Africa · Eastern Africa

Comoros

Union of the Comoros

Flag of Comoros
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+03:00
🏛️ Capital
Moroni
👥 Population
919,901
📐 Area
1,862 km²
💱 Currency
Comorian franc (Fr)
🗣️ Languages
Arabic, French, Comorian
📞 Calling Code
+269
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+03:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Eastern Africa

About Comoros

Tucked into the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the eastern coast of Africa, the Comoros archipelago is one of the world's least-visited destinations — and that's precisely its charm. You'll find three volcanic islands (plus the French-administered Mayotte) draped in dense tropical forests, ringed by coral reefs, and perfumed with the scent of ylang-ylang and cloves. Moroni, the capital on Grande Comore, greets you with a medina-style old quarter whose narrow lanes and whitewashed mosques evoke an Arabia transported to the tropics.

Visitors can explore dramatic calderas, including the active Karthala volcano, one of the world's largest shield volcanoes, which rises nearly 2,400 metres above sea level. Below the waterline, the reefs around Mohéli — the smallest island — shelter sea turtles, dugongs, and humpback whales that migrate through between June and October. Life here moves at an unhurried pace shaped by tides, Friday prayers, and the rhythm of the dhow fishing fleets.

What you'll find in Comoros is genuine off-the-beaten-path adventure without the infrastructure of mass tourism. Accommodation ranges from small guesthouses to a handful of eco-lodges, and English is rarely spoken, lending the experience an authentically local feel. The islands reward patient, curious travellers who are happy to improvise, share meals with families, and discover a nation that blends African, Arab, and French colonial influences into something entirely its own.

History & Background

The Comoros Islands have been a crossroads of Indian Ocean trade for over a thousand years, visited by Arab and Persian merchants who established sultanates across the archipelago from the twelfth century onward. The islands became an important waypoint on spice routes linking East Africa, Arabia, and South Asia, and this heritage lives on in the Arabic-influenced architecture of Moroni's medina and the island's Islamic scholarly tradition.

France established a colonial presence in 1841 and gradually brought all four islands under its control by the late nineteenth century. The Comoros declared independence in 1975 in a unilateral move following a referendum — though Mayotte voted to remain French and still does so today. The post-independence decades were turbulent, marked by more than twenty coups or coup attempts, giving the young nation one of the highest rates of political instability in the world. A new federal constitution enacted in 2001 introduced a rotating presidential system among the three main islands, ushering in a more stable era that visitors today experience firsthand.

Culture & People

Comorian culture is a vibrant fusion of Bantu African, Arab, and French colonial threads woven together over centuries of Indian Ocean trade. Islam arrived around the tenth century and today shapes daily life profoundly — the call to prayer echoes across every village, and mosques outnumber any other building type on the islands. You'll notice that weddings, known as grand marriages or ada, are elaborate multi-day events involving the entire community and carrying enormous social significance; a man's status is often measured by the grandeur of his ada celebration.

Visitors can experience warm Comorian hospitality through the tradition of sharing meals communally, often eaten on floor mats from a shared plate of rice, fish, and coconut-based sauces. Music and dance are central to celebrations, with the twarab style blending Arab string arrangements with local percussion. The Comorian language, Shikomori, ties the archipelago together even as Arabic and French serve official functions, and you'll find that speaking even a few words of Shikomori is met with wide smiles and immediate warmth.

Food & Cuisine

Comorian cuisine reflects the islands' position at the heart of Indian Ocean trade routes — you'll find aromatic spices, coconut milk, and freshly caught seafood combining in dishes that feel simultaneously African, Arab, and South Asian. Langouste grillée (grilled lobster) served with rice cooked in coconut milk and local spices is the dish visitors most remember, often enjoyed at simple seafront restaurants in Moroni. Pilao, a spiced rice cooked with meat or fish, draws heavily on Arab culinary traditions and is the centrepiece of festive meals.

