Comoros

Comoros has endured 19 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared independence from Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. AZALI seized power. He pledged to resolve the secessionist crisis through a confederal arrangement named the 2000 Fomboni Accord. In December 2001, voters approved a new constitution and presidential elections took place in the spring of 2002. Each island in the archipelago elected its own president and a new union president took office in May 2002.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 711,417 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Comoran(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Comoran

Official Language(s): Arabic, French

Major Languages Spoken: Arabic, French, Swahili

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Union of the Comoros

Country Name (short form): Comoros

Country Name (local long form): Union des Comores

Country Name (local short form): Comores

Name of Capital: Moroni

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Comoros: Madagascar, Mayotte Island

Land Area: 2170 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC

Coastline: 340 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 6 July (1975)

International Phone Code: 269

Currency Code: Comoran franc (KMF)

Internet Country Code: .km

US Embassy Location: the US does not have an embassy in Comoros; the ambassador to Madagascar is accredited to Comoros

US Embassy Mailing Address: none