Comoros National Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Comoros

National Day of Comoros is celebrated annually on July 6. This national holiday commemorates the country’s 1975 declaration of independence from France. It is a day highlighted by a presidential address and celebrations honouring their cultures through dance, cuisine, and music performances. Comoros consists of three islands — Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli — located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. Mayotte remains under French authority.

The background of Comoros National Day

Mount Karthala, an active volcano that has erupted more than a dozen times in the past few centuries and is located between Madagascar and the Mozambican coast, is located on this island. There are white sand beaches along the coastlines. Aromatic plants like jasmine, lemongrass, and frangipani contributed to the island’s appellation, ‘fragrant island.’ It is one of the poorest countries in the world, with an economy based on fishing and subsistence cultivation. Historically, it was vital to the commerce between Asia and East African ports, such as India and Japan, across the Indian Ocean. The islands have been influenced by both explorers and settlers. There are numerous African, Arabic, Malagasy, and French influences. In addition, Persians entered and established Sunni Islam as the predominant religion.

In the 16th century, Portuguese explorers were the first Europeans to make contact with the islands, but it was France that colonised the westernmost island of Mayotte. In 1841, a local monarch ceded the island to the French. The islanders were too occupied fighting amongst themselves to offer the French much resistance. In 1886, European colonial powers determined that the remaining Comoran islands would be governed by France.

The Comoros became a French overseas territory after World War II. Later in 1961, internal autonomy became the norm. In 1978, French officials concurred that the Comoros would be granted independence. A referendum on the four major islands revealed that all but one island supported independence. Mayotte desired to remain a French colony.

On July 6, 1975, the Comorian parliament approved a resolution declaring the islands’ independence, with Ahmed Abdallah as their first president. This claim was rejected by the French, and Mayotte became a French overseas territory. Nonetheless, the people of Comoros recall this historic day as a day of independence.

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5 LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS ABOUT COMOROS

Since independence, there have been over 20 coups d’état or attempted coups.

Being homosexual is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of 1,000,000 Comoran francs.

With only 719 square metres of space, it is home to 850,000 people.

Even though the annual income is approximately $1,200, nuptials can cost an average of $40,000.

It provides 80% of the world’s sweet-smelling essential oil supply.

COMOROS NATIONAL DAY DATES