
north of Madagascar. It is officially known as the Union of the Comoros and is made up of three main
islands: Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Mohéli, as well as several smaller islands. It has an estimated
population of just over 800,000 people.
The Comoros have been an independent state since 1975 when it declared independence from France
after a referendum overwhelmingly voted for independence. The new nation adopted its official flag – a
white crescent moon on a green background with four stars representing each island – in 1978.
Since its independence, the country has had several presidents elected by popular vote. The current
president is Azali Assoumani who was elected in 2016, making him the ninth president since 1975.
During his tenure he has implemented many reforms to try and improve the economy and increase
tourism, such as opening up visas to more countries and encouraging investment in infrastructure
projects.
In terms of its history prior to independence, the Comoros had been inhabited since at least the 7th
century by various African peoples such as Shirazi Persians from what is now Tanzania who primarily
traded in spices and slaves with other parts of Africa and Arabia. These early inhabitants were eventually
conquered by various powers including Portugal, France and Britain over hundreds of years before
France finally annexed them in 1912 and established colonial rule until 1975 when they declared their
independence from France.
The Comoros also has a long history of Islamic culture which dates back centuries before colonization
began. This is evident today through traditional Islamic architecture that can still be seen throughout
some parts of the country, as well as religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr being celebrated widely across all
three islands each year despite different ethnic backgrounds present within them.
Since declaring independence, The Comoros have faced many difficulties both economically and
politically due to their lack of resources compared to neighboring countries like Madagascar or Tanzania
who are much larger in size but share similar languages and religions with those found on the islands
themselves. Despite this however, many are optimistic about the future prospects for growth within The
Comoros’s economy given recent efforts towards strengthening ties with other countries through
diplomatic visits, trade deals or tourist programs; all which could help improve life for ordinary citizens
living on these remote yet beautiful islands situated off Africa’s east coast