Population: 596,202 (July 2001 est.)

Languages: Arabic (official), French (official), Comoran (a blend of Swahili and Arabic)

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...

Currency: Comoran franc (KMF, No information)

Data from CIA World Factbook. Click on CIA link for more. Click on map or flag for larger images.