Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Comoros

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Comoros.

Natural Resources: Comoros possesses limited natural resources, with its economy relying primarily on agriculture, fishing, and a small but growing tourism sector. The islands' volcanic soils support the cultivation of cash crops, most notably ylang-ylang, vanilla, and cloves, which remain central to export earnings. Marine resources are significant, as the surrounding Indian Ocean waters offer substantial fishing potential, though the sector remains largely underdeveloped and subject to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing pressures. Forests cover portions of the islands and provide timber and non-timber products, though deforestation driven by agricultural expansion and charcoal production has placed these resources under considerable stress. Hydropower potential exists on the larger islands due to river systems fed by volcanic terrain and rainfall, though energy infrastructure remains underdeveloped and much of the population still relies on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation. Overall, the natural resource base of Comoros is modest, and the country's economic development depends heavily on remittances from the diaspora alongside agricultural and marine activities.
Natural Hazards: cyclones possible during rainy season (December to April); Le Kartala on Grand Comore is an active volcano

Current Environmental Issues: soil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation on slopes without proper terracing; deforestation
International Agreements: Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands Signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Detailed geography