The state of the Union of the Comoros is located on three islands - Nyazidzha (Grand Comoros), Mwali (Moheli), Nzvani (Anjouan), which are united by the common name of the Comoros. The Comoros are located in the vastness of the Mozambique Strait.
The islands that make up the Comoros archipelago are of volcanic origin. The accumulation of volcanic masses is concentrated in the central part of the islands, and narrow lowlands form the shores. Korila, located on the island of Nyazija, is the largest active volcano on the islands. Its height reaches 2560 meters, it is the highest point of the island country. In the coldest period of the year average temperature is 23 ° С, in the hottest period - 28 ° С.In the mountains, almost 1100 millimeters of precipitation falls per year, and in the coastal lowlands this amount reaches 3000 millimeters.
Freshwater lakes have formed in the craters of many extinct volcanoes. On the volcanic slopes, sheltered from the prevailing winds, thick rainforests, in the lowlands and at the foot of the mountains there are savannas and dense bushes. The islands are inhabited by endemic animals - bristly hedgehogs, lemurs, huge bats.
As a result archaeological site it was established that the islands of the Comoros archipelago were inhabited as early as the 5th century. At the end of the 15th century, Arab settlements were formed on the islands of Nzvani and Nyazija. From the 17th century, a mass migration of people from Madagascar, Africa, Indonesia began to the islands. Arabs settled in coastal areas, Africans and other settlers settled in inland areas.
In 1841, France occupied the island of Mahore, subsequently seizing all the islands. In 1909, the Comoros were officially proclaimed French colony... After the end of World War II, the struggle for independence intensified among the inhabitants of the islands. In a referendum held in 1974, 95% of the population voted for the independence of the islands, however, over 60% of the inhabitants of the island of Mahore spoke out against independence. On July 6, 1975, the sovereignty of the Republic of the Comoros was recognized. The island of Mahore remained an overseas colony of France.
The Union of the Comoros belongs to the group of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. There are no minerals on the islands. The main sector of the country's economy is agriculture. To provide the population with food, rice, sweet potatoes, cassava and bananas are grown on the plantations. Although it is not possible to fully provide the population with food, therefore, half of the necessary food products have to be imported. Essential oil plants - ylang-ylang, jasmine, lemon mint - are grown on the plantations.
In terms of the export of ylang-ylang essence, which is obtained from the flowers of a special type of orchid, the country is in first place in the world and in second place in the production and export of vanilla. Dry vanilla is made using only manual labor. This is an extremely time consuming process. To get 1 kilogram of dry vanilla, you need to collect and process 3-4 kilograms of green. Comoros has the third largest collection and export of cloves in the world. The bulk of this spicy aromatic seasoning is exported to Indonesia. Industrial production focused on small refineries producing essential oils and dry vanilla.
The main mode of transport in the Comoros is cars and small boats. In total, almost 900 kilometers of roads have been laid on the islands, more than 440 kilometers have asphalt surfaces. Railways no. For connections between the islands, small vessels are used and air transport... The port of Mutsamudu located on the island of Nyazija can serve small and medium-sized ocean going vessels. Oceanic vessels of large displacement anchor in the open sea near the cities of Fomboni and Moroni on the island of Mwali. The international airport is located near the capital of the country, Moroni.
On the islands, the overwhelming majority of the population is Comoros or Antaloatra. The Comorian people were formed as a result of the mixing of African peoples with Arabs, immigrants from India, Malagasy and other peoples in different time inhabiting the islands of the Comoros archipelago. In addition to them, about 5 thousand representatives of the Makua people live in the country, 2 thousand Arabs and Malagasy each and a small number of Europeans. More than 90% of the population lives and works in rural areas.
The capital of the Union of the Comoros - Moroni is located on the island of Nyazidja. The main attraction of the capital is the People's Palace, which was built in 1985. The administrative center of the Nzvani island is Mutsamudu, and the Mwali islands are Fomboni.
International tourism in the country is developing slowly. Tourists come to the islands to admire the colorful volcanic slopes and lakes, relax on the comfortable beaches and go underwater hunting near the coral reefs.
