History, Comoros

Displayed:   times.

Over the centuries, the islands of Comoros were invaded by a succession of diverse groups from the coast of Africa, the Persian Gulf, Indonesia, and Madagascar. Portuguese explorers visited the archipelago in 1505 and Arab migrants introduced Islam at about the same time. Between 1841 and 1912, France established colonial rule and placed the islands under the administration of the governor general of Madagascar. Later, French settlers, French-owned companies, and wealthy Arab merchants established a plantation-based economy that now uses about one-third of the land for export crops. Agreement was reached with France in 1973 for Comoros to become independent in 1978. On July 6, 1975, however, the Comorian parliament passed a resolution declaring independence. The deputies of Mayotte, which stayed under French control, abstained. In two referendums, in December 1974 and February 1976, the population of Mayotte voted against independence from France (by 63.8% and 99.4% respectively). In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared their independence from Comoros. A subsequent attempt by the government to reestablish control over the rebellious islands by force failed, and presently the African Union is brokering negotiations to effect a reconciliation.

Rate this tip:

Rate!

Add Comment >>

Your Name:

Your Comment:

General Tips about Comoros

» Required travel documents for Comoros
» Electric power
» Area code to Comoros
» What you need to bring with you:
» ACCOMODATION
» Language
» Climate
» Transportation
» Communications
» History
» Comoros
» Maore (Mayotte)
» Nzwani (Anjouan)
» Mwali (Moheli)
» Ngazidja (Grande Comore)

   More travel tips about Comoros