Comoros

The Union of the Comoros is an archipelago located in the Mozambique Channel, north of Madagascar. The capital is Moroni, and the country is about the size of Saarland. With a population of around 876,000, more than 56 percent of the population is under the age of 25. Comoros is a Federal Islamic Republic, with President Ayali Assoumani serving as the head of state. He was re-elected in January 2024 for his fourth consecutive term.

Comoros is a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations, the Arab League, the African Union (AU), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Indian Ocean Commission, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the International Organization of La Francophonie, and the Non-Aligned Movement. The federal government is committed to sustainable development, including climate protection, biodiversity conservation, desertification mitigation, and the implementation of the Law of the Sea Convention. Additionally, the country focuses on ozone layer protection and sustainable shipping practices.

Germany is Comoros’ third-largest export partner, with vanilla being the most important export commodity. Other key exports include cloves and ylang ylang, while Comoros imports machinery, foodstuffs, and animal feed from Germany. In 2022, exports to Germany were valued at 3.8 million euros, marking Comoros as one of the few Arab countries where exports to Germany exceed imports.

Around half of Comoros’ gross domestic product (GDP) is generated by agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, sectors that employ about 80 percent of the workforce. The country has faced significant challenges, including political instability since gaining independence from France in 1975 and the impact of multiple coup attempts. More recently, recovery efforts from Cyclone Kenneth in 2019 were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Comoros faces difficulties in reforming its education and health systems and ensuring the provision of basic services. Despite these challenges, the country’s tourism sector shows promise, contributing to economic diversification and growth.