Comoros franc (CF or KMF) equal to 100 centimes. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,500, 1,000 and 500 francs, coins in denominations of 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 francs, as well as 20 centimes.
The main attraction of the Comoros is unspoiled wilderness, warm sea with rich water world and clean sandy beaches... But apart from the pleasant beach holiday, Island state can invite tourists to visit the Old Friday Mosque, which is located in the capital of the state - Moroni.
This attraction is a popular tourist destination and is located on the shore of the harbor. The mosque was built presumably in 1472 and since that time, for five centuries, a service has been conducted in it. The temple is built of white coral limestone. According to traditional Arab architecture, the Old Friday Mosque has arched two-tier galleries, a carved border along the perimeter of the roof and a square-section minaret topped with a green dome with a crescent.
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speak: French, Arabic. Comoros has no land borders.
It is believed that the first people on the Comoros appeared in ancient times of the formation of mankind.
Comoros are famous for their unique fauna, which "mastered" these territories in the era when Madagascar separated from the African continent. Chaos of rocks, numerous fields of lava, relict forms of vegetation make up the natural appearance of these extraordinary islands. It is home to almost forty species of animals and about sixty varieties of plants that cannot be found in any other corner. the globe, and in the coastal waters of the Comoros discovered the oldest life forms on the planet. Comoros are one of the most exotic regions in the world, but they are rather poorly developed in terms of tourism.
The largest city in the archipelago and also its capital is the city of Moroni, which is also known by the old name of Port-au-Boutre. It is located dangerously close to the heat-breathing volcano Kartala, therefore the name of the city (approximate translation - "on fire") fully justifies itself. Moroni is relatively young and very handsome locality, which looks like a typical Mediterranean port - with clusters of neat houses peeping out of lush green gardens and stone breakwaters. The harbor near the stone docks is crowded with a variety of boats, stretching for almost six kilometers, which gives the city a special charm.
The architectural design of Moroni is very picturesque: the local Medina is replete with Arab traditional two-story houses, which are decorated with numerous balustrades, galleries, graceful wooden shutters and trellises. The whole Old city permeated with a network of narrow old streets, in which the influence of Arab traditions is also noticeable. There are many slender mosques scattered around the city, the most popular of which is the Vendredi Mosque, from which you can admire the incomparable panorama of the city and the surrounding areas of the island.
The wildest and smallest of all the islands in the archipelago is called Moili. Magnificent rainforests, volcanic soil, picturesque valleys usually covered with coconut groves, beautiful pastures, old cocoa and coffee plantations, ylang-ylang forests - that's what tiny Moili is famous for. But even gorgeous exotic forests, perfect white sand and excellent tanning do not contribute to the development of tourism. This is due to the apparent shortage of many goods and the lack of development. Nevertheless, if you have a tent, you can stay on beautiful shores Niumachua, Miringoni, Domoni and Kave-Hoani.
Fomboni is the capital of another island in the archipelago - Moheli. It is a small and rather poor city, more like a sleepy village than a capital. There are no noteworthy attractions, with the exception of one - the market, where you can sometimes find very interesting products, imbued with the spirit of the local culture.
In addition, the picturesque waterfall in Miringon enjoys well-deserved popularity. mountain range stretching across the island, unique lake Dziani-Bunduni, the Jandro plateau and evergreen forests, which are a real bird's paradise - about ten endemic species of birds and more than fifty other species of exotic birds live here.
The Comoros is still a corner of the Earth practically unexplored by tourists, attractive for its originality, cultural features. local population, exotic, beauty of landscapes and incredible wealth of flora and fauna.
Geographical position
Comoros located in Indian Ocean, at the northern entrance to the Strait of Mozambique, between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique (Africa). The archipelago consists of four small islands - Ngazidzha (Grande Comore), Njuani (Anjouan) and Moili (Moheli) are part of the Union of the Comoros, and Maore (Mayotte or Meiotte) has the status of an overseas territory of France.
