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: 2026-05-19
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.025855
AAVE 0.000027
ADA 0.009411
AED 0.008690
AFN 0.147912
AKT 0.002935
ALGO 0.022036
ALL 0.194200
AMD 0.870861
AMP 2.828135
ANG 0.004263
AOA 2.173587
APE 0.016408
APT 0.002506
AR 0.001108
ARB 0.020246
ARS 3.303519
ATOM 0.001150
ATS 0.027970
AUD 0.003315
AVAX 0.000256
AWG 0.004236
AXS 0.002015
AZM 20.113293
AZN 0.004023
BAKE 3.200402
BAM 0.003976
BAT 0.024424
BBD 0.004733
BCH 0.000006
BDT 0.290775
BEF 0.081997
BGN 0.003976
BHD 0.000890
BIF 7.049265
BMD 0.002366
BNB 0.000004
BND 0.003029
BOB 0.016400
BRL 0.011854
BSD 0.002366
BSV 0.000157
BSW 2.764547
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.006151
BTN 0.228082
BTT 7,354.886999
BUSD 0.002367
BWP 0.032169
BYN 0.006507
BYR 65.071921
BZD 0.004763
CAD 0.003253
CAKE 0.001674
CDF 5.430450
CELO 0.029406
CFX 0.040184
CHF 0.001859
CHZ 0.048126
CLP 2.132063
CNH 0.016100
CNY 0.016095
COMP 0.000107
COP 8.989754
CRC 1.071245
CRO 0.033861
CRV 0.010029
CSPR 0.801017
CUC 0.002366
CUP 0.056779
CVE 0.224141
CVX 0.001363
CYP 0.001190
CZK 0.049415
DAI 0.002367
DASH 0.000055
DCR 0.000141
DEM 0.003976
DFI 2.409706
DJF 0.421050
DKK 0.015190
DOGE 0.022687
DOP 0.140073
DOT 0.001895
DYDX 0.016359
DZD 0.314140
EEK 0.031804
EGLD 0.000604
EGP 0.126175
ENJ 0.055094
EOS 0.029252
ERN 0.035494
ESP 0.338205
ETB 0.372604
ETC 0.000266
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.002033
EURC 0.002031
FEI 0.002375
FIL 0.002452
FIM 0.012086
FJD 0.005218
FKP 0.001764
FLOW 0.065575
FLR 0.283272
FRAX 0.002383
FRF 0.013333
FTT 0.007324
GALA 0.703760
GBP 0.001764
GEL 0.006321
GGP 0.001764
GHC 270.698266
GHS 0.027070
GIP 0.001764
GMD 0.174804
GMX 0.000358
GNF 20.756331
GNO 0.000020
GRD 0.692627
GRT 0.094082
GT 0.000334
GTQ 0.018039
GUSD 0.002372
GYD 0.494895
HBAR 0.026288
HKD 0.018531
HNL 0.062948
HNT 0.002873
HOT 5.963804
HRK 0.015315
HT 0.016318
HTG 0.309714
HUF 0.732963
ICP 0.000916
IDR 41.942252
IEP 0.001601
ILS 0.006868
IMP 0.001764
IMX 0.013900
INJ 0.000454
INR 0.228082
IQD 3.100418
IRR 3,119.111686
ISK 0.291481
ITL 3.935766
JEP 0.001764
JMD 0.374169
JOD 0.001678
JPY 0.376079
KAS 0.068472
KAVA 0.041087
KCS 0.000295
KDA 0.284472
KES 0.306001
KGS 0.206993
KHR 9.490350
KLAY 0.045491
KNC 0.016481
KPW 2.129588
KRW 3.561638
KSM 0.000475
KWD 0.000728
KYD 0.001968
KZT 1.110321
LAK 51.902743
LBP 212.130340
LDO 0.006644
LEO 0.000235
LINK 0.000244
LKR 0.788056
LRC 0.146006
LRD 0.433685
LSL 0.039397
LTC 0.000044
LTL 0.007018
LUF 0.081997
LUNA 0.037386
LUNC 30.105431
LVL 0.001429
LYD 0.015025
MAD 0.021777
MANA 0.026849
MBX 0.060429
MDL 0.040948
MGA 9.901250
MGF 49.506251
MINA 0.041422
MKD 0.125261
MKR 0.000001
MMK 4.967362
MNT 8.468798
MOP 0.019087
MRO 0.946088
MRU 0.094609
MTL 0.000873
MUR 0.111884
MVR 0.036546
MWK 4.118375
MXN 0.040948
MXV 0.004634
MYR 0.009404
MZM 151.134035
MZN 0.151134
NAD 0.039397
NEAR 0.001466
NEO 0.000818
NEXO 0.002660
NFT 8,366.370032
NGN 3.244293
NIO 0.086978
NLG 0.004479
NOK 0.021944
NPR 0.365102
NZD 0.004042
OKB 0.000029
OMR 0.000910
ONE 1.154395
OP 0.018431
ORDI 0.000568
PAB 0.002366
PAXG 0.000001
PEN 0.008098
PEPE 642.547788
PGK 0.010454
PHP 0.146025
PI 0.015589
PKR 0.659254
PLN 0.008623
POL 0.026031
PTE 0.407510
PYG 14.402110
QAR 0.008613
QNT 0.000032
QTUM 0.002621
ROL 105.890130
RON 0.010589
RPL 0.001363
RSD 0.238572
RUB 0.171495
RUNE 0.005287
RVN 0.428151
RWF 3.459743
SAND 0.032858
SAR 0.008873
SBD 0.018945
SCR 0.034738
SDD 142.030279
SDG 1.420303
SEK 0.022264
SGD 0.003029
SHIB 410.525097
SHP 0.001764
SIT 0.487105
SKK 0.061236
SLE 0.054199
SLL 54.198894
SNX 0.007639
SOL 0.000028
SOS 1.352166
SPL 0.000394
SRD 0.088084
SRG 88.083587
SSP 11.156040
STD 50.336865
STN 0.050337
STX 0.009906
SUI 0.002236
SVC 0.020705
SYP 0.261556
SZL 0.039397
THB 0.077188
THETA 0.011986
TJS 0.022026
TMM 41.495002
TMT 0.008299
TND 0.006872
TON 0.001176
TOP 0.005629
TRL 107,862.391498
TRX 0.006634
TRY 0.107862
TTD 0.016050
TUSD 0.002369
TVD 0.003315
TWD 0.074863
TWT 0.004952
TZS 6.157059
UAH 0.104450
UGX 8.917719
UNI 0.000670
USD 0.002366
USDC 0.002367
USDD 0.002369
USDP 0.002369
USDT 0.002368
UYU 0.094848
UZS 28.470911
VAL 3.935766
VEB 122,412,843.633749
VED 1.224074
VEF 122,407.382398
VES 1.224074
VET 0.351280
VND 62.304606
VUV 0.280955
WAVES 0.006226
WEMIX 0.008760
WOO 0.140114
WST 0.006377
XAF 1.333333
XAG 0.000031
XAU 0.000001
XAUT 0.000001
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.006406
XCG 0.004263
XCH 0.000853
XDC 0.076120
XDR 0.001731
XEC 322.581409
XEM 3.555426
XLM 0.016118
XMR 0.000006
XOF 1.333333
XPD 0.000002
XPF 0.242560
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.001712
XTZ 0.006920
YER 0.564637
ZAR 0.039397
ZEC 0.000004
ZIL 0.601862
ZMK 44.722319
ZMW 0.044722
ZWD 0.856350
ZWG 0.061310
ZWL 153.197622

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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.