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|  | COMORO ISLANDS COUNTRY SNAPSHOT AND INTERESTING FACTS | 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, Nzwani, Mwali and Mayotte. The islands' vegetation is rich and varied providing spices and perfume essence for sale abroad. On Ngazidja (Grande Comore), the capital Moroni is a charming town containing modern government buildings, as well as old, narrow, winding streets and a marketplace. There are a number of fine mosques including the Vendredi Mosque that provides an attractive view over the town. Mount Karthala is an active volcano; the more energetic may climb to the top and then descend into the crater. It is usual to make one overnight stop at the shelter provided. Nzwani (Anjouan) island is notable for its waterfalls and abundant vegetation. Restaurants serve good food with spiced sauces, rice-based dishes, cassava, plantain, couscous, barbecued goat meat, seafood and tropical fruits. Unstable Comoros has endured 19 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared their independence from Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. AZALI seized power. He pledged to resolve the secessionist crisis through a confederal arrangement named the 2000 Fomboni Accord. In December 2001, voters approved a new constitution and presidential elections took place in the spring of 2002. Each island in the archipelago elected its own president and a new union president took office in May of 2002. One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, contributes 40% to GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. The country is not self-sufficient in food production; rice, the main staple, accounts for the bulk of imports. The government - which is hampered by internal political disputes - is struggling to upgrade education and technical training, privatize commercial and industrial enterprises, improve health services, diversify exports, promote tourism, and reduce the high population growth rate. Increased foreign support is essential if the goal of 4% annual GDP growth is to be met. Remittances from 150,000 Comorans abroad help supplement GDP. | Open here a detailed map in a new window. Map Server Travel-Island.com. | 
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| RESORTS AND EXCURSIONS | In common with a few other places, such as the wine-growing areas of France, one of the main attractions of the Comoros is its main non-tourist commercial activity. The islands' vegetation is rich and varied: 65 per cent of the world's perfume essence comes from the Comoros, being processed from the blossoms of ylang-ylang, jasmine and orange. Spices, including nutmeg, cloves, pepper, basil and vanilla, are another mainstay of the economy. Ylang-ylang base has uses in hairdressing, the treatment of rheumatism and, mixed with coconut oil, as sun cream. For further information on the Comoro Islands' economy, see the Business Profile section.
Ngazidja (Grande Comore)
The capital Moroni is a charming, peaceful town containing a few broad squares and modern government buildings, as well as old, narrow, winding streets and a market place. There are a number of fine mosques including the Vendredi Mosque, from the top of which there is an attractive view.
The more energetic may climb to the top of Mount Karthala and then descend into the crater of this active volcano. The crater is claimed to be the largest still active anywhere in the world. It is usual to make one overnight stop at the shelter provided.
Itsandra, a fishing village 6km (4 miles) from Moroni, has a fine beach and there are opportunities to see dances performed by the local men. The town was once the ancient capital of the island, complete with royal tombs and a fortress.
There are hot sulphur springs at Lac Salé and a 14th-century village at Iconi. Mitsamiouli, a town in the north of the island, is known both for its good diving facilities and for having the best Comoran dancers. There are many bats and spiders on the island, the former often appearing in broad daylight.
Mwali (Mohéli)
Dhows (Arab sail boats) are built on the beach at Fomboni on the smallest of the main islands. There is a fine waterfall at Miringoni. Giant turtles may be seen at Niumashuwa Bay.
Nzwani (Anjouan)
This island is notable for its waterfalls and abundant vegetation. The main town of Mutsamudu is built in Swahili-Shirazi style, complete with 17th-century houses with carved doors, twisting alleyways, mosques and a citadel. The ancient capital of Domoni is also worth a visit. The best beaches are in the Bimbini area. There are perfume distilleries at Bambao.
Mahore (Mayotte)
This French-administered island is surrounded by a coral reef and has good beaches and excellent scuba diving facilities. Tourists may explore the lagoon (claimed to be the largest in the world) by dugout canoe. The town of Dzaoudzi contains some old fortifications worthy of a visit. Pamanzi is a forested islet 5km (3 miles) offshore, fragrant with a wealth of vegetation. At Sulu, a waterfall plunges straight into the sea. There are the remains of an old mosque at Tsingoni. Elsewhere, there are 19th-century sugar refineries. For further information, see the French Overseas Possessions section.
Note
Travel to Mayotte from the Comoros Islands may be problematic owing to the fact that this is disputed territory. | PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATION Furthermore, in order to get into many countries on the stay abroad you will require a visa of some type, even if you are just visiting. This is usually an insert, stamp or sticker which is placed in your passport and the duration of its validity varies from place to place. If you do intend to work or study in the country to which you are traveling, however, you should organize your visa even further in advance as this can take longer to process.
As well as your passport you should ensure that you have at least one other form of identification with you. This may be a driver’s license, birth certificate or any other form of ID which is acceptable worldwide. As with passports, bring at least two copies of all forms of identification in case of loss or theft.
Help to Passport and Visa Application Forms. How to find the right one(s)?
A passport is issued to you by your home country as proof of citizenship. Visas are stamped into your passport to allow you entry into other countries. Although there are exceptions, you are usually required to display your passport when entering or leaving a country. Once you arrive at your destination, carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
A visa is an endorsement or stamp entered into your passport by a foreign government. It allows you to enter that country for a specific reason and period of time. Start applying for visas as soon as your passport is available so that all your documentation is completed well before your departure date. To receive a visa you need to send your passport to an embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. Most countries have embassies and consulates worldwide, and travel agents can usually tell you where the nearest ones are located. Keep in mind that your passport may be tied up for days or weeks until the paperwork is done, so plan accordingly. In addition, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before they will issue you a visa. The amount of time spent mailing your passport to the various agencies involved can really add up if you are visiting several countries. Plan ahead if possible. If you only have a few weeks to prepare, a commercial visa service can often speed up the process. |
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