Street food stalls sell mkatra foutra, a flatbread cooked on a griddle and eaten with honey or coconut for breakfast. Samosas stuffed with spiced fish or vegetables are ubiquitous snacks, and fresh tropical fruit — mangoes, papayas, jackfruit — is abundant and inexpensive. Ylang-ylang and cloves, grown commercially on the islands, make their way into teas and sweets, giving Comorian flavours a distinctly floral depth that you won't easily find elsewhere in the world.

Top Attractions

  • Mount Karthala — Hike the slopes of one of the world's most active shield volcanoes, rewarded with a vast caldera and sweeping ocean views on clear days.
  • Mohéli Marine Park — Snorkel or dive over pristine coral gardens and swim alongside sea turtles at Comoros' only protected marine area.
  • Moroni Medina — Wander the labyrinthine lanes of the old quarter, past the Friday Mosque and Arab-style carved wooden doorways that recall centuries of trade.
  • Anjouan's Lac Dzialandze — Trek to this crater lake on Anjouan island, surrounded by cloud forest and endemic bird species found nowhere else on Earth.
  • Chindini Beach — Relax on a near-deserted black-sand beach on Grande Comore's southern coast, with dramatic volcanic scenery as a backdrop.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Carry sufficient euros or US dollars to exchange, as ATMs are unreliable outside Moroni and card payments are rare across the islands.
  • Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees when visiting villages, mosques, or markets out of respect for Islamic customs.
  • Inter-island flights with Air Comores are the fastest option between the islands, but schedules change frequently; always confirm your booking the day before.
  • French is more useful than English; download an offline French–Comorian phrasebook before you arrive.
  • Negotiate taxi fares before you get in — there are no meters, and agreeing on the price upfront avoids misunderstandings.
  • Bring any prescription medications and a basic first-aid kit; pharmacies in smaller towns have limited stock.
  • Respect Friday prayers by avoiding markets and government offices on Friday mornings, when much of daily life pauses.

Visa Overview

Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Moroni's Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport, typically valid for 45 days and costing around USD 30–50. No advance application is required for citizens of the EU, USA, UK, Australia, and many other countries. You will need a valid passport with at least six months' remaining validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. It is always advisable to check with the nearest Comorian embassy or consulate before travel, as policies can change without much notice.

Getting Around

Getting around Comoros requires flexibility. On Grande Comore, shared minibuses called taxis-brousse run between Moroni and other towns, departing when full rather than on a fixed schedule. Hiring a private taxi for the day is comfortable and affordable by international standards. Inter-island travel is managed via domestic flights with Air Comores or by slow ferry — ferries are cheap but can be rough in choppy seas. On Mohéli, the road network is limited and motorbike hire is a practical way to reach remote beaches and forests.

Safety Notes

Comoros is generally safe for travellers, with petty theft the most common concern in busy Moroni markets. Political tensions occasionally surface around election periods, so monitoring local news is sensible. The volcanic activity of Karthala demands respect — check with local guides about current crater conditions before any ascent. Healthcare facilities are very basic outside Moroni, and medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended. Swimming in the ocean carries standard tropical hazards; always ask locals about currents before entering the water.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Comoros.

