World Happiness Report for Comoros 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Comoros: 132
- Happiness Score Comoros:3.566
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Comoros. KM.
- Comoros is a republic with a president as the head of state and a multi-party system.
- The country is known for its rich blend of African, Arabic, and French cultures, which is evident in its music, art, and cuisine.
- The economy of Comoros is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism.
Overview of Comoros
Early History:
The Comoros Islands have been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the 6th century BCE. The islands were initially populated by a blend of Malayo-Polynesian and Bantu peoples, with the latter group arriving around the 5th century CE.
Colonial Period:
In the late 16th century, the Comoros Islands came under the influence of the Sultanate of Zanzibar. The islands were later colonized by France in 1841, though the interior of the islands remained largely autonomous until the early 20th century. The islands became an overseas territory of France in 1912.
Independence and Modern Era:
After a series of uprisings and negotiations, Comoros gained independence from France on July 6, 1975. However, the island of Mayotte opted to remain a French territory, leading to ongoing tensions. The post-independence period has been marked by political instability, with over 20 coups or attempted coups since 1975.
Current Political Situation:
Comoros is a federal republic with a semi-presidential system. The current president is Azali Assoumani, who was elected in 2019. The country faces ongoing challenges with political unrest, corruption, and economic development.
International Relations:
Comoros is a member of the African Union, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The country has close ties with France, its former colonial power, and maintains friendly relations with other African and Arab nations.
Human Development and Economy:
Comoros has a developing economy heavily reliant on agriculture, fishing, and remittances from its diaspora. The country ranks low on the Human Development Index, with high levels of poverty and limited access to healthcare and education.
Cultural Highlights:
Comoros has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its African, Arab, and Malay roots. Islam is the predominant religion, and the country is known for its unique blend of Swahili, Arabic, and French influences in its language, music, and cuisine.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Comoros faces significant challenges, including political instability, poverty, lack of economic diversification, and environmental issues such as deforestation and erosion. However, the country has opportunities to develop its tourism industry, promote sustainable agriculture, and leverage its strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
Travel Tips for Comoros
Best Times to Visit: The dry season from May to October offers the most favorable weather conditions for visiting Comoros.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect Islamic customs by dressing modestly and avoiding public displays of affection. Greet locals with a friendly “Salama” (hello) and observe appropriate behavior during Ramadan.
Safety Precautions: Exercise caution in crowded areas and avoid demonstrations or political gatherings. Petty crime can be a concern, so keep valuables secured.
Must-See Landmarks: Explore the stunning beaches and volcanic landscapes, visit the historic Mutsamudu Sultanate Palace, and hike Mount Karthala, an active volcano.
Culinary Experiences: Sample local dishes like coconut-based curries, grilled seafood, and tropical fruits. Don’t miss the fragrant Comorian coffee and locally-brewed coconut wine.
Living in Comoros
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Comoros is relatively low, with affordable housing and basic goods. However, imported items and quality healthcare can be expensive.
Housing: Expats typically rent accommodation or purchase property in urban areas like Moroni. Housing options range from apartments to villas, with varying levels of amenities.
Main facts
1. Location
The Comoros is an archipelago island nation situated in the Indian Ocean, at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel, off the eastern coast of Africa. It lies between the islands of Madagascar and Mozambique in the Indian Ocean.
2. Map References
The Comoros is located in the Eastern Africa region.
3. Area – Comparative
The Comoros has a total area of approximately 1,862 square kilometers, making it slightly more than 1.5 times the size of the state of Rhode Island in the United States.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
The Comoros is an island nation with no land boundaries.
5. Coastline
The Comoros has a total coastline of 427 kilometers, featuring sandy beaches and coral reefs.
6. Maritime Claims
The Comoros claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf of 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin.
7. Climate
The Comoros has a tropical maritime climate, with temperatures averaging around 24-29°C throughout the year. The climate is moderated by southeastern trade winds, and the islands experience two rainy seasons.
8. Terrain
The Comoros consists of volcanic islands, with the interiors featuring rugged, mountainous terrain. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs and have narrow coastal plains.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in the Comoros is Mount Karthala at 2,360 meters, located on Grande Comore island. The lowest point is the Indian Ocean at 0 meters.
10. Natural Resources
The primary natural resources found in the Comoros are fish, arable land, and renewable energy sources such as hydropower, wind, and solar.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The Comoros is an island nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean. There are no major inland water bodies.
12. Natural Hazards
The Comoros is vulnerable to cyclones, volcanic activity (particularly from Mount Karthala), and sea level rise due to its low-lying coastal areas.
13. Geography – Notes
The Comoros is an environmentally fragile nation, with limited natural resources and a high population density. Deforestation, soil erosion, and overfishing are major environmental concerns. The Comoros also faces challenges related to its geographic isolation and vulnerability to natural disasters.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 19.70%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 202. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 71.50%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: -11.645543.3333.
