Comoros is a sovereign island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa on the northern end of the Mozambique Channel between northern Madagascar and northeastern Mozambique. The nearest countries to the Comoros are Mozambique, Tanzania, Madagascar, and the Seychelles. Comoros is the third smallest African nation by area; and with a population estimated at 905,154 persons. It is the sixth smallest African nation by population, although it has one of the highest population densities in Africa), and is the southernmost member state of the Arab League. Its name derives from the Arabic word qamar, which means “moon”. The country is notable for its diverse culture and history, as a nation formed at the crossroads of many civilizations. It has three official languages; Comorian (Shikomor), Arabic, and French, and it is the only state to be a member of each of the African Union, Francophonie, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Arab League, and Indian Ocean Commission, among other international organizations. However, it has had a troubled history since independence in 1975, marked by an inordinate number of coups d’état. The islands’ indigenous population consists almost entirely of persons of mixed African, Malagasy, Malay, and Arab descent. Ethnic groups include the Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, and Sakalava. Small numbers of Indians, Malagasy, and Europeans play an important part in the economy.
TRENDING FASHION IN COMOROS
ACCESSORIES IN COMOROS
TRIBES IN COMOROS AND THEIR FASHION
African Arab
African Arabs, commonly known as Afro-Arabs, are a group of people or individuals who trace their ancestry to both African and Arabic origins. Most of the African Arabs are along the Swahili coastlines in Africa Great Lakes region. Some of these ethnic groups are also in other parts of the world, especially in the Arab world. African Arab is the dominant ethnic group in Comoros accounting for 86% of the total population.
Malagasy
The Malagasy are the major ethnic group in Madagascar. However, Comoros also have a significant number of people belonging to this ethnic group. Malagasy are divided into two groups, the Highlanders and the coastal dwellers. The coastal dwellers of Malagasy are the majority in Comoros.
TOURIST AND HISTORICAL PLACES IN COMOROS
Mamoudzou – here you’ll find the restaurants, businesses, and shopping on Mayotte.
Grande Comore – a great spot for honeymooners or couple hoping to get away from their busy lives.
Fomboni – the largest city on Mohéli is Fomboni, a quiet and unassuming little place.
Petite Terre – this is where you’ll find most of the expats in Comoros. The island has two villages: L’Abattoir and Pamandzi.
Anjouan – the locals call it Ndzouani, and this Comorian island is the stuff that fantasies are made of.
Mt Ntingui – the highest mountain on Anjouan is Mt Ntingui. It stands at almost 1600 metres and it’s a challenging trek to the top.
Mount Karthala – the largest active volcano in the world is Mount Karthala located on Grande Comore
Moroni – the capital city. Here’s a romantic and distinctly Arabian vibe and you’ll feel like you’re in a different world compared to the rest of the islands.
Mohéli – the smallest and yet the most fascinating of the Comoros Islands and considered by many to be the highlight of the Comoros Islands.
Mayotte – Mayotte is probably the most traditional tourist spot in the Comoros.
MUSIC IN COMOROS
The Comoros is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, mostly an independent nation but also including the French territory of Mayotte. It is historically linked to both East Africa and France, and now has a strong Malagasy influence. Zanzibar‘s taarab music, however, remains the most influential genre on the islands, and a Comorian version called twarab is popular. Comorian instruments include the ‘oud and violin, the most frequent accompaniment for twarab, as well as gabusi (a type of lute) and ndzendze (a box zither), and the msondo drum. Sega music from nearby Mauritius and Réunion is also popular. The primitive oboe, the ndzumara, is now nearly extinct.
Some musicians in Comoros
Nawal
Dr Sibongile Khumalo
Some art work in Comoros
MEALS IN COMOROS
Roti ya houmapampa – Comorian dish prepared with tomatoes, turmeric, peppercorn, onions and salt cod.
Ntrovi ya nazi – a warm, tasty, and highly satisfying dish made with plantains and sauce.
Ambrevades au curry – is delicious curried pigeon peas.
Comoros Pilau – is highly aromatic and tasty rice from Comoros prepared both with meat and vegetables.
Archard auc legumes – another famous and traditional Comorian cuisine.
Mshakiki – barbecued meat and delicate dish made with beef steak. The beef steaks are in cubes which are first marinated.
Roti ya houmapampa
Ntrovi ya nazi
Ambrevades au curry
Comoros Pilau
Archard auc legumes
Mshakiki
Langouste a la vanilla – traditional dish of Comoros, prepared with fresh lobsters and vanilla beans which are the key ingredients.
Mkatra – a mouthwatering bread. The bread is fried and unleavened, prepared with coconut water.
Ladu – Ladu is a sweet dish. It is also popular in many countries around the world.
Langouste a la vanilla
Mkatra
Ladu
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND HABITAT PROTECTION IN COMOROS
There is huge flora diversity and high endemism on these islands: of the approximately 1000 native plant species, 30 percent are endemic to the Comoros, including the endangered palm, Ravenea hildebrandtii. Most flora has affinities with those of Africa and Madagascar. There are also many introduced species of plants. Almost all of the endemic avifauna species are found in the forest areas or the montane heathlands. Three species of bird are threatened with extinction: The Mayotte drongo, Anjouan scops-owl, and the Mohéli scops-owl. Of the native mammals present on these islands, two species of fruit bats are strictly endemic including the Livingstone’s fruit bat which is endemic to Ndzuani and Mwali. Other mammals include the mongoose lemur – introduced from Madagascar. The nine endemic reptiles include the Comoro flapnose chameleon, Comoro day gecko, snake-eyed skink, Comoro worm snake, and Mayotte chameleon.
EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN COMOROS
The Comoros will be deeply affected by climate change, and rainfall patterns are predicted to become highly unpredictable. Sea-levels will rise along with the temperatures, threatening coastal aquifers with saltwater intrusion. Currently, less than 13% of the population have access to good quality water supplies, and water consumption per capita is only 35 litres per day (WHO’s minimum requirement is 50 litres). By 2090, the dry season could experience 47% less rainfall than today. Extreme weather events are expected to be more frequent and intense, including tropical cyclones, droughts and flooding.
The danger is compounded by poverty and unsustainable extraction in the forests, which depletes the soil’s ability to retain water. Between 1990 and 2000, forest cover shrunk 3% per year.
GENDER EQUALITY IN COMOROS
Comoros has ratified the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, sometimes called the world’s “bill of rights” for women. It is one of only three Arab League states to do so without any reservations. It has also ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Ladaenti Houmadi – Comoran politician and former Minister for Employment, Youth and Sports.
Loub Yakout Zaidou – Comoran midwife, administrator and politician serving currently as Minister for Health, Solidarity, Social Protection and Gender Promotion.
Harimia Ahmed – Comoran lawyer and first female lawyer in the country.
Bahia Massoundi – Comoran politician and government minister.
Ladaenti Houmadi
Loub Yakout Zaidou
Harimia Ahmed
Bahia Massoundi
