The archipelago Republic of the Comoros lies off the east African coast, between Mozambique and Madagascar. It consists of three main islands and a number of islets. Most of the population are subsistence farmers. In 1975, the Comoros Islands, except for Mayotte, became independent of France. Since then instability has plagued this poor region, with countless coups and countercoups, and repeated attempts at secession by smaller islands.

The Comoros has absorbed Polynesians, Africans, Indonesians, Persians, and Arabs over time, as well as immigrants from Portugal, Holland, France, and India. Some communities retain their individual character; for instance, Mwali (Mohéli) is still primarily African. Ethnic tension is rare, partly owing to the unifying force of Islam, the predominant religion. A more potent divisive factor, especially on Anjouan, is regionalism.

Strengths

Vanilla, ylang-ylang, and cloves are the main cash crops.

Weaknesses

Subsistence level farming. Over 50% of food requirements imported. Lack of basic infrastructure, especially electricity and transport. Allegations of financial mismanagement. Persistent political instability, hindering growth of tourism.

Attempts to introduce democracy have been consistently undermined by repeated coups. Anjouan declared independence in 1997, since when rival militias have favored either cohabitation with Grande Comore or reattachment to France. Renewed violence in April 1999 provided Col. Assoumani Azzali with the pretext to install himself as Comoran president. In a new "Union of the Comoros" a loose confederation gives each island its own president and legislature, with a federal president having overall authority. Azzali was returned to power unopposed in 2002, although his victory was undermined by low voter turnout.

There are few strategic resources. An HEP plant is under construction on Anjouan, but most fuel for energy is still imported. Fishing remains a neglected source of future growth.

Health care is rudimentary, other than two maternity clinics and 30 health centers.

There is a very limited education system beyond secondary level. Schools are equipped to teach only basic literacy, hygiene, and agricultural techniques. Pupil–teacher ratios are high.

A political and business elite controls most of the wealth. Bridegrooms win social status according to the size of their weddings. Government workers often suffer from wage arrears.

The Comoros was ruled by matrilineally inherited sultanates until shortly before becoming a French protectorate in 1886.

• 1961 Internal self-government.
• 1975 Independence.
• 1978 Mercenaries restore Ahmed Abdallah to power.
• 1989 Abdallah assassinated.
• 1992 Chaotic first multiparty polls.
• 1996 Mohammed Taki Abdoulkarim elected president.
• 1997 Anjouan separatists beat off government troops.
• 1999 Col. Azzali seizes power. Anjouan militias clash.
• 2000 Fomboni declaration signed with Anjouan.
• 2001 Successive coups on Anjouan.
• 2002 Constitution approved and elections held; Azzali returned to power.