Indian Ocean, between the East African coast and Madagascar.

GMT + 3.

1,862 sq km (719 sq miles).

812,000 (UN estimate 2005).

436 per sq km.

Moroni. Population: 60,200 (2003).

The Comoro archipelago is situated in the Indian Ocean north of Madagascar and consists of four main islands of volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs: Ngazidja (formerly Grande Comore), Nzwani (formerly Anjouan), Mwali (formerly Mohéli) and Mahoré (Mayotte). The latter is administered by France but is claimed by the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros. Land can only support subsistence agriculture but the surrounding seas are rich in marine life.

Federal Islamic Republic.

President Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi since 2006.

Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi won the 2006 presidential elections. Sambi, seen as a moderate Islamist, took 58% of the vote. His election is expected to be the first peaceful transition of power for 30 years in a country which has witnessed 19 coups or coup attempts. A 2001 constitutional settlement states that the presidency must rotate every four years between the three islands. The candidates in the most recent election were all from the island of Anjouan. Following the first round of presidential elections on 10 June 2007, Colonel Mohamed Bacar was re-elected as Anjouan President. However, these elections have been rejected by the international community.

The official languages are French, Arabic and Comorian, a blend of Arabic and Swahili.

Muslim (mostly Sunni) with Roman Catholic minority.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Electricity shortages occur.

Religious customs associated with Islam should be respected. Although Comorans are tolerant towards other cultures (for instance, alcohol is not banned and is available in hotels and restaurants), they expect moderate behaviour from non Muslim visitors, such as no consumption of alcohol in public places and modest dress in public.