- Capital: The capital of Comoros is Moroni, Comoros
- Major Cities:
- Moroni – Population: 54,000
- Mutsamudu – Population: 23,594
- Fomboni – Population: 12,000
- Population: 850,886
- Area(Km2): 2235
- Population Density( P/Km²):467. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:269
- Official Language(s):Comoros is Comorian (Shikomor) 65.7%, Arabic 24.1%, French (official) 6.1%
- Currency: KMF
Main Economic Indicators
Comoros is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean with a population of around 850,000 and a GDP of $1.25 billion in 2021. Its economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, fishing, and remittances from citizens working abroad. The country faces challenges such as a high poverty rate, limited natural resources, and vulnerability to natural disasters. Key economic policies have focused on promoting tourism, developing infrastructure, and diversifying the economy through the privatization of state-owned enterprises.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 3.8% (Source: World Bank)
2020: 3.6% (Source: World Bank)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: No Rating Available
Moody’s: No Rating Available
Standard & Poor’s: No Rating Available
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 29.2%
Industry: 12.1%
Services: 58.7%
(Source: World Bank, 2021 estimates)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Vanilla, cloves, ylang-ylang, coconuts, bananas, cassava, sweet potatoes, pulses, corn
Industrial Products: Perfume distillation, textiles, furniture, jewelry, construction materials, soft drink bottling, tourism
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 245,300 (2021 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: Not Available
Current Account Balance
2021: -$50.5 million (Source: World Bank)
2020: -$42.5 million (Source: World Bank)
Comparative Ranking: Not Available
Exports and Imports
Total Exports: $32.9 million (2021 estimate)
Key Export Partners: France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia
Main Exports: Vanilla, cloves, essential oils, diamonds, petroleum products
Total Imports: $254.2 million (2021 estimate)
Key Import Partners: United Arab Emirates, China, France, India, Pakistan
Main Imports: Rice, petroleum products, cars, cement, machinery
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $202.8 million (2021 estimate)
Gold Reserves: Data not available
- GDP (Current US$):$1,185,728,677. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): . It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 219.60%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. . It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.71. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 4.34%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Comorian(s)
Adjective: Comorian
2. Ethnic Groups
Major ethnic groups:
– Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava (Malagasy mixed African) (76.5%)
– Arab (16.6%)
– Comorian (6.3%)
– Other (0.6%)
3. Religions
Religious affiliations:
– Sunni Muslim (98.3%)
– Other (1.7%)
4. Age Structure
Distribution of population across age groups:
– 0-14 years: 35.46% (male 182,524/female 176,939)
– 15-64 years: 60.62% (male 304,839/female 308,917)
– 65 years and over: 3.92% (male 16,893/female 22,283)
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 64.6
Youth dependency ratio: 58.5
Elderly dependency ratio: 6.1
6. Median Age
Median age: 21.3 years
Male: 20.8 years
Female: 21.9 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity rate: 8.9% of the adult population (aged 18 and over) in 2016
Alcohol consumption: 0.6 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2010)
Tobacco use: 17.4% of adults aged 15 and over smoke tobacco (2015)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 64.1. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 77%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:31.88. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:9. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 4.21. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 8.4%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 248,152. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):74.80%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Comoros Armed Forces consist of a small Army and Coast Guard. The Army comprises several infantry battalions and a Presidential Guard unit. The Coast Guard is responsible for maritime security and border control. The country has a paramilitary National Gendarmerie for internal security and law enforcement.
Military Expenditures
The Comoros’ military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2021: 1.8%
- 2020: 1.7%
- 2019: 1.7%
- 2018: 1.6%
- 2017: 1.6%
The Comoros ranks among the lower tiers globally in terms of military spending.
Personnel Strengths
The total active-duty military personnel in the Comoros is approximately 600, with the breakdown as follows:
- Army: 500
- Coast Guard: 100
The National Gendarmerie has an additional 300 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
The Comoros’ military equipment consists primarily of light infantry weapons and a few patrol vessels for the Coast Guard. Most of its equipment is imported from France and other European countries. There are no significant ongoing or future acquisitions or development programs.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in the Comoros is voluntary, with enlistment generally open to men and women aged 18-25 years. There is no mandatory military conscription.
Military Deployments
The Comoros does not have any significant overseas military deployments. It has contributed a small contingent of troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions in the past.
Strategic Military Notes
The Comoros’ defense strategy focuses primarily on internal security, border control, and maritime surveillance due to its archipelagic geography. The military plays a limited role in international security and has no notable military alliances or partnerships beyond cooperation with regional organizations.
- Armed Forces Size: . Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.27
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 43.30%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.