At 2,235 km² (863 sq mi)the Comoros is the third smallest African nation by area; and with a population estimated at 798,000 it is the sixth smallest African nation by population (though it has one of the highest population densities in Africa), and is the southernmost member state of the Arab League. Its name derives from the Arabic word qamar ("moon"). (Wikipedia.org)
Mayotte was the only island in the archipelago that voted against independence from France, and France has vetoed United Nations Security Council resolutions agreeing with Comorian sovereignty over the island.Control has never passed to the Comoros and the island remains contested. France's planned referendum on 29 March 2009 on Mayotte to endorse the island's status as a French department has been met with much controversy. (Wikipedia.org)
The archipelago is notable for its diverse culture and history, as a nation formed at the crossroads of many civilizations. Though in the contested island of Mayotte the sole official language is French, the "Union of the Comoros" has three official languages: Comorian (Shikomor), Arabic and French. (Wikipedia.org)
Moroni (in Arabic موروني Mūrūnī) is the largest city of the Comoros and since 1958 has served as its capital. The city's estimated population in 2003 was 60,200 residents.The city is located on the western coast of Grande Comore island. Moroni is served by the Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (IATA airport code: HAH). There is also a harbour with regular transport to the African mainland and the other islands in the Comoros archipelago, as well as Madagascar and other Indian ocean islands. Exports include vanilla, cocoa, and coffee. This place also has many great beaches. (Wikipedia.org)