The total area of the country is about 2.17 thousand square meters. km (Ngazidzha - 1148 sq. km, Njuani - 414 sq. km, Moili - 290 sq. km).
The capital is Moroni (Grande Comore Island).
How to get there
By plane
The most logical way to get to the Comoros is by plane from Madagascar on Air Madagascar flights.
Comores Aviation International flies to Mayotte, Madagascar and Tanzania. Comores Air Service - in Mayotte.
Kenya Airways also flies between Kenya and Comoros, offering convenient connections from London, Dubai and Paris.
Air Austral flies from Paris and Marseille, stopping at Reunion. Yemenia Airways flies to Comoros from Yemen. From Tanzania, weekly flights are organized by Air Tanzania.
By sea
The Comoros can be reached by sea from the islands of Madagascar and Zanzibar (Tanzania). It is cheaper than flying, but it takes significantly longer. Prices need to be negotiated with the captain (with a good bargaining ability, the price can be brought down to 100 euros). Also, passing ships can be caught in Reunion, in Mombasa (Kenya), in Mauritius and in Mayotte.
Visa
Russian citizens need a visa to visit the Comoros, which is issued upon arrival at the office of the Immigration Service.
To obtain a visa upon arrival, the following documents are required:
Passport valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry. The passport must have at least one page for pasting a visa;
-two application forms completed in English, French or Arabic (issued upon arrival).
Upon arrival, each foreigner undergoes fingerprint scanning and digital photography. The data specified in the application form, together with a digital photograph, are transferred to a visa sticker, which is immediately printed and pasted into the passport.
Validity of a tourist visa- 45 days.
Visa fee is charged in the amount of $ 50. The fee is payable in dollars or another freely convertible currency equivalent to the specified amount.
In case of transit through the territory of the Comoros to third countries, the visa is issued free of charge, provided that the stay on the islands is no more than 24 hours. The status of this visa can be changed to tourist by contacting the Immigration Office in Moroni. You will need to provide a completed application form and pay a visa fee, the amount of which depends on the length of stay.
Climate
Tropical, quite hot and humid, with two distinct seasons: a warmer and more humid one from November to April, and a cool and dry one for the rest of the year. Average monthly temperatures range from + 24 C to + 27 C, annual precipitation is from 1100 mm. in the central regions of the islands up to 3000 mm. on mountain slopes and coastal plains. Wet season from November to April - not a very good time to visit the Comoros - the heat is exhausting, and the air humidity reaches 100%. Best time to visit is in the cooler period between May and October, when most of the islands have an almost perfect climate, the air does not warm above 25 C, is saturated with the aroma of blooming ylang-ylang, cloves, cinnamon and vanilla, and is constantly refreshed by the ocean trade winds. But sometimes during this period the weather can sharply worsen, which is associated with the arrival of monsoon winds and cyclones from the ocean.
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Population
Population is 549,338 people (1995), the average population density is about 295 people per km2. The islands are inhabited mainly by the Comorians - the descendants of the Arabs, mixed with the Malagasy and immigrants from east coast Africa, there are also Malagasy, Africans. There are two official languages- Arabic and French, many residents speak the local dialect - a mixture of Swahili and Arabic. Sunni Muslims make up the majority of believers (86% of the population), Catholics - 14%. Fertility - 46 newborns per 1,000 people (1995). Mortality -11 deaths per 1,000 people (infant mortality rate - 77 deaths per 1,000 newborns). Average life expectancy: men - 56 years, women - 61 years (1995).
Nature
The Comoros archipelago is of volcanic origin and quite mountainous... On a relatively small territory of this island group, there are about three dozen operating and extinct volcanoes, a highest point countries - Le Kartala (2360 m, Ngazidja island) is an active volcano.
Ngazija Island(Grande Comore) is the largest and youngest island in the archipelago, natural conditions also the most typical for the whole group. It is a vast volcanic massif with a central ridge stretching from north to south-east and narrow and long grassy plains that slope steeply towards coastline... The northern part of the island is occupied by a rather extensive rocky plain known as La Grill. The southern third of the island is a single massif of Le Kartala volcano (2360 m), whose crater reaches almost two kilometers in diameter, making it one of the largest in the world. Since 1857, almost two dozen large eruptions have been recorded here (the most extensive occurred in 1918), and the most recent dates back to 2003.
