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CommunityISSUE 36 APRIL 2025 33end of the Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean. Its capital and largest city is Moroni. The country declared independence from France on 6 July 1975. It is the only Arab League nation entirely in the Southern Hemisphere and is a member of the African Union, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, and the Indian Ocean Commission. The official languages are Shikomori, French, and Arabic.With an area of 1,659 km%u00b2 (641 sq mi), Comoros is the third-smallest African country. In 2019, the population was estimated at 850,886. The country consists of three major islands, excluding Mayotte, which voted against independence in a 1974 referendum and remains a French overseas department. France vetoed a UN Security Council resolution affirming Comorian sovereignty over Mayotte, which officially became a French overseas department in 2011.The Comoros were first settled by Austronesian/Malagasy peoples, Bantu speakers, and Arab traders. Facts about ComorosComoros consists of four major islands: Grand Comoros (Njazidja), Anjouan (Nzwani), Moheli (Mwali), and Mayotte. Although the United Nations recognizes Mayotte as part of the Comoros, France continues to administer it, using its veto power in the UN Security Council to prevent its reunification. Additionally, France has offered economic incentives and citizenship to Mayotte residents to discourage them from rejoining the Comoros.Population and GeographyComoros is among the world%u2019s least populous nations, yet it is one of the most densely populated, with an average of 443 people per square kilometer. Despite its high population density, twothirds of Comoros%u2019 people reside in rural areas. The country remains largely undeveloped, with most citizens relying on subsistence farming and fishing.Biodiversity and Natural AttractionsComoros is home to Moheli Marine Park, the nation%u2019s first protected area, established in 2001. Located within the Mozambique Channel, it hosts rare marine species, including the coelacanth, various shark species, and humpback whales. The island nation also boasts one of the world%u2019s largest coral atolls, rich in marine biodiversity.Comoros is the world%u2019s leading producer of ylang-ylang, a fragrant flower used in perfume production and valued for its medicinal properties, including its use in Fish harvest by Comorian women