The Four Comoros Islands of the Indian Ocean
Relative Poverty on Grand Comore, Mayotte, Anjouan and Moheli
Jul 5, 2009
Although only 170 miles (270 km) from the African coast, the Comoros Islands, were first settled in any numbers, not by Africans, but by Arab traders from Oman and Yemen, who called them the Mountains of the Moon. They have a lot in common culturally and linguistically with Zanzibar and coastal Tanzania, are part of Francophone Africa and share a turbulent past and an uncertain future..
In 1886, the Comoros became a French protectorate. French became the official language after Comorian (dialect of Swahili) and Arabic and the rule of the Sultans was abolished. After generations of political unrest, Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli reunited as the Union of the Comoros, to make it one of the world’s smallest and poorest countries. Half its people are below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day, but Mayotte voted to stay part of France.
Grande Comore, official name Ngazidja, with Mount Karthala
The island is slightly larger than Grand Bahama, and its geography is dominated by two factors:
1. The brooding presence of a vast shield volcano, Mount Karthala (7,746 ft / 2361m), one of the world’s largest and most active volcanoes. Karthala’s last eruption in November 2005 left much of the island without fresh water for weeks, disrupting Hahaya International airport and what little tourism there was.
2. A series of world-class coral reefs almost encircling Grand Comore, creating magnificent turquoise lagoons and white sand beaches. The best of are in the north.
- Almost 99% of the ever-increasing population (316,600) is Muslim, and many are descended from Africans brought in by the Arab slavers.
- Moroni, the capital, is a mini version of Zanzibar’s famous Stone Town, but very run-down.
Anjouan, official name Nzwani
- The third Comorian island in size and population, but the second of the Union of the Comoros is even poorer than Grand Comore, with few natural resources except its fast disappearing forests and fishing off the reefs.
- Its main link with the outside world is by ferry to Moroni, although some smaller cruise ships call occasionally to enjoy the views, remaining wildlife and beaches.
Mohéli, Official Name Mwali, Poorest in the Union of the Comoros
The fourth inhabitated island of the Comoros is even smaller and poorer than the other two islands of the Union of the Comoros. It once tried to declare independence, but gave up after a few years.
Mayotte – Part of France’s Overseas Community by Choice
- Second in size and population in the Comoros archipelago, Mayotte is a huge contrast in terms of prosperity and development.
- It is France’s second largest base in the Indian Ocean for the French Foreign Legion and the fleet and even has a French postcode.
- Its volcanic scenery and beaches is not quite as spectacular as neighbouring Grande Comore, but dangerous eruptions are less likely.
- A budding tourist industry welcomes cruise ships and tourists (mainly French or South African).
- Illegal immigration from the other three Comoros Islands is regarded as a threat to Mayotte’s comparative prosperity, much of which is due to subsidies from France.
Most of the passengers killed in the latest air disaster on the Comores were Comorians returning for visits from France. Comoros tourism is now virtually limited to back-packers since the closing of the five-star La Galawa Hotel and Casino on Grande Comore in 2007.
For more information on the Comoros islands:
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