Comoros, the, officially
Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros,
republic (1995 est. pop. 549,000), 718 sq mi (1,862 sq km), occupying
most of the Comoro Islands, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, between
the African coast and Madagascar. The capital
is Moroni. It consists of three volcanic main islands—Njazidja,
Nzwani, and Mwali (formerly Grande-Comore, Anjouan, and
Mohéli, respectively)—as well as numerous coral reefs and islets. A
fourth island, the largely Roman Catholic
Mayotte, is administered by France but claimed by the
Comoros. Because of poor soil, lack of natural resources, and
overpopulation, the islands have severe economic problems. Most of the
population is engaged in agriculture, involving subsistence crops and
the production of vanilla, copra, and essential oils for export. The
people are of mixed African, Arab, Malay, and Indian descent. French and
Arabic are the official languages, but most people speak a local blend
of Swahili and Arabic. The state religion is Islam
Unstable Comoros has endured 19 coups or
attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997,
the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared their independence from
Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. AZALI seized power. He has pledged
to resolve the secessionist crisis through the 2000 Fomboni Accord, a
confederal arrangement that the Organization of African Unity has yet to
recognize.
The Comorians inhabiting Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli (86% of
the population) share African-Arab origins. Islam
is the dominant
religion, and Koranic schools for children reinforce its influence.
Although Arab culture is firmly established throughout the archipelago,
a substantial minority of the citizens of Mayotte (the Mahorais) are
Catholic and have been strongly influenced by French culture. The most common language is
Shikomoro, a Swahili dialect. French and
Arabic also are spoken. About 57% of the population is literate.
Over the centuries, the islands were invaded by a succession of diverse
groups from the coast of Africa, the Persian Gulf, Indonesia, and
Madagascar. Portuguese explorers visited the archipelago in 1505.
"Shirazi" Arab migrants introduced Islam at about the same time. Between
1841 and 1912, France established colonial rule over Grande Comore,
Anjouan, Mayotte, and Moheli and placed the islands under the
administration of the governor general of Madagascar. Later, French
settlers, French-owned companies, and wealthy Arab merchants established
a plantation-based economy that now uses about one-third of the land for
export crops. After World War II, the islands became a French overseas
territory and were represented in France's National Assembly. Internal
political autonomy was granted in 1961. Agreement was reached with
France in 1973 for Comoros to become independent in 1978. On July 6,
1975, however, the Comorian parliament passed a resolution declaring
unilateral independence. The deputies of Mayotte abstained. As a result,
the Comorian Government has effective control over only Grande Comore,
Anjouan, and Moheli. Mayotte remains under French administration.
