festivites
The Comoros, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, is an Islamic country. Some of the major festivities and holidays celebrated in Comoros are:
1. Eid al-Fitr: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, marking the end of the month-long fasting. It's a three-day festival where people go to mosques to pray and spend time with family and friends. They also exchange gifts and eat special foods like samosas and sweet vermicelli.
2. Eid al-Adha: Known as the Feast of Sacrifice, it's celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience to God. People slaughter animals such as sheep or cows, distributing the meat to family, friends, and the poor.
3. Mawlid: This is the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, which is observed on the 12th day of the third month of the Islamic calendar. It's a time for Muslims to reflect on the Prophet's life and teachings, and some people hold processions or recite poetry in honor of him.
4. National Day: Celebrated on July 6th, this day marks the country's independence from France in 1975. People celebrate with parades, speeches, and cultural events.
5. Assumption Day: Also known as the Feast of the Assumption, it's celebrated on August 15th and marks the Virgin Mary's ascension into heaven. It's a Christian holiday that's not widely celebrated in Comoros, but some Catholic churches may have special masses or processions.
Overall, these celebrations are an important part of Comorian culture and traditions, bringing together families and communities to commemorate religious and national events.
seasons
Comoros has two main tourist seasons, which are:
1. High Season: July to August and December to January
- The weather is dry and sunny.
- The sea is calm and suitable for water activities.
- The prices of accommodations and services are higher.
- It is recommended to book in advance due to the high demand.
2. Low Season: February to June and September to November
- The weather is humid with occasional rain showers.
- The sea can be rough, making some water activities unavailable.
- The prices of accommodations and services are lower.
- It is recommended to bring a raincoat and waterproof footwear.
Note that Comoros is a tropical country and temperatures remain fairly stable throughout the year, ranging from 23°C to 30°C.
visa
Citizens of all countries require a visa to enter Comoros. Here are some special visa rules for certain countries:
1. Citizens of African Union (AU) member countries can obtain a free visa on arrival for a 45-day stay.
2. Citizens of Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Seychelles, Somalia, Tunisia, and Yemen can also obtain a free visa on arrival for a 45-day stay.
3. Citizens of Australia, Canada, United States, and most European countries can obtain a visa on arrival for a fee of 30 euros for a 45-day stay.
4. Citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka must obtain a visa in advance through the Comoran embassy or consulate in their home country.
The cost of a visa on arrival is 30 euros for citizens of most countries. The cost of a visa obtained in advance may vary depending on the country and duration of stay. It's recommended to contact the Comoran embassy or consulate in your home country for more information on visa costs and requirements.
souvenirs
Comoros is a small island nation located off the coast of East Africa. Here are some popular souvenirs to buy from Comoros along with their average price and where to buy them:
1. Essential oils - Comoros is known for producing high-quality essential oils such as ylang-ylang, vanilla, and clove. Prices vary depending on the type of oil and its quantity, but a 10ml bottle of ylang-ylang oil can cost around $15. You can buy essential oils from local markets in Moroni or from specialized stores.
2. Traditional clothing - The traditional clothing of Comoros is called salouva, which is a long tunic worn by both men and women. The price of salouva varies depending on the material and the design, but you can expect to pay around $20-$30 for a basic one. You can buy salouva from local markets in Moroni or from specialized stores.
3. Handicrafts - Comoros produces a range of handicrafts such as woven baskets, hats, and mats made from pandanus leaves. Prices vary depending on the size and complexity of the item, but you can expect to pay around $5-$10 for a small basket or hat. You can buy these handicrafts from local markets in Moroni.
4. Music - Comoros has a rich musical tradition, and you can find CDs and cassettes of traditional music in local stores. Prices vary depending on the artist and the format, but you can expect to pay around $5-$10 for a CD. You can buy these CDs from local stores in Moroni.
5. Spices - Comoros is known for producing high-quality spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Prices vary depending on the spice and its quantity, but you can expect to pay around $5-$10 for a small packet. You can buy these spices from local markets in Moroni or from specialized stores.
It's worth noting that prices may vary depending on where you buy these souvenirs and how good your bargaining skills are.
If you have 1 week
Hello there! Comoros is a beautiful country with plenty of sights to see and things to do. Here's a one week itinerary that I recommend:
Day 1: Start your trip with a visit to the historic town of Iconi, located on the west coast of Grande Comore. The town is known for its traditional architecture and winding streets, and it also has a beautiful beach. Take a stroll through the town and admire the old buildings, then relax on the beach and soak up some sun.
Day 2: On your second day, head to Mohéli Island, which is known for its unspoiled nature and beautiful beaches. Visit the Mohéli Marine Park, where you can go snorkeling or scuba diving and see a wide variety of marine life. You can also take a hike through the lush jungle to see the island's unique flora and fauna.
