Economy
Comoros is one of the poorest countries in Africa. Its economy is based on tourism, foreign aid, subsistence agriculture, as well as fishing and forestry, the leading sector of the country’s economy.
Unemployment levels are very high and the population below the poverty level reaches 60% of the total. 80% of the population is dedicated to agriculture, which continues to constitute a large part of its exports.
It has inadequate transportation systems, a young and rapidly growing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence economic activity, and a strong dependence on foreign assistance.
The government is trying to increase educational and technical training, privatize commercial and industrial entities, implement health services, diversify exports, promote tourism, and reduce high population growth.
Farming
The main economic activity is agriculture, which accounts for the main exports: mainly vanilla and cloves, and to a lesser extent ylang-ylang (an extracted from a kind of tree) and copra. The archipelago, the world’s main producer of ylang-ylang, is the ideal place to discover the cultivation of this white flower, with a very intense smell, whose essence serves to fix the perfumes. The main areas of exploitation are in the south of Greater Comoros (in Mitsoudjé and Singan) and in Anjouan, where you can visit the Bambao distillery. The Comoros is also a major exporter of vanilla and clove.
Tourism and places of interest
Tourism is not very developed in Comoros, as it has competition with the Reunion Islands, Mauritius and Seychelles, in addition to internal problems such as political instability. Its main attractions are the beaches, underwater fishing and the mountain scenery.
- Vendredi Mosque: It has an inscription with the date of construction in 1427.
- Great Mosque: Inaugurated in 1998, it was financed by the Emir of Sharjah. The tombs of Islamic holy men and founders of the tariqa are frequently visited on religious occasions. It is located next to the beach.
- Port: It is the main port of the country. Cargoes arrive here mainly from Mombasa and the Reunion Islands, since their infrastructure is not of the best quality.
Industry
There is a small fishing industry, a minimal industrial base devoted primarily to processing vanilla, and a developing tourism industry. The decline in world market prices for these products has been causing serious problems for the Comorian economy in recent years with strong imbalances in its Balance of Payments. France exports 50% of its imports to Comoros. Other important trading partners are China, Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar
Currency
The currency is the Comorian franc
Transport
- Airplane
The Air France company offers flights from Paris twice a week. Other points from which you can travel to Comoros are Madagascar and Nairobi.
- Boat
A 25-hour ferry from Mahajanga and Moroni travels twice a week.
- Public transport
The means of transport in Comoros are collective taxis, whose prices are affordable.
Religion
The Muslim religion with a minority of Catholics.
Education
Africa is a UNESCO priority and education plays a central role in the development of the region. The Union of the Comoros joined UNESCO on March 22, 1977. It is covered by the UNESCO Office in Dar es Salaam (United Republic of Tanzania). This country works closely with UNESCO to improve its educational system. One of the major cities in Comoros, Moroni, has a university, but post-secondary education is also accessible in which teacher training, agricultural education, science is available health and business. Those who want higher education must do so abroad. According to educationvv, teacher training and other specialized courses are available at the M’Vouni School for Higher Education, which has been in operation near Moroni since 1981.
Culture
Parties
- May 25 – Africa Day
- July 6 – Independence Day
Tradition
The Grand Wedding, a custom that still exists in Comoros, especially in Greater Comoros. Men from the upper classes of Comorian society often spend their entire lives raising enough money to be able to celebrate this union. It is the only way to rise to the rank of notable and to enjoy a social status that allows access to vote. In general, men who can arrange this wedding have forty years old and is often a second marriage with a woman much younger. The celebration lasts for several days, and the husband then spends the rest of his life paying off his debts.
Crafts
The craft of Comoros consists of the carvings of wood, fabrics, perfumes and basketry.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy of Comoros is a mixture of Indian, Arabic, French and African cuisine, in which the base is rice accompanied with meat or fish with many spices. The Alcohol is forbidden by Islam, except for the tembo, beverage typically consisting of a distillation milk of coconut juices and fruits.
Curiosities
Comoros Islands, known as the islands of essences because the finest aromas for perfumes are produced here worldwide.
This is because there is a large production of exotic flowers and plants with special and wonderful smells. One of its most outstanding essences is ylang ylang, Cananga odorata or Flor de Flores, which is a small flower that is used as a raw material for perfumes with mild scents, especially for women. In addition, the locals say that this plant has aphrodisiac properties.
