World ? Africa ? Comoros

Comoros: Introduction

Comoros is a group of four islands in the Indian Ocean. Once known as the Islands of the Moon, Comoros is a bit rustic—but gorgeous. You’ll find fields of cloves and vanilla beans, cascading mountains, sandy beaches and Muslim villages with busy markets. Scuba diving, deep sea fishing and relaxing on the beach are major attractions. Grande Comore is relatively unspoiled and a great place to relax. Comoros is very poor and has unresolved issues regarding national identity. Three of the four islands belong to the Republic of Comoros and the fourth is under French leadership. The political tension has not affected travelers, but there is potential for civil disorder. Located at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel, the archipelago of the Comoro Islands rose from the western Indian Ocean as the result of undersea volcanic activity. The islands: Ngazidja (Grande Comore), Mwali (Moheli), Nzwani (Anjouan), and Maore (Mayotte), have very different topograhical characteristics due to the varying ages of the respective islands. Mayotte is the oldest of the four islands. Grande Comore is the youngest of the islands and is home to an active volcano.

History

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 Comoran parliament passed a resolution declaring unilateral independence. The deputies of Mayotte abstained. As a result, the Comoran Government has effective control over only Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli. Mayotte remains under French administration.

The Comorans 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.

 

Planning your visit

  • Passport/Visa Requirements: Citizens of Australia, Canada, the U.K. and the U.S. need passports and visas. (Visas are available on arrival). Mayotte visiting requirements are the same as for visiting mainland France: Citizens of Canada, the U.K. and the U.S. need passports, while Australian travelers need both passports and visas.
  • Population: 711,417
  • Languages: Arabic, French, Comorian
  • Predominant Religions: Islamic (Sunni), Christian (Roman Catholic)
  • Time Zone: 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+3 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed
  • Voltage Requirements: 220 volts
  • Telephone Codes: 269, country code

Climate

The Comoros are tropical and warm year-round. The hottest time of year is from January to February. May through October is cooler. November through April is the rainy season and day temperatures are in the 80sF/30-32C with high humidity. If you plan to visit higher elevations, take a sweater with you.

Money

  • Currency: Comoran franc; the euro is used on Mayotte (the Comoran franc is not).
  • If you have leftover Comoran francs, exchange them back to Euros before leaving the country as you won’t be able to exchange them anywhere else.
  • Credit cards are rarely accepted.
  • Banking Hours: Banque Internationale du Commerce des Comores (BIC, Place de France, near the General Post Office). It is open Monday-Thursday 7:30 am-1 pm, Friday 7:30-11 am.
  • Taxes: 8.5% value-added tax is included in prices.
  • Tipping: 10% at restaurants and for taxis

Safety

Take standard safety precautions while in Comoros. Also be aware of civil unrest and the potential for violent outbreaks between police and demonstrators at any time.

Other tips:

  • If you obtain your visa in Grande Comore, it may not cover you for Anjouan and Moheli.
  • Carry your own bags at the airport. People may offer to carry them for you but will steal them.
  • Immigration authorities may hold your onward tickets while you're visiting the Comoros.
  • Police in Grande Comore: Phone 744-663.
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