Comorian franc (KMF) Fr
Updated: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.021563
AAVE 0.000013
ADA 0.008460
AED 0.008372
AFN 0.147287
AKT 0.002979
ALGO 0.017750
ALL 0.186982
AMD 0.824704
AMP 3.555101
ANG 0.004099
AOA 2.088137
APE 0.014228
APT 0.002777
AR 0.000506
ARB 0.011182
ARS 3.464804
ATOM 0.001252
ATS 0.027970
AUD 0.003271
AVAX 0.000201
AWG 0.004080
AXS 0.001741
AZM 19.376814
AZN 0.003875
BAKE 8.881300
BAM 0.003976
BAT 0.021611
BBD 0.004559
BCH 0.000007
BDT 0.280230
BEF 0.081997
BGN 0.003976
BHD 0.000857
BIF 6.848862
BMD 0.002280
BNB 0.000003
BND 0.002917
BOB 0.027346
BRL 0.011395
BSD 0.002280
BSV 0.000114
BSW 5.539744
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.032626
BTG 0.003455
BTN 0.219794
BTT 6,131.754475
BUSD 0.002279
BWP 0.031375
BYN 0.006954
BYR 44.686223
BZD 0.004584
CAD 0.003253
CAKE 0.000932
CDF 5.268132
CELO 0.021919
CFX 0.041545
CHF 0.001896
CHZ 0.136277
CLP 2.218111
CNH 0.015280
CNY 0.015285
COMP 0.000093
COP 7.291598
CRC 1.043112
CRO 0.033569
CRV 0.006184
CSPR 0.893676
CUC 0.002280
CUP 0.054605
CVE 0.224141
CVX 0.001030
CYP 0.001190
CZK 0.049727
DAI 0.002281
DASH 0.000040
DCR 0.000124
DEM 0.003976
DFI 2.494221
DJF 0.405542
DKK 0.015192
DOGE 0.024042
DOP 0.136619
DOT 0.001842
DYDX 0.015602
DZD 0.306438
EEK 0.031804
EGLD 0.000510
EGP 0.119515
ENJ 0.068860
EOS 0.022432
ERN 0.034194
ESP 0.338205
ETB 0.370803
ETC 0.000257
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.002033
EURC 0.002032
FEI 0.002281
FIL 0.001910
FIM 0.012086
FJD 0.005129
FKP 0.001725
FLOW 0.072049
FLR 0.316254
FRAX 0.002303
FRF 0.013333
FTT 0.008825
GALA 0.940879
GBP 0.001725
GEL 0.005917
GGP 0.001725
GHC 268.004016
GHS 0.026800
GIP 0.001725
GMD 0.168715
GMX 0.000260
GNF 20.042574
GNO 0.000019
GRD 0.692627
GRT 0.078290
GT 0.000204
GTQ 0.017397
GUSD 0.002284
GYD 0.475864
HBAR 0.022645
HKD 0.017889
HNL 0.061125
HNT 0.004393
HOT 4.977717
HRK 0.015315
HT 0.062500
HTG 0.297879
HUF 0.746702
ICP 0.000654
IDR 40.839472
IEP 0.001601
ILS 0.006971
IMP 0.001725
IMX 0.012432
INJ 0.000301
INR 0.219794
IQD 2.980201
IRR 4,099.909672
ISK 0.278334
ITL 3.935766
JEP 0.001725
JMD 0.360736
JOD 0.001616
JPY 0.360430
KAS 0.053136
KAVA 0.032883
KCS 0.000300
KDA 0.233489
KES 0.295912
KGS 0.199370
KHR 9.234872
KLAY 0.054734
KNC 0.015915
KPW 2.051919
KRW 3.060273
KSM 0.000445
KWD 0.000705
KYD 0.001895
KZT 1.037851
LAK 51.151193
LBP 205.579730
LDO 0.004976
LEO 0.000256
LINK 0.000165
LKR 0.751884
LRC 0.222035
LRD 0.389010
LSL 0.037953
LTC 0.000033
LTL 0.007018
LUF 0.081997
LUNA 0.044640
LUNC 43.112245
LVL 0.001429
LYD 0.014626
MAD 0.022752
MANA 0.022044
MBX 0.077077
MDL 0.040855
MGA 10.095052
MGF 50.475258
MINA 0.016920
MKD 0.125062
MKR 0.000001
MMK 4.785266
MNT 8.195540
MOP 0.018426
MRO 0.912680
MRU 0.091268
MTL 0.000873
MUR 0.108058
MVR 0.035242
MWK 3.945588
MXN 0.041204
MXV 0.004684
MYR 0.009314
MZM 145.504762
MZN 0.145505
NAD 0.037953
NEAR 0.000436
NEO 0.000899
NEXO 0.002681
NFT 9,553.011614
NGN 3.013725
NIO 0.083805
NLG 0.004479
NOK 0.021879
NPR 0.351835
NZD 0.004073
OKB 0.000017
OMR 0.000877
ONE 0.015564
OP 0.016958
ORDI 0.000501
PAB 0.002280
PAXG 0.000001
PEN 0.007849
PEPE 527.094045
PGK 0.010270
PHP 0.143264
PI 0.026114
PKR 0.630308
PLN 0.008904
POL 0.020846
PTE 0.407510
PYG 13.317363
QAR 0.008298
QNT 0.000009
QTUM 0.002326
ROL 108.652426
RON 0.010865
RPL 0.001192
RSD 0.238744
RUB 0.193400
RUNE 0.002936
RVN 0.929111
RWF 3.360055
SAND 0.034666
SAR 0.008548
SBD 0.018393
SCR 0.032288
SDD 136.816815
SDG 1.368168
SEK 0.022898
SGD 0.002917
SHIB 389.424307
SHP 0.001725
SIT 0.487105
SKK 0.061236
SLE 0.052556
SLL 52.555787
SNX 0.009105
SOL 0.000019
SOS 1.296980
SPL 0.000380
SRD 0.085954
SRG 85.953953
SSP 13.054404
STD 50.152929
STN 0.050153
STX 0.006083
SUI 0.001910
SVC 0.019946
SYP 29.643382
SZL 0.037953
THB 0.076730
THETA 0.009845
TJS 0.020981
TMM 39.999782
TMT 0.008000
TND 0.006822
TOP 0.005490
TRL 112,100.379390
TRX 0.006784
TRY 0.112100
TTD 0.015435
TUSD 0.002281
TVD 0.003271
TWD 0.072450
TWT 0.003993
TZS 6.014452
UAH 0.102671
UGX 9.164300
UNI 0.000257
USD 0.002280
USDC 0.002280
USDD 0.002281
USDP 0.002293
USDT 0.002281
UYU 0.092087
UZS 26.815103
VAL 3.935766
VEB 198,489,839.682023
VED 1.984898
VEF 198,489.839682
VES 1.984898
VET 0.261224
VND 59.258883
VUV 0.274035
WAVES 0.007641
WEMIX 0.011904
WOO 0.166535
WST 0.006345
XAF 1.333333
XAG 0.000038
XAU 0.000001
XAUT 0.000001
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.006171
XCG 0.004099
XCH 0.001457
XDC 0.067835
XDR 0.001685
XEC 285.863586
XEM 3.630916
XLM 0.010563
XMR 0.000004
XOF 1.333333
XPD 0.000002
XPF 0.242560
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.001517
XTZ 0.006823
YER 0.538435
ZAR 0.037953
ZEC 0.000002
ZIL 0.624703
ZMK 45.068371
ZMW 0.045068
ZWD 0.824985
ZWG 0.061028
ZWL 152.492674

