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: 2026-08-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.027437
AAVE 0.000025
ADA 0.012755
AED 0.008720
AFN 0.155408
AGIX 0.041729
AKT 0.004619
ALGO 0.028843
ALL 0.188397
AMD 0.861902
AMP 6.189645
ANG 0.004253
AOA 2.180631
APE 0.018463
APT 0.004245
AR 0.001278
ARB 0.027147
ARS 3.554698
ATOM 0.001591
ATS 0.027970
AUD 0.003340
AVAX 0.000351
AWG 0.004250
AXS 0.002634
AZM 20.182095
AZN 0.004036
BAKE 3.413475
BAM 0.003976
BAT 0.037974
BBD 0.004749
BCH 0.000011
BDT 0.288913
BEF 0.081997
BGN 0.003976
BHD 0.000893
BIF 7.062303
BMD 0.002374
BNB 0.000004
BND 0.003019
BOB 0.027272
BRL 0.012296
BSD 0.002374
BSV 0.000148
BSW 6.551768
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.040115
BTG 0.005411
BTN 0.227045
BTT 8,727.470185
BUSD 0.002373
BWP 0.031938
BYN 0.007179
BYR 46.531749
BZD 0.004769
CAD 0.003277
CAKE 0.001473
CDF 5.443142
CELO 0.037941
CFX 0.054212
CHF 0.001896
CHZ 0.185744
CLP 2.188219
CNH 0.015969
CNY 0.015970
COMP 0.000129
COP 7.248600
CRC 1.068989
CRO 0.047652
CRV 0.009101
CSPR 0.889034
CUC 0.002374
CUP 0.062913
CVE 0.224141
CVX 0.001468
CYP 0.001190
CZK 0.049128
DAI 0.002374
DASH 0.000075
DCR 0.000201
DEM 0.003976
DFI 2.386233
DJF 0.421724
DKK 0.015196
DOGE 0.031627
DOP 0.138672
DOT 0.003000
DYDX 0.021585
DZD 0.315119
EEK 0.031804
EGLD 0.000836
EGP 0.120268
ENJ 0.093835
EOS 0.035977
ERN 0.035616
ESP 0.338205
ETB 0.385881
ETC 0.000360
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.002033
EURC 0.002047
FEI 0.002371
FIL 0.003527
FIM 0.012086
FJD 0.005225
FKP 0.001745
FLOW 0.082123
FLR 0.369292
FRAX 0.002395
FRF 0.013333
FTT 0.011440
GALA 1.647832
GBP 0.001745
GEL 0.006186
GGP 0.001745
GHC 262.736899
GHS 0.026274
GIP 0.001745
GMD 0.175954
GMX 0.000349
GNF 20.837180
GNO 0.000020
GRD 0.692627
GRT 0.169699
GT 0.000341
GTQ 0.018073
GUSD 0.002378
GYD 0.493892
HBAR 0.033503
HKD 0.018620
HNL 0.063478
HNT 0.013699
HOT 7.031221
HRK 0.015315
HT 0.020908
HTG 0.308823
HUF 0.739707
ICP 0.001024
IDR 42.269294
IEP 0.001601
ILS 0.007072
IMP 0.001745
IMX 0.022696
INJ 0.000511
INR 0.227045
IQD 3.092546
IRR 3,263.394996
ISK 0.289065
ITL 3.935766
JEP 0.001745
JMD 0.373005
JOD 0.001683
JPY 0.376004
KAS 0.089046
KAVA 0.057687
KCS 0.000326
KDA 0.505675
KES 0.307350
KGS 0.207867
KHR 9.562712
KLAY 0.096600
KNC 0.022437
KPW 2.136663
KRW 3.309005
KSM 0.000771
KWD 0.000732
KYD 0.001972
KZT 1.095255
LAK 53.232605
LBP 212.233851
LDO 0.007007
LEO 0.000255
LINK 0.000227
LKR 0.781286
LRC 0.298461
LRD 0.429916
LSL 0.038230
LTC 0.000051
LTL 0.007018
LUF 0.081997
LUNA 0.053701
LUNC 46.997963
LVL 0.001429
LYD 0.015025
MAD 0.021974
MANA 0.035418
MBX 0.114819
MDL 0.040702
MGA 10.170063
MGF 50.850315
MINA 0.055562
MKD 0.125363
MKR 0.000002
MMK 4.984988
MNT 8.541782
MOP 0.019179
MRO 0.945688
MRU 0.094569
MTL 0.000873
MUR 0.111526
MVR 0.036705
MWK 4.098375
MXN 0.040241
MXV 0.004593
MYR 0.009599
MZM 151.522056
MZN 0.151522
NAD 0.038230
NEAR 0.001362
NEO 0.001305
NEXO 0.003180
NFT 8,430.856114
NGN 3.197633
NIO 0.087122
NLG 0.004479
NOK 0.022149
NPR 0.363443
NZD 0.003995
OKB 0.000023
OMR 0.000914
ONE 3.291082
OP 0.026734
ORDI 0.000645
PAB 0.002374
PAXG 0.000001
PEN 0.007956
PEPE 819.675003
PGK 0.010660
PHP 0.146309
PI 0.026422
PKR 0.656402
PLN 0.008779
POL 0.029088
PTE 0.407510
PYG 14.207610
QAR 0.008643
QNT 0.000040
QTUM 0.003289
ROL 106.640744
RON 0.010664
RPL 0.001527
RSD 0.238527
RUB 0.199429
RUNE 0.005567
RVN 0.910832
RWF 3.481773
SAND 0.057486
SAR 0.008904
SBD 0.018996
SCR 0.034443
SDD 142.503823
SDG 1.425038
SEK 0.022408
SGD 0.003019
SHIB 501.122863
SHP 0.001745
SIT 0.487105
SKK 0.061236
SLE 0.054404
SLL 54.403752
SNX 0.011584
SOL 0.000028
SOS 1.346605
SPL 0.000396
SRD 0.089766
SRG 89.766151
SSP 13.460503
STD 50.124892
STN 0.050125
STX 0.018203
SUI 0.003364
SVC 0.020776
SYP 30.867643
SZL 0.038230
THB 0.077962
THETA 0.015798
TJS 0.021779
TMM 41.543684
TMT 0.008309
TND 0.006881
TOP 0.005656
TRL 113,864.186092
TRX 0.007108
TRY 0.113864
TTD 0.016051
TUSD 0.002378
TVD 0.003340
TWD 0.075594
TWT 0.005937
TZS 6.284490
UAH 0.106048
UGX 8.822230
UNI 0.000648
USD 0.002374
USDC 0.002374
USDD 0.002375
USDP 0.002377
USDT 0.002375
UYU 0.095002
UZS 27.888350
VAL 3.935766
VEB 184,319,117.695517
VED 1.839063
VEF 183,906.288204
VES 1.839063
VET 0.489179
VND 62.025911
VUV 0.280845
WAVES 0.012041
WEMIX 0.012269
WOO 0.215258
WST 0.006395
XAF 1.333333
XAG 0.000035
XAU 0.000001
XAUT 0.000001
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.006427
XCG 0.004253
XCH 0.001676
XDC 0.085359
XDR 0.001734
XEC 338.640013
XEM 5.071533
XLM 0.013824
XMR 0.000006
XOF 1.333333
XPD 0.000002
XPF 0.242560
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.002140
XTZ 0.010900
YER 0.562906
ZAR 0.038230
ZEC 0.000004
ZIL 0.976819
ZMK 44.479907
ZMW 0.044480
ZWD 0.859303
ZWG 0.063327
ZWL 158.235563

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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.