Live Data
Capital
Moroni
Population
870,000 (2024 est.)
Area
1,861 km²
Languages
Comorian (Shikomori), French, Arabic
Currency
Comorian Franc (KMF)
Timezone
East Africa Time (UTC+3)
Regions
Grande Comore (Ngazidja)
The largest island in the Comoros archipelago and home to the capital Moroni. Grande Comore features the active Karthala volcano (2,361 m) — one of the world's largest active volcanic craters. The island has beautiful beaches, diving sites, and a blend of Swahili, Arab, and French cultural influences in its architecture and daily life. Explore on the Pulse map.
Mohéli (Mwali)
The smallest and least developed of the main islands, Mohéli is a hidden gem for nature lovers. The island is home to the Mohéli Marine Park — the first marine protected area in the Indian Ocean — which protects important turtle nesting beaches, dolphin habitat, and coral reefs. Mohéli offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience with minimal tourist infrastructure. Explore the region on the Pulse map.
Anjouan (Ndzuwani)
The most densely populated island, known as the 'Pearl of the Comoros.' Anjouan features dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and ancient Arab ruins at Mutsamudu — the island's main town with a distinctive Swahili-Arab old quarter. The island has a strong tradition of perfumery and ylang-ylang cultivation. Explore the region on the Pulse map.
Mayotte (Claimed but administered by France)
Comoros claims Mayotte (Maore) as part of its territory, but the island voted to remain a French overseas department in a 1974 referendum and is currently administered by France. This political situation remains unresolved and is a source of tension between Comoros and France. Travel between Comoros and Mayotte requires a French visa. View on the Pulse map.
🏗️Infrastructure
Comoros has limited infrastructure. Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport on Grande Comore handles international flights. Roads on Grande Comore connect major towns but are often in poor condition. Electricity supply is unreliable, with frequent outages. Water supply can be inconsistent. Telecommunications are basic, with mobile coverage available in urban areas. Internet access is limited and slow. The islands' infrastructure is one of the main constraints on economic development and tourism growth. For a geographic overview, explore the Pulse map.
🏥Healthcare
Healthcare in Comoros is severely limited. El-Maarouf National Hospital in Moroni is the main referral facility, providing basic medical and surgical services. Regional hospitals exist on Anjouan and Mohéli but are even more limited. Medical equipment, supplies, and specialist personnel are in short supply. For serious conditions, evacuation to Mayotte (which has a French hospital), Réunion, or Madagascar is essential. Malaria prevention is critical for all visitors. Consult the Ministry of Health Comoros and the WHO country health profiles and WHO Regional Office for Africa resource for current health advisories.
🚌Transportation
Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) on Grande Comore serves as the main international gateway, with flights to East African hubs (Nairobi, Dar es Salaam), Madagascar, and the Middle East. Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and regional carriers serve the airport. Inter-island flights connect the three main islands. Ferry services operate between islands but can be irregular. There is no rail transport. For a geographic view of the transport network, explore the Pulse map.