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Cities in Comoros 33
Browse all cities and towns
Adda-Douéni Akibani أكيباني Bambao بامبو Bazimini بازيميني Chandra شاندرا Domoni Fomboni Foumbouni فومبوني Hahaya هاهايا Hajoho هاجهو Harembo هارمبو Hoani Iconi Jimilimé جيميليم M'lédjélé Miringoni ميرينكوني Mitsamiouli Moroni Moroni موروني Mutsamudu Mutsamudu موتسامودو Mzaki Ouani أواني Pomoni بوموني Tsembéhou جويزي Djoiezi دوموني Domoni دوموني Domoni سيما Sima فومبوني Fomboni ندروندروني Ndrondroni نيومشوا Nioumachoua والله Ouallah

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Comoros needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Comoros?
The capital of Comoros is Moroni.
What currency does Comoros use?
Comoros uses the Comorian franc (Fr) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Comoros?
The official language(s) of Comoros include Arabic, French, Comorian.
What is the population of Comoros?
Comoros has a population of approximately 919,901 people.
What region is Comoros in?
Comoros is located in Africa, specifically in the Eastern Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Comoros?
The international dialing code for Comoros is +269.
What time zones does Comoros observe?
Comoros observes the following time zone(s): UTC+03:00.
What is the current time in Comoros?
The local time in Comoros is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Comoros?
Comoros covers a total area of 1,862 km².
How many states or provinces does Comoros have?
Comoros is divided into 6 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Comoros in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Comoros in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Comoros?
Visa requirements for citizens of Comoros vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.