The coast of the island is made up of black lava rocks, forming coastal rocks, and framed by sandy shores of dozens of shades, which gives them the status of one of the most picturesque on the planet (the total length of the coastline is about 340 km). Almost the entire island is surrounded by a chain of young coral reefs.
The natural world of the islands- one of the relics of the biological history of the planet. Due to their isolation and intermediate position between the African continent and Madagascar, the islands have for a long time retained many of the most ancient forms of life. Suffice it to say that it was in these waters that coelacanth was first discovered - the oldest cross-finned fish known today, 65% of the planet's "perfume plants" grow here, a giant bat lives - Livingston's flying fox (wingspan about 1.2 m) and about a dozen endemic bird species. It was here that until the 17th century the wingless giant bird dodo or epyornis (Aepyornis, height up to 3 m) lived, found only here and in Madagascar.
And at the same time, the Comoros themselves are quite deserted, and agricultural land occupies up to 36% of the island's land area, which inevitably causes soil erosion and deforestation. Therefore, the once vast ancient forests (in the south) and grassy plains (in the center and in the north of the islands) have survived here only at altitudes of more than 800 meters above sea level.
Hotels, hotels, prices
Hotels in the Comoros do not differ in luxury and brilliant service, but they are known for local flavor and hospitality. In addition to a hotel room, you can rent a villa, bungalow or a room in guest house- it all depends on what kind of rest you prefer - active or calm. In any case, both the hotel and the villa will offer you the services of a diving instructor, guide and concierge.
"Unity, Solidarity, Development"
- Abdallah Said Saruma
- Jafar Ahmed Said
- Mustadruan Abdou
The name comes from the Arabic word al-qamar(al-kamar), which means "moon". The moon is present on the flag of the state.
Geography
The state is located on the volcanic archipelago of the Comoros, which includes four main islands. The islands of Ngazidja (Grand Comore), Ndzuani (Anjuan) and Mwali (Moheli) actually make up the Union Comoros, and the island of Maoret (Mayotte) actually has the status of an "overseas region" of France, but the Union of the Comoros claims it.
Since the 1600s, the second wave of settlement of the islands by immigrants from Africa, the countries of the Arab East and the island of Madagascar began. The archipelago was also home to pirates who brought captive Indians and Chinese here. Since 1785, raids were made from Madagascar with the aim of capturing slaves, due to which early XIX century, the island of Mayotte was practically deserted and, together with the island of Moheli, was controlled by the rulers of Madagascar.
Colonial period
The farms of the colonists were based on the cultivation of vanilla, cloves and coffee. The local elite worked closely with the colonial administration. After the occupation by British troops during the Second World War, according to the new constitution of France in 1947, the status of its "overseas territory" was obtained. In 1957, the Government Council was established (in 1961, it was headed by a native of the country, S. M. Sheikh), in 1961, an elected Chamber of Deputies was established. Local self-government (except for issues of finance, defense and foreign relations) has been introduced since 1968. Administrative center in 1968 it was moved from the city of Mamudzu (Mayotte Island) to the city of Moroni (Grande Comore Island). The administration was headed by a high commissioner.
The first political organizations representing different groups Muslim aristocracy, emerged in 1962: "Democratic Union of the Comoros" (DSKO, created by S. M. Sheikh) - the so-called "Party of the Greens" (the party of senior civil servants) and the "Democratic Union of the Comorian people" (MLC), which received the name "Party of whites" or "party of princes". In 1963, the Comoros community in Tanganyika created the Movement for the National Liberation of the Comoros (MOLINACO), recognized by the OAU as the leader of the national liberation movement on the islands. Since 1970, the archipelago has had its branch, the Comoros Evolutionary Party (PEC). In 1972, the "Party of the People" ("Ummah") was created on the island of Grande Comoros.
