The Union of Comoros is a group of three islands located off the west coast of Africa northeast of Madagascar. The islands are mountainous and of volcanic origin. The total land mass of the archipelago is slightly smaller than Rhode Island (2,170 square kilometers; 840 square miles). Comoros has one of the world's most underdeveloped economies, based primarily on agriculture. Most of the agricultural output on the islands is for domestic consumption. A combination of a traditional landlord elite and transnational corporations owns most of the land.

Comoros has a population of about 652,000 as of 2004, and 90 percent or more of the population is unemployed. The people of Comoros are of mixed African, Arab, and Malagasy descent. The population is overwhelmingly Muslim (98%), and Islam plays a strong role in everyday life of the people of Comoros.

Formally a colony of France, Comoros declared its independence in 1975. Since then, there has been...