Day 3: Spend a day exploring the capital city of Moroni. Visit the old medina, which is full of colorful markets and shops selling spices, textiles, and other goods. You can also visit the mosque of Old Friday, one of the oldest mosques in the country, and the National Museum of Comoros, which has exhibits on the history and culture of the islands.
Day 4: Head to the island of Anjouan and explore its beautiful beaches and mountainous interior. Visit the town of Mutsamudu, which is known for its traditional Swahili architecture and historic buildings. You can also hike up Mount Ntringui, which offers stunning views of the island.
Day 5: Visit the volcanic island of Mayotte, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife and beautiful coral reefs. Take a boat tour around the island and visit the Choungui Lagoon, where you can swim with dolphins and see sea turtles up close. You can also explore the island's many beaches and hike through its lush forests.
Day 6: Spend a day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Ngazidja Island, which is also known as Grande Comore. Visit the beach at Chindini or the black sand beach at Itsandra, both of which offer stunning views and crystal-clear water.
Day 7: On your last day, take a boat tour around the islands and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the water. You can also visit the Mitsoudjé Forest Reserve on Grande Comore, which is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including lemurs and flying foxes.
I recommend this itinerary because it allows you to see the best that Comoros has to offer in one week. You'll get to explore historic towns, beautiful beaches, and unspoiled nature, while also learning about the culture and history of the islands. These are just a few suggestions, of course - Comoros has plenty more to offer, and I'm sure you'll find your own favorites as you explore this beautiful country!
If you have 2 weeks
Hello, adventurer! You are lucky to be located in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and I'm here to suggest an amazing two-week itinerary for you.
Firstly, you should visit the stunning beaches of Grande Comore. Rent a boat and sail around the turquoise waters to witness the striking view of dolphins jumping above the sea. Explore the old town of Moroni, the capital of Comoros, where you can visit the historic buildings such as the old mosque of Vendredi, the Presidential Palace, and the National Museum of Comoros.
Next up, visit Mohéli and take a tour of the magnificent Mohéli Marine Park. Get the chance to swim with turtles, see whales up close, and even witness humpback whales during their migration season. After exploring the marine park, head to Nioumachoua village to see the traditional dance performances of locals.
Another must-visit destination is Anjouan Island. Hike the stunning trails of Mount Ntringui or visit the Chiroroni waterfall. You can also explore the lively marketplaces of Mutsamudu city and buy some local souvenirs like vanilla beans or ylang-ylang essence.
Finally, spend a few days on the island of Mayotte. Take a scenic drive along the coastline, visit the interesting Coelacanth Museum and Aquarium, and enjoy some fresh seafood at one of its many excellent restaurants. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Saziley beach, where you can spot colorful fish and even dolphins if you're lucky.
Overall, your two weeks in Comoros will be filled with natural beauty, cultural experiences, and unforgettable memories. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this paradise on earth!
Culture
Traditionally, women on Ndzwani wear red and white patterned garments called shiromani, while on Ngazidja and Mwali colourful shawls called leso are worn. Many women apply a paste of ground sandalwood and coral called msinzano to their faces. Traditional male clothing is a long white shirt known as a nkandu, and a bonnet called a kofia.
There are two types of marriages in Comoros, the little marriage (known as Mna daho on Ngazidja) and the customary marriage (known as ada on Ngazidja, harusi on the other islands). The little marriage is a simple legal marriage. It is small, intimate, and inexpensive and the bride's dowry is nominal. A man may undertake a number of Mna daho marriages in his lifetime, often at the same time, a woman fewer; but both men and women will usually only undertake one ada, or grand marriage, and this must generally be within the village. The hallmarks of the grand marriage are dazzling gold jewelry, two weeks of celebration and an enormous bridal dowry. Although the expenses are shared between both families as well as with a wider social circle, an ada wedding on Ngazidja can cost up to €50,000 (74,000 US dollars). Many couples take a lifetime to save for their ada, and it is not uncommon for a marriage to be attended by a couple's adult children.
The ada marriage marks a man's transition in the Ngazidja age system from youth to elder. His status in the social hierarchy greatly increases, and he will henceforth be entitled to speak in public and participate in the political process, both in his village and more widely across the island. He will be entitled to display his status by wearing a mharuma, a type of shawl, across his shoulders, and he can enter the mosque by the door reserved for elders, and sit at the front. A woman's status also changes, although less formally, as she becomes a "mother" and moves into her own house. The system is less formalised on the other islands, but the marriage is nevertheless a significant and costly event across the archipelago.
The ada is often criticized because of its great expense, but at the same time it is a source of social cohesion and the main reason why migrants in France and elsewhere continue to send money home. Increasingly, marriages are also being taxed for the purposes of village development.
Comorian society has a bilateral descent system. Lineage membership and inheritance of immovable goods (land, housing) is matrilineal, passed in the maternal line, similar to many Bantu peoples who are also matrilineal, while other goods and patronymics are passed in the male line. However, there are differences between the islands, the matrilineal element being stronger on Ngazidja.