At the referendum on independence (December 1974), the majority of the inhabitants of the archipelago spoke out positively. Of these, 96% of the inhabitants of the islands of Anjouan, Grande Comore and Moheli voted for its secession from France, and 64% of the population of the Isle of Mayotte - against. On July 6, 1975, the local Chamber of Deputies unilaterally proclaimed the independent Republic of the Comoros (RCO), controlling three islands: Anjouan, Grande Comoros and Moheli. Chairman of the Government Council Ahmed Abdallah became the President. This council was abolished, a parliament was formed, a constitution was adopted, and the Arabic names of the islands were restored.
In November 1975, the Comoros were admitted to the UN as a part of the four islands as a single state. France, having recognized the independence of the RKO, unilaterally secured the status of its "territorial unit" to the island of Mayotte.
After gaining independence
As a result of a bloodless coup d'état on August 3, 1975, a Maoist sympathizer, Ali Sualih, came to power, proclaiming the course of the so-called "national socialism": the nationalization of large land holdings and property of the French colonists expelled from the country, the introduction of planning in the economy, the abolition of Sharia law and the limitation of influence Muslim clergy, dissolution of political parties. The anti-Islamic orientation of the government's policy led to the destabilization of the situation in the country. RKO found itself in conditions of international isolation.
In May 1978, a new coup took place, led by the French mercenary Bob Denard (Ali Sualih was killed, power again passed to A. Abdallah). The activities of the administrative apparatus, private French and local companies were resumed, land was returned to large owners, foreign investments were encouraged, diplomatic relations with France were restored.
According to the 1978 constitution, the country was renamed the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros (FIRCO) (fr. République Fédérale Islamique des Comores; Arab. جمهورية القمر الإتحادية الإسلامية) , Parliament - to the Federal Assembly, and Islam is declared the state religion. After the introduction of the one-party system (1979), the ruling Union for Progress Comoros (Ujima, created in 1982) became the only party.
The 1990 presidential elections were held in a multi-party system (14 legal parties were created). Said Mohamed Johar was elected president (55.3% of the vote). Constant confrontation between parties contributed to a new coup in September 1995, carried out by foreign mercenaries. In 1996-1998, Mohamed Taqi Abdulkarim held the presidency. The new constitution (1996) consolidated the existence of a multi-party system and Islam as a state religion.
After the death of the president, this post was taken by T. Massund. Deterioration economic situation(including due to the fall in world prices for vanilla and cloves) and separatism (unilateral declaration of independence by the Anjouan and Moheli islands in 1997) destabilized the situation in the country. As a result of the military coup on April 30, 1999, Colonel Azali Assumani came to power. In 2001, government forces thwarted attempted military coups on the islands of Anjouan and Moheli.
Following a referendum on December 21, 2001, a new constitution was approved giving the islands more autonomous rights. The country became known as the Union of the Comoros (SKO). A. Assumani won the presidential elections on April 14, 2002 (postponed several times and held in two rounds). In March-April of the same year, the presidents of the islands of Anjouan and Moheli were elected. President of the island of Grande Comore was elected in May 2002, A. Assumani's opponent A.S. Elbak (63% of the votes).
According to the 2001 constitution, the Comoros retain claims to the Maore (Mayotta) island, considering it an integral part and one of the four autonomous islands of the Union of the Comoros.
Parliament (assembly) - 33 deputies, of whom 18 are elected by universal suffrage, 15 - by the assemblies of the three islands, for a five-year term.
Army
According to the 2012 census, the country's population was 724,294 people (excluding Mayotte (Maore), with him - about 936,900 thousand people).
The annual growth rate is 2.7% (fertility is 4.8 births per woman).
The average life expectancy is 61 years for men, 66 years for women.
The official languages are Arabic and French, the majority of the population speaks the Comorian language (an offshoot of Swahili with a large admixture of Arabic).
Hey mister, what are you photographing there. You are absolutely not allowed to do it here, '' thundered a security guard in the arrivals hall at the airport on the island of Grande Comore. It immediately became clear that this was not at all "French" Mayotte, with European tolerance, but an African country with a harsh spirit of "independence".
I want to rent a car and have photographed the office of the rental company.
- Can't you see the people are gone to dinner? Photography is prohibited here. If you don't delete the photo, I'll call the police.
I didn't argue and just erased one of the series of pictures. Obviously, it would be harder to rent a car here than a donkey. If people left for lunch, then at least five years ago, or even all ten;)
Well, the guard, dressed in a uniform in a military style, was seized by the vicious feeling of OHB (I really want the dough) and, in addition to demanding to remove the photo, he mumbled about the fine. But it became an insurmountable obstacle for him to formulate the idea exactly what I violated, and what would happen for it.
They demanded a fine from me for this photo.
Once in the rental office there is a five-year break - that means we are going by taxi. On Comoros, local taxi drivers are fighting for a white client. The main thing here is not to miss the "right" guy. Ibrahim found me himself. This one, also a carrier of OCB, but, unlike the guard, has an entrepreneurial nose and focused energy.
Come with me and find a rental office, I know one in the capital Moroni. Or if you want, I'll show you the island myself.
- Allons-y mon ami, I already realized that renting a car here is not so easy -)
Roads on Grande Comore Island are very different from neighboring French Mayotte. The spirit of "independence from France" is felt.
Before my arrival, I did not know (there was not a single report on the Comoros on Turbine) that there is a Kartala volcano on Grande Comoros and, most importantly, you can climb it. If you are on the island, be sure to go on a hike to the top, you will not regret it, you will see a huge crater at the top. Ibrahim claimed that this is the most interesting in the entire archipelago.
In some places around the roads there is black lava - just like on the island of Lanzarote.
From international airport, bearing the name of Prince Said Ibrahim, to the capital of Moroni - 40 minutes. Ibrgagim offers sightseeing tour, I ask you to stop to buy water.
No problem, there's a supermarket around the corner, ”my lucky guide nodded happily.
Grocery store in Moroni. They sell everything from ice cream to toilet.
Outside the store, guys on roller skates are jumping over a motorcycle.
Comoros is an Islamic Republic. The women are in traditional Muslim vestments.
The climate is equatorial, you start to bleed out quickly from the heat, but you can't find cold beer. Hershey time to drink (((
The local market in the city center is one of the most picturesque places. People from carts sell everything.
The caption states that Comorian women will vote en masse. "Mass voting" and candidates' recruitment of 90% of the votes and above is generally very typical for "independent" countries).
Bank buildings in the center of Moroni.
Women, as well as in Mayotte, apply special masks from the sun to their face.
Chief Court of Comoros. It was a Saturday night in March and Ibrahim suggested taking a walk around the grounds. My question about corruption amused the taxi driver. Rip off, and how.
On the territory of the court there is a cafe in the bushes, in Russia you can find such establishments only in the outback, and in the capital of the Comoros - in the very center of the city by the court.
Street stall.
It is convenient to sell corn on rusty car rims,
and shoes - wholesale by weight.
Of the three male pleasures - cinema, wine and dominoes - the latter is very popular in Moroni. Comorian men "slaughter a goat" in the central streets.
City monument.
The story would not be complete if Ibrahim remained behind the scenes.
The first impression at the airport that the country is dangerous and that it will not be easy to walk with a camera turned out to be deceiving. This is not the damn Juba. The islands, although poor, are quite friendly.
Union of the Comoros, this is how the Comoros are officially called - these are four large islands- Grande Comoros, Anjouan, Moheli and Mayotte. The last the French consider their overseas department, but according to the UN classification, the island belongs to the Comoros.
The main natural bay of Comoros is decorated with a poster “Mayotte is Comoros, and it will always be so”. The call is good, backed up by all the power of the pro-Pangandon, but I personally strongly doubt this statement.
The snow-white mosque is the most recognizable symbol of Moroni.
Children frolic in the natural harbor at the port of the capital.
Houses in the heart of Moroni.
Square with stars.
