The Comoros is a volcanic archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, between mainland Africa and Madagascar. Its islands include Grande Comore, Moheli, and Anjouan. Moroni, on Grande Comore, is the capital and largest city.
The islands were shaped by Arab, Persian, African, and French influences. Islam became the dominant religion, and the islands came under French colonial rule in the late 19th century before gaining independence in 1975.
The economy relies on agriculture and fishing. Vanilla, cloves, and ylang-ylang are key exports, shipped through Moroni’s port. Mount Karthala, an active volcano on Grande Comore rising to 2,361 meters, dominates the island’s scenery.
The archipelago’s waters are known for the coelacanth, a deep-sea fish once thought long extinct, which was rediscovered off the Comoros in the 20th century. Coral reefs and forests support species found nowhere else.
Related island coverage: Mauritius island biodiversity conservation, Indian Ocean trade studies in Mozambique, and island tourism management in the Seychelles.

