Countries, Compared

Comoros

Comoros is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and the African mainland.

Countries, Compared: country research and comparison

Comoros is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and the African mainland. The identifiers below come from United Nations standard country codes and are not subject to political change. The volatile figures, population, languages, currency, government, economy, shift faster than any static page can hold, so the second half of this guide shows you how to verify current data yourself rather than trusting a frozen snapshot.

Stable classification facts

  • UN M49 code: 174
  • ISO alpha-2: KM
  • ISO alpha-3: COM
  • UN region: Africa
  • UN subregion: Sub-Saharan Africa
  • UN member state: Yes
  • World Bank capital field: Moroni

These codes are maintained by the UN Statistics Division. The M49 overview is the authoritative source for statistical groupings: https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/. The World Bank’s country API returns the same capital field and related metadata. Distinguish this grouping from political or territorial claims: UN M49 codes are statistical categories, not statements about sovereignty or borders.

How to verify current data

Volatile figures change faster than any static page can hold. Use these primary sources and note the reference year for each figure you cite.

  • Population, GDP, income grouping: World Bank country profile for Comoros (api.worldbank.org/v2/country/KM?format=json). The World Bank publishes annual estimates; the latest reference year is stated in the data.
  • Demographic indicators: United Nations World Population Prospects (UN DESA). Census data is typically 2-5 years old and undercounts rural and mobile communities.
  • Languages, literacy, education: UNESCO Institute for Statistics (uis.unesco.org) and the Comoros national statistics office.
  • Government structure and political context: CIA World Factbook (as a secondary compilation, not primary), or the official portal of the Union of the Comoros if available.
  • Currency and monetary data: the Central Bank of the Comoros (Banque Centrale des Comores) for the Comorian franc (KMF).
  • Health metrics: WHO country profile for Comoros.
  • Travel and entry requirements: your own government’s foreign ministry travel advisory and the IATA Travel Centre. Do not rely on a country profile for visa rules.

Population estimates

Population figures change continuously. The UN Population Division publishes estimates and projections; the World Bank’s country page provides a current annual figure derived from UN data. For Comoros, the most recent World Bank estimate (reference year 2023) is approximately 852,000 people. This is an estimate, not a census count. The last full census was in 2017, and official projections between censuses carry uncertainty, especially in nations with significant migration and a young age structure. For the latest number, check the World Bank’s country API at api.worldbank.org/v2/country/KM?format=json or the UN Population Division’s World Population Prospects. Do not treat any single figure as permanent; censuses are conducted at intervals and projections change annually.

How to read a population figure

When you pull a number from the World Bank API, always record the date field in the response. The UN population division’s medium-variant projection is the most commonly cited series, but it is a projection, not a count. For census-based figures, consult the Comoros national statistics office; censuses are conducted roughly every ten years, and the most recent census year may differ from the World Bank’s latest estimate. Do not quote a single figure without its reference year and source.

Capital, currency, and official languages

Capital

The World Bank lists Moroni as the seat of government. Confirm the current status from the World Bank country API (capitalCity field) or the Comoros national portal. For political or administrative changes, consult the UN or the national government.

Currency

The national currency is the Comorian franc (KMF), issued by the Central Bank of the Comoros (Banque Centrale des Comores). Exchange rates fluctuate; for current rates see your bank or a reliable market-rate source and note the date. Confirm the current ISO code and rate with the IMF or your bank at the time of reading; do not rely on a static figure.

Official languages

The official languages are Comorian (Shikomori), French, and Arabic, per the Comorian constitution. Comorian (Shikomori) is recognised as a national language; Arabic and French are also used in government, education, and media. For current language policy, consult UNESCO’s education and language data or the Comorian government’s official publications.

Distinctive claim

The UN M49 code 174, ISO alpha-2 KM, and World Bank capital field Moroni are stable statistical identifiers, but every population, economic, and health figure on this page must be verified against a named primary source and its reference year because no static guide can stay current for a fast-changing island nation.