Capital: Moroni
Location:
Southern Africa, group of islands in the Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique (slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC).
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
The United States has no embassy in Comoros, but has a liaison representative in Moroni, who can be contacted at Quartier Oasis, POB 720, Moroni, telephone (269) 73-00-11, fax (269) 73-00-12. U.S. citizens in Comoros are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius. Registration information and forms are collected at the liaison office in Moroni and forwarded to the U.S. Embassy, Consular Section, Rogers house, fourth floor, John F. Kennedy Street, Port Louis, Mauritius; telephone numbers (230) 202-4400 and 208-2347; fax (230) 202-4401 and 208-9534. The U.S. Embassy home page is located at http://www.usembassymauritius.mu; e-mail: usembass@intnet.mu.
Background:
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 has pledged to resolve the secessionist crisis through the 2000 Fomboni Accord, a confederal arrangement that the Organization of African Unity has yet to recognize.
Ethnic Groups:
Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava
Language:
Arabic (official), French (official), Comoran (a blend of Swahili and Arabic)
Currency:
KMF
Comoran franc (KMF)
Comoran francs per US dollar - 369.6 (March 2007), 524.41 (January 2001), 533.98 (2000), 461.77 (1999), 442.46 (1998), 437.75 (1997), 383.66 (1996)
note: prior to January 1999, the official rate was pegged to the French franc at 75 Comoran francs per French franc; since 1 January 1999, the Comoran franc is pegged to the euro at a rate of 491.9677 Comoran francs per euro
Climate:
Tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)
Population:
596,202 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2%
Medical:
Medical facilities in Comoros are poor. Travelers should bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines.
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties.
Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor, or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via its home page at http://travel.state.gov and autofax service at (202) 647-3000
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s international traveler’s hotline at telephone 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or by visiting the CDC Internet home page at http://www.cdc.gov.
Safety:
Comoros has experienced frequent strikes and civil unrest, resulting in violent clashes between police and demonstrators. Although foreign residents and visitors have not been targeted, the potential for further outbreaks of civil disorder remains high.
On the island of Anjouan, a secessionist crisis that began in 1997 appears to have been at least temporarily resolved. However, in view of the continued existence of Organization of African Unity sanctions on Anjouan, U.S. citizens are urged to defer non-essential travel to Anjouan. U.S. citizens already there are urged to review their personal security situation in determining whether to remain on the island.
U.S. citizens should avoid political rallies and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Comoros is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
In Comoros, one drives on the right side of the street. Roads are generally adequate, but are narrow and poorly lit at night. Travelers should exercise extreme caution when driving after dark. Most urban roads are paved, but many rural roads are not. Speed limits range from 30 to 40 miles an hour. Drivers and front seat passengers are required to wear seat belts. There are no laws regarding child safety seats.
There are no organizations in Comoros that provide emergency or roadside assistance. Individuals involved in accidents rely on passersby for assistance.
Taxis or a rental car with driver are preferable to public transportation.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Poor
Availability of Roadside/Ambulance Assistance:
Poor
For additional information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.
