Comoros

Comoros or Union of the Comoros is an amazing island situated along the Indian Ocean; in Africa’s eastern coast. It is also along the Mozambique Channel in between northeastern Mozambique and northern Madagascar. Seychelles, Madagascar and Tanzania would be its neighboring countries. Its name is from an Arabic word “gamar”, which means moon.

The Union of the Comoros is also considered as Africa’s 3rd smallest nation according to area. It has an estimated population of about 798,000. This makes the Union of the Comoros Africa’s 6th smallest nation according to population. Nevertheless, it is amongst other African countries that has the actual highest population according to density.

Moreover, the country would comprise of 4 islands along the volcanic Comoros archipelago. This would include Mwali, Ngazidja, Mahore and Nzwani; along with other smaller islands. Although an island called Mayotte is along Comoros, it is said that the Union of the Comoros has never really administered this island. This is because France considers the island of Mayotte as their overseas community. The island simply stands out as the only island who has voted against actual independence from France. France, on the other hand, voted for resolutions from the UN Security Council to affirm an actual Comorian sovereignty for the island. The control was actually never passed on to the Union of the Comoros.  

The Union of the Comoros is known for their diverse history and culture. This is because their nation was formed along the crossroads of many fascinating civilizations. In fact, they have 3 official languages. This would be the Arabic, French; and the Comorian or Shikomor languages. The country is also the only actual state who is a member of various organizations. Some of these organizations would be the Francophonie, African Union, the Arab League, Organization of the Island Conference, and the Indian Ocean Commission among others. This is amidst the fact that the country has encountered a lot of troubled times ever since their independence last 1975; which ranges with several coups d’états.

Their Population and Economic Standing 

Like other African Countries, Comoros is also considered as one of the world’s poorest countries. The major priorities of their government would be poverty reduction and economic growth.  The unemployment rate has reached over 14.3% in the past few years. The leading sectors of their economy would be fishing, hunting, forestry and agriculture. Aside from this, about 38.4% of their working population would be employed in their primary sector. The population density is also considered high. This is because the ratio stands at 1,000 for every square kilometer along their densest agricultural zones. This only means that even if it is the most rural type of agricultural economy at the moment, this may eventually lead to a serious environmental crisis later on. You can add this notion to the considerable fact that the population growth in this region is very high.

Last 2004, the Union of the Comoros GDP was very low. It sunk to a 1.9%; which also made their GDP per capita continuously decline that year. Declining investment, rising inflation, drops in consumption, and an alarming trading imbalance that resulted to the lowering of the prices of their cash crops; would be the factors that contributed to the continuous decline the Union of the Comoros is experiencing.

Transportaion and Education

With regards to transportation in the region, the Union of the Comoros has a very inadequate kind of transportation system. They also have very few natural resources. This would also add to the fact that their population is rapidly increasing. The high level of unemployment in Comoros is the result of their low level of educational attainment. This is why their labor force only thrives on a subsistent level of actual economic activity.

Their Economy 

The Union of the Comoros is heavily dependent on the technical assistance and foreign grants of other nations. The agricultural sector would make up 40% of their GDP. This means that 80% of their labor force is employed in their agricultural sector; which would be the source of a majority of their exports. Comoros is also the largest and biggest producer of vanilla and ylang-ylang in the world.
As for their educational sector, the government of the Union of the Comoros is struggling real hard to have their technical trainings and educational system upgraded. They also aim to have their industrial and commercial enterprises privatized.  They will also further diversify their exports further, promote their tourism industry and come up of ways to reduce the growth rate in their population.  Thus, Comoros also considers the Glorioso Islands and the Banc du Geyser as a part of their exclusive economic zone.

The Union of the Comoros can be a good prospect in Africa. Their government is doing everything in their power to help their nation with its current setbacks. With regards to the level of unemployment in the area, the government can try to seek the help of other nations by encouraging them to outsource their factories or manufacturing sites in this region. This way, they can help the nation with the jobs they will provide to its residents. Since the Union of the Comoros is a poor country, it is guaranteed that labor there can be acquired cheap. The only thing to consider would be the fact that the people there should be 1st trained if innovative mechanisms will be used. The government of the Comoros should also be ready to face this challenge. This is the help that the country needs - more jobs for its people. Since they lack the natural resources, labor is the best thing the nation can offer to bolster their economic standing. It is also a known fact that the government in Africa is quite corrupt. This may not go for all countries, but this is what you can expect in a poor country. The poor are very much separated from the richer ones. You will tend to wonder why some of their government officials enjoy a life of luxury when a majority of their people doesn’t even know where they will find their next meal.

This is a better alternative in helping the Union of the Comoros. Instead of the financial and relief assistance from other nations, other nations should put up factories in this area. The region may be a good prospect, but when it comes to living there, it is a whole new set up.

Properties in Comoros 

Like many other poor nations, there are a lot of things to consider before you decide to live in the Union of the Comoros. One would be the fact that there is no assurance of employment in the area. If you plan to stay there when you retire and you have saved a lot of money, you have the will to do what you deem perfect for you and your family. Thus, since it is a poor community, there are only limited supplies of goods you can buy from. If you prefer to live in a more outback situation, this may be a good idea.

If you will go their on your retirement age, you also need to keep in mind that you may not find pharmacies there. The nearest hospital may be a plane ride away. This is after a long boat ride or helicopter ride to the next major town. You really need to think about these things before you decide to live in Comoros.

Thus, there haven’t been any indications that there are properties being developed or sold in the area. It is only stated that their government is doing everything to promote tourism in their region. They may have resorts near the coasts or may still be planning it. You need to check 1st and verify if there really is one.  You also need to check the regulations they have when it comes to buying properties in Comoros. As mentioned several times, it usually varies from one nation to another. You can ask around if there are also other people who had bought a place in the area. You can also try asking them if they are happy with the property they bought. Other things you need to ask would be the type of environment it has; if there are diseases, wild life, electricity, drinkable water in the area. If you are not given an assurance about these things, it is not advisable to visit the area.

If your last resort would be to go there, you can bring your realtor or your lawyer with you. You may also need to consider the services of an interpreter and a guide. As mentioned, the region has 3 major languages, this is better than going there without being able to communicate with anyone. The guide you may get will help get around the community. It will also be safer because he or she may know the right people you can talk to. Once you get there, you may need to take note of important numbers or addresses of police authorities, people who work in their municipalities, the embassy and even the town’s chief personalities. These are the people who will be able to help you in emergency cases. If you will be going there, you should also discuss this 1st with your family and relatives. It is best to let them know the exact place you will be staying in and the exact date you will be coming back. Make sure that you call your family from time to time while you are in Comoros.