Twarab music, imported from Zanzibar in the early 20th century, remains the most influential genre on the islands and is popular at ada marriages.
There are two daily national newspapers published in the Comoros, the government-owned Al-Watwan, and the privately owned La Gazette des Comores, both published in Moroni. There are a number of smaller newsletters published on an irregular basis as well as a variety of news websites. The government-owned ORTC (Office de Radio et Télévision des Comores) provides national radio and television service. There is a TV station run by the Anjouan regional government, and regional governments on the islands of Grande Comore and Anjouan each operate a radio station. There are also a few independent and small community radio stations that operate on the islands of Grande Comore and Mohéli, and these two islands have access to Mayotte Radio and French TV.
Religion
Sunni Islam is the dominant religion, followed by as much as 99% of the population. Comoros is the only Muslim-majority country in Southern Africa and the third southernmost Muslim-majority territory after Mayotte and the Australian territory of Cocos Islands. A minority of the population of the Comoros are Christian, both Catholic and Protestant denominations are represented, and most Malagasy residents are also Christian. Immigrants from metropolitan France are mostly Catholic.
Demographics
With fewer than a million people, the Comoros is one of the least populous countries in the world, but is also one of the most densely populated, with an average of 275 PD/km2. In 2001, 34% of the population was considered urban, but that is expected to grow, since rural population growth is negative, while overall population growth is still relatively high.
Almost half the population of the Comoros is under the age of 15. Major urban centres include Moroni, Mitsamihuli, Fumbuni, Mutsamudu, Domoni, and Fomboni. There are between 200,000 and 350,000 Comorians in France.
The islands of the Comoros are 97.1% ethnically Comorian, which is a mixture of Bantu, Malagasy, and Arab people. Minorities include Makua and Indian (mostly Ismaili). There are recent immigrants of Chinese origin in Grande Comore (especially Moroni). Although most French left after independence in 1975, a small Creole community, descended from settlers from France, Madagascar and Réunion, lives in the Comoros.
The most common languages in the Comoros are the Comorian languages, collectively known as Shikomori. They are related to Swahili, and the four different variants (Shingazidja, Shimwali, Shindzwani and Shimaore) are spoken on each of the four islands. Arabic and Latin scripts are both used, Arabic being the more widely used, and an official orthography has recently been developed for the Latin script.
Arabic and French are also official languages, along with Comorian. Arabic is widely known as a second language, being the language of Quranic teaching. French is the administrative language and the language of most non-Quranic formal education.
Sunni Islam is the dominant religion, followed by as much as 99% of the population. Comoros is the only Muslim-majority country in Southern Africa and the third southernmost Muslim-majority territory after Mayotte and the Australian territory of Cocos Islands. A minority of the population of the Comoros are Christian, both Catholic and Protestant denominations are represented, and most Malagasy residents are also Christian. Immigrants from metropolitan France are mostly Catholic.
There are 15 physicians per 100,000 people. The fertility rate was 4.7 per adult woman in 2004. Life expectancy at birth is 67 for females and 62 for males.
Almost all children attend Quranic schools, usually before, although increasingly in tandem with regular schooling. Children are taught about the Qur'an, and memorise it, and learn the Arabic script. Most parents prefer their children to attend Koran schools before moving on to the French-based schooling system. Although the state sector is plagued by a lack of resources, and the teachers by unpaid salaries, there are numerous private and community schools of relatively good standard. The national curriculum, apart from a few years during the revolutionary period immediately post-independence, has been very much based on the French system, both because resources are French and most Comorians hope to go on to further education in France. There have recently been moves to Comorianise the syllabus and integrate the two systems, the formal and the Quran schools, into one, thus moving away from the secular educational system inherited from France.
Pre-colonization education systems in Comoros focused on necessary skills such as agriculture, caring for livestock and completing household tasks. Religious education also taught children the virtues of Islam. The education system underwent a transformation during colonization in the early 1900s which brought secular education based on the French system. This was mainly for children of the elite. After Comoros gained independence in 1975, the education system changed again. Funding for teachers' salaries was lost, and many went on strike. Thus, the public education system was not functioning between 1997 and 2001. Since gaining independence, the education system has also undergone a democratization and options exist for those other than the elite. Enrollment has also grown.
In 2000, 44.2% of children ages 5 to 14 years were attending school. There is a general lack of facilities, equipment, qualified teachers, textbooks and other resources. Salaries for teachers are often so far in arrears that many refuse to work.
Prior to 2000, students seeking a university education had to attend school outside of the country. However, in the early 2000s a university was created in the country. This served to help economic growth and to fight the "flight" of many educated people who were not returning to the islands to work.
About 57 percent of the population is literate in the Latin script while more than 90 percent are literate in the Arabic script. Comorian has no native script, but both Arabic and Latin scripts are used.
Cities:
