Union of the Comoros
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Flag of the Comoros
Four equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), white, red, and blue
with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist; centered
within the triangle is a white crescent with the convex side
facing the hoist and four white, five-pointed stars placed
vertically in a line between the points of the crescent;
the horizontal bands and the four stars represent the four main
islands of the archipelago - Mwali, Njazidja, Nzwani, and Mayotte
(a territorial collectivity of France, but claimed by Comoros);
the crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam.
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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.
- CIA World Factbook.
Comoros - Fotw
The colors of the horizontal stripes stand for the four islands.
www.fotw.us/flags/km.html
Comoros - wikipedia.org
The Comoros is notable for its diverse culture and history,
as a nation formed at the crossroads of many civilizations.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comoros
Comoros - U.S. Department of State
People
The Comorans inhabiting Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli (86% of the population) share African-Arab origins. Islam is the dominant religion, and Koranic schools for children reinforce its influence. Although Arab culture is firmly established throughout the archipelago, a substantial minority of the citizens of Mayotte (the Mahorais) are Catholic and have been strongly influenced by French culture.
The most common language is Shikomoro, a Swahili dialect. French and Arabic also are spoken. About 57% of the population is literate.
History
Over the centuries, the islands 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. "Shirazi" Arab migrants introduced Islam at about the same time. Between 1841 and 1912, France established colonial rule over Grande Comore, Anjouan, Mayotte, and Moheli 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. After World War II, the islands became a French overseas territory and were represented in France's National Assembly. Internal political autonomy was granted in 1961. Agreement was reached with France in 1973 for Comoros to become independent in 1978. On July 6, 1975, however, the Comoranparliament passed a resolution declaring unilateral independence. The deputies of Mayotte abstained. As a result, the Comoran Government has effective control over only Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli. Mayotte remains under French administration.
www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5236.htm
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Flag of the Comoros