Verified Facts
The population of Comoros is approximately 919,901 people, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups, languages, and religions that reflect the country's strategic location at the crossroads of African, Arab, and European influences.
Quick Facts
Population Overview
The population of Comoros is relatively small, with a total of approximately 919,901 people, according to the latest estimates. The country has experienced a moderate population growth rate of 1.8% per annum, driven by a relatively high total fertility rate of 4.3 children per woman. The population is predominantly young, with a median age of 20.4 years, and is expected to continue growing, albeit at a slowing rate, due to declining fertility rates and increasing urbanization. Comoros has a relatively low level of urbanization, with only 28% of the population residing in urban areas, although this is expected to increase as the economy develops and more people move to cities in search of employment opportunities.
Comoros has a long history of migration, with many citizens traveling to other countries in search of work or education. The country has a significant diaspora community, particularly in France, where many Comorians have settled. However, the country also faces challenges related to migration, including brain drain and the loss of skilled workers to other countries. Despite these challenges, Comoros has made significant progress in recent years in terms of economic development and poverty reduction, and the government is working to create more job opportunities and improve living standards for its citizens.
The population of Comoros is also characterized by a high level of population density, with an average of 495 people per square kilometer. This has put pressure on the country's natural resources, including land, water, and energy, and has contributed to environmental degradation and poverty in some areas. However, the government is working to address these challenges through sustainable development initiatives and investments in infrastructure and social services.
Ethnic Groups
| Ethnic Group | Percentage | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antalote | 40% | Grande Comore | Largest ethnic group in Comoros |
| Sakalava | 25% | Anjouan | Second-largest ethnic group |
| Makoa | 15% | Moheli | Smaller ethnic group with African and Malagasy roots |
| Oimatsaha | 10% | Grande Comore | Ethnic group with Arab and African influences |
| Cafre | 5% | Anjouan | Smaller ethnic group with African and Arab roots |
| Makabe | 5% | Moheli | Ethnic group with African and Malagasy influences |
| The ethnic groups in Comoros are diverse and reflect the country's strategic location at the crossroads of African, Arab, and European influences. The Antalote are the largest ethnic group, making up approximately 40% of the population, and are predominantly found on the island of Grande Comore. The Sakalava are the second-largest ethnic group, making up around 25% of the population, and are found mainly on the island of Anjouan. The Makoa, Oimatsaha, Cafre, and Makabe are smaller ethnic groups that make up the remaining 30% of the population. Despite their differences, the ethnic groups in Comoros coexist relatively peacefully, and the country has a reputation for being a tolerant and welcoming society. |
Languages
- Comorian is the official language and is spoken by the majority of the population.
- Arabic is also an official language and is widely spoken, particularly in formal and religious contexts.
- French is a legacy of the country's colonial past and is still widely spoken, particularly in education and government.
- Shikomori is a regional language spoken on the island of Moheli.
- Shindzuani is a regional language spoken on the island of Anjouan.
Religions
| Religion | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sunni Islam | 98% | Dominant religion in Comoros |
| Roman Catholicism | 1% | Small but significant minority |
| Protestantism | 1% | Small minority with growing influence |
| Traditional religions | 0.5% | Small minority practicing traditional African religions |
| Other | 0.5% | Small minority practicing other religions, including Baha'i and Hinduism |
| Comoros is a predominantly Muslim country, with around 98% of the population practicing Sunni Islam. The remaining 2% of the population practices other religions, including Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, traditional African religions, and other faiths. The country has a reputation for being a tolerant and welcoming society, and people of different faiths coexist relatively peacefully. However, there are some tensions between Muslims and non-Muslims, particularly in rural areas where traditional practices and customs are still widely observed. |
Age Distribution
| Age Group | Percentage | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| 0-14 | 40% | High dependency ratio and pressure on education and healthcare services |
| 15-24 | 25% | Significant youth population with high potential for economic growth and development |
| 25-54 | 30% | Working-age population with high potential for economic productivity and contribution to GDP |
| 55-64 | 4% | Smaller but still significant population with experience and skills to contribute to the economy |
| 65+ | 1% | Small but growing population of elderly citizens with increasing needs for healthcare and social services |
| The age distribution of Comoros is characterized by a high proportion of young people, with around 40% of the population under the age of 15. This has significant implications for the country's education and healthcare systems, which are under pressure to provide services to a large and growing population. The working-age population, which makes up around 30% of the total population, has high potential for economic productivity and contribution to GDP, but faces challenges related to unemployment and underemployment. |
Urbanization & Major Cities
- The urban population of Comoros is relatively small, making up around 28% of the total population.
- Moroni is the capital and largest city, with a population of around 60,000 people.
- Fomboni is the second-largest city, with a population of around 20,000 people.
- Moutsamoudou is a major city on the island of Anjouan, with a population of around 15,000 people.
- The fastest-growing cities in Comoros are those with strong economic and trade links, such as Moroni and Fomboni, which are experiencing rapid urbanization and development.
Comoros is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population, and its cities reflect this diversity. The capital, Moroni, is a bustling metropolis with a mix of African, Arab, and European influences, while the other major cities, such as Fomboni and Moutsamoudou, have their own unique characters and charms. The country's urbanization trend is expected to continue, driven by economic growth and development, and the government is working to create more job opportunities and improve living standards for its citizens.