Comoros
Type of Government: Republic
Independence: 1975 from France
Head of State: President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi (since May 26, 2006)
2007/2008 UN Development Index ranking (out of 177 countries): 134
2007 TI Corruption Perception Index (out of 179): 123
Political Development: Comoros has endured 19 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared independence from Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. Azali seized power. He pledged to resolve the secessionist crisis through a confederal arrangement named the 2000 Fomboni Accord. In December 2001, voters approved a new constitution and presidential elections took place in the spring of 2002. Each island in the archipelago elected its own president and a new union president took office in May 2002.
Adult HIV Rate: 0.12%
Life Expectancy: 62.73
GDP: $402 million
Inflation: 3%
Poverty: 60%
Petroleum: N/A
Leading Export Partner: France (24.8%)
Economic Note: One of the world’s poorest countries, Comoros is made up of three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, contributes 40% to GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports.
