Comoros Country Report

Chronic instability has constrained Comoros' socio-economic development, and the Indian Ocean archipelago remains among the poorest country in the world. Comoros has a unique political system and each of the three islands retains a high level of autonomy, which is accompanied by varying levels of economic and human development across the country. Grand Comore is home to the capital city Moroni and is the most developed of the three islands. Tension between the federal government in Grand Comore and the other two island governments has been a source of severe instability for the country, which has experienced 20 attempted coups, of which four were successful, since independence from France in 1975. Recent elections have been marked by bouts of localized violence and allegations of fraud by the opposition, further undermining stability prospects and the business operating environment. Endemic corruption has also hindered foreign investment.

Peace prospects have improved in recent years, and there is a low likelihood of conflict in the immediate term. There have been no terrorist attacks targeting foreign nationals in Comoros, although isolated incidents linked to domestic political grievances have occurred. Levels of criminal activity are relatively low and foreign nationals are rarely targetted, although opportunistic petty theft does occasionally occur. Civil unrest is linked to the political instability in the country and is often complicated by underlying socio-economic tensions.

There have been concerns over the regulatory oversight of the aviation industry in Comoros and several airlines operating from the country have been included on the European Union blacklist of carriers banned from operating in the continent.

Although the main circular road on Grand Comore is generally well maintained, secondary routes and roads on other islands are of a lower standard and can be in a state of disrepair. Poor driving standards from some local road users and roaming animals can present further hazards on the country's roads.

Renewable energies are infrequently utilized in Comoros. About 8% of the people in Comoros have access to electricity. Access to water is a challenge. Rural areas have to rely on rainwater.

Sea travel between the islands also raises a number of safety concerns as many vessels are in poor condition, do not meet international safety standards and are regularly overcrowded.

The country is considered both an unlikely sponsor of and unlikely target for cyber attacks; its defenses against such an attack are understood to be weak.

The Comoro archipelago has a tropical maritime climate, with average temperatures of around 26 C (79 F). The country is susceptible to cyclones during the rainy season November-April and has seen significant damage, particularly in coastal areas, from some of these storms. Earthquakes are relatively common in the region but are not typically large enough to cause significant damage. Volcanoes on Grande Comore also pose a threat.

Malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases are present in Comoros, with some strains resistant to chloroquine. Dengue fever outbreaks have also been periodically reported. Medical facilities are limited on all three islands, particularly in rural areas, and most hospitals are private. Basic drugs are available, but specialist prescription pharmaceuticals may be in short supply or unavailable. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking.

Comoros has a unique political system and each of the three islands retains a high level of autonomy, which is accompanied by varying levels of economic and human development across the country. The country has experienced multiple coups or attempted coups since independence, although recent elections have seen peaceful transfers of power. Corruption is widespread in Comoros and remains a significant obstacle to foreign investment. Police are particularly susceptible to corruption and often lack the resources to respond properly to incidents.