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: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.032419
AAVE 0.000026
ADA 0.012380
AED 0.008534
AFN 0.147749
AGIX 0.029786
AKT 0.003705
ALGO 0.025960
ALL 0.190491
AMD 0.855113
AMP 5.209977
ANG 0.004191
AOA 2.134223
APE 0.016577
APT 0.003716
AR 0.001164
ARB 0.029054
ARS 3.468516
ATOM 0.001470
ATS 0.027970
AUD 0.003355
AVAX 0.000337
AWG 0.004160
AXS 0.002301
AZM 19.752838
AZN 0.003951
BAKE 3.092727
BAM 0.003976
BAT 0.026387
BBD 0.004648
BCH 0.000010
BDT 0.286471
BEF 0.081997
BGN 0.003976
BHD 0.000874
BIF 6.918158
BMD 0.002324
BNB 0.000004
BND 0.003004
BOB 0.016098
BRL 0.012010
BSD 0.002324
BSV 0.000157
BSW 6.943231
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.043851
BTG 0.008053
BTN 0.221406
BTT 8,762.318673
BUSD 0.002322
BWP 0.031365
BYN 0.006748
BYR 45.552127
BZD 0.004680
CAD 0.003302
CAKE 0.001605
CDF 5.361718
CELO 0.034590
CFX 0.051942
CHF 0.001869
CHZ 0.128722
CLP 2.140743
CNH 0.015782
CNY 0.015776
COMP 0.000139
COP 7.767585
CRC 1.058954
CRO 0.038879
CRV 0.010870
CSPR 1.196558
CUC 0.002324
CUP 0.061588
CVE 0.224141
CVX 0.001932
CYP 0.001190
CZK 0.049162
DAI 0.002325
DASH 0.000066
DCR 0.000209
DEM 0.003976
DFI 2.797100
DJF 0.413864
DKK 0.015194
DOGE 0.030071
DOP 0.137727
DOT 0.002664
DYDX 0.017597
DZD 0.309060
EEK 0.031804
EGLD 0.000841
EGP 0.114153
ENJ 0.080298
EOS 0.032083
ERN 0.034858
ESP 0.338205
ETB 0.371715
ETC 0.000327
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.002033
EURC 0.002034
FEI 0.002325
FIL 0.002943
FIM 0.012086
FJD 0.005218
FKP 0.001742
FLOW 0.082923
FLR 0.334325
FRAX 0.002349
FRF 0.013333
FTT 0.009756
GALA 1.014382
GBP 0.001742
GEL 0.006104
GGP 0.001742
GHC 264.013620
GHS 0.026401
GIP 0.001742
GMD 0.171372
GMX 0.000392
GNF 20.374564
GNO 0.000022
GRD 0.692627
GRT 0.122486
GT 0.000343
GTQ 0.017738
GUSD 0.002327
GYD 0.486420
HBAR 0.030776
HKD 0.018226
HNL 0.062215
HNT 0.009697
HOT 6.439759
HRK 0.015315
HT 0.064860
HTG 0.304181
HUF 0.718753
ICP 0.001054
IDR 41.812110
IEP 0.001601
ILS 0.006980
IMP 0.001742
IMX 0.016820
INJ 0.000476
INR 0.221406
IQD 3.047036
IRR 3,197.829062
ISK 0.292705
ITL 3.935766
JEP 0.001742
JMD 0.368152
JOD 0.001648
JPY 0.376117
KAS 0.075757
KAVA 0.051505
KCS 0.000322
KDA 0.398711
KES 0.300454
KGS 0.203255
KHR 9.318301
KNC 0.020848
KPW 2.091680
KRW 3.562157
KSM 0.000659
KWD 0.000721
KYD 0.001933
KZT 1.098590
LAK 52.540341
LBP 208.690885
LDO 0.008603
LEO 0.000248
LINK 0.000291
LKR 0.778251
LRC 0.189139
LRD 0.422069
LSL 0.037772
LTC 0.000051
LTL 0.007018
LUF 0.081997
LUNA 0.047321
LUNC 37.850921
LVL 0.001429
LYD 0.014906
MAD 0.021760
MANA 0.033397
MBX 0.092402
MDL 0.040903
MGA 9.861379
MGF 49.306893
MINA 0.049018
MKD 0.125215
MKR 0.000002
MMK 4.878549
MNT 8.329049
MOP 0.018773
MRO 0.928082
MRU 0.092808
MTL 0.000873
MUR 0.109237
MVR 0.035926
MWK 4.031058
MXN 0.040620
MXV 0.004606
MYR 0.009475
MZM 148.417047
MZN 0.148417
NAD 0.037772
NEAR 0.001166
NEO 0.001175
NEXO 0.003021
NFT 8,768.626129
NGN 3.184342
NIO 0.085543
NLG 0.004479
NOK 0.022859
NPR 0.354415
NZD 0.004085
OKB 0.000029
OMR 0.000894
ONE 1.859212
OP 0.021616
ORDI 0.000716
PAB 0.002324
PAXG 0.000001
PEN 0.007913
PEPE 851.994493
PGK 0.010223
PHP 0.142948
PI 0.020543
PKR 0.646522
PLN 0.008725
POL 0.031599
PTE 0.407510
PYG 14.135197
QAR 0.008459
QNT 0.000035
QTUM 0.003269
ROL 106.226670
RON 0.010623
RPL 0.001148
RSD 0.238414
RUB 0.179072
RUNE 0.005619
RVN 0.609760
RWF 3.406484
SAND 0.046577
SAR 0.008714
SBD 0.018805
SCR 0.033208
SDD 139.488803
SDG 1.394888
SEK 0.022432
SGD 0.003004
SHIB 530.770778
SHP 0.001742
SIT 0.487105
SKK 0.061236
SLE 0.053077
SLL 53.076930
SNX 0.010148
SOL 0.000029
SOS 1.327021
SPL 0.000387
SRD 0.087481
SRG 87.480958
SSP 11.036461
STD 50.169552
STN 0.050170
STX 0.013590
SUI 0.003111
SVC 0.020334
SYP 0.256886
SZL 0.037772
THB 0.077246
THETA 0.016565
TJS 0.021541
TMM 40.774399
TMT 0.008155
TND 0.006851
TOP 0.005597
TRL 108,792.714414
TRX 0.007076
TRY 0.108793
TTD 0.015746
TUSD 0.002329
TVD 0.003355
TWD 0.074573
TWT 0.006760
TZS 6.106205
UAH 0.103564
UGX 8.492596
UNI 0.000735
USD 0.002324
USDC 0.002325
USDD 0.002326
USDP 0.002331
USDT 0.002326
UYU 0.093533
UZS 27.811529
VAL 3.935766
VEB 149,758,727.111513
VED 1.497454
VEF 149,745.394128
VES 1.497454
VET 0.492609
VND 61.118103
VUV 0.279310
WAVES 0.008745
WEMIX 0.008976
WOO 0.196262
WST 0.006427
XAF 1.333333
XAG 0.000038
XAU 0.000001
XAUT 0.000001
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.006290
XCG 0.004191
XCH 0.001475
XDC 0.082704
XDR 0.001714
XEC 437.481839
XEM 5.428423
XLM 0.011640
XMR 0.000007
XOF 1.333333
XPD 0.000002
XPF 0.242560
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.002030
XTZ 0.009339
YER 0.550740
ZAR 0.037772
ZEC 0.000005
ZIL 0.753327
ZMK 42.641293
ZMW 0.042641
ZWD 0.841006
ZWG 0.062334
ZWL 155.756319

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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.