Elvira, IV3FSG will be active as D68Z from Moroni, Comoro Islands, IOTA AF - 007, 28 February - 18 March 2025.
She will operate on HF Bands, CW, SSB, Digital modes.
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Comoros is an exotic country near Madagascar
The Comoros Islands are located in the northern zone of the Strait of Mozambique. They are located between Africa and Madagascar. This state is an archipelago of three large and a number of small islets.
The Comoros Islands are of volcanic origin. They have mountainous terrain and are surrounded by coral reefs. The mountain slopes are covered with dense tropical vegetation from above and savannahs and scrublands from below.
The climate of the Comoros is tropical. It is characterized by high humidity and heat. The summer season lasts from the beginning of November to the end of April. At this time, the average temperatures are kept at +27 ° C, while in the daytime they periodically reach 30 degrees and above.
The winter season runs from late April through October. The usual temperature regime at this time - +24 ° C, with periodic increases. In the period from November to early April, monsoons rage on the island, coming from the ocean. Then also begins and ends the season of precipitation.
Tropical cyclones are also possible from December to the end of April. Therefore, tourists are recommended to visit Comoros between May and October, although even then there are storms and unexpected showers that last for a long time.
Comoro Islands. Author - scottgunn.
Animal and plant life of the Comoros Islands
The archipelago is dominated by tropical plants and trees. On the islands there are thickets of coconut palms, carnations, sugar cane. Bananas and coffee trees also grow here.
The fauna of Comoros is very interesting not only for tourists, but also for scientists. Many animals and insects are endemic, living only in this archipelago and Madagascar. These include lemurs, amauris, parrot-phase small, felzuma broad-tailed.
Only on the islands you can find the unique Livingstone's wing. There are also other species of bats, mongoose and other animals. Comoros has a large number of insects that spread malaria, so tourists are not allowed here without an inoculation against this pathology.
Scientists have counted on the islands about 60 different species of plants and 37 - animals. Exotic and rare sea creatures can be found in the coastal waters.
Colonizers, coups and the struggle for independence - the history of Comoros
Humans settled in the Comoros Islands many centuries ago. Archaeological excavations on the island of Anjouan confirmed their presence as early as the 5th century A.D. They led a primitive existence and obtained their sustenance with the simplest tools.
In the 12th century, the archipelago was conquered by the Arabs, who established the Sultanate of Kilwa in the east of the Black Continent. Then, in the early 17th century, the locals repulsed an attempt by Portuguese navigators to settle on their lands.
After the collapse of the sultanate, the archipelago was divided into several hostile territories. Islam, which was spread by the Persians, began to be actively planted on the islands.
Since the 17th century, the second expansion of the inhabitants of Africa, Madagascar and Arab Eastern countries began on the islands. Comoros became a haven for pirates. Chinese and Indians brought here by the corsairs were used as slaves.
In 1841 the islands began to be occupied by France. The archipelago becomes a protectorate of this country, and at the beginning of the 20th century is declared a colony. Agriculture begins to develop actively on it. Coffee, vanilla and cloves are intensively grown.
Only in 1947, after the British occupation during World War 2, Comoros was declared an overseas possession of the French, according to the new post-war constitution of this state. In the 1960s, the functions of local government began to develop. The Chamber of Deputies was created, and a little earlier, in 19657, the Council of Government.
In 1974 a referendum on independence was held in Comoros. The majority of the population was in favor of separation from France. As a result, on three islands, a Republic was proclaimed. The fourth Mayotte, where the local population decided to remain in France, did not join the Comoros.
After a series of palace coups, there was a period of stability. In 1979, the UN recognized Comoros' right to Mayotte, but the island remained under French influence.
Today Comoros is one of the poorest countries in the Black Continent. About 800 thousand inhabitants live on the islands (not counting Mayotte). The official religion is Islam. There are also Catholics among the inhabitants. The official languages are French and Arabic. But the vast majority of the population speaks Comorian, which is a mixture of Swahili and Arabic.
The most developed industry is agriculture. It employs about 80% of the labor force. The agricultural industry contributes about 40% of GDP. These include fishing, coconuts, bananas, vanilla and other similar crops.
Moroni, Comoro Islands. Author - Jess.
Moroni is the exotic capital of Comoros
Tourists visiting the archipelago try to visit the capital. Moroni is the brightest city of the Republic, striking with its unique color. There are stone piers left from the old times, colorful architecture of the Arab quarter with luxurious balustrades and sun-filled courtyards. Especially foreign visitors are attracted by the ancient Muslim temples. One of them, the Friday Mosque, was erected in 1472. The structure is characterized by a pronounced style of the Arabian East, and looks very beautiful, covered with snow-white limestone.
Tourists will find many interesting exhibits in the local National Museum. Here are tools of the first inhabitants, products, attributes and other items relating to different periods of the history of the archipelago.
Near Moroni is located Kartal. It is an active volcano, attracting the eyes of the city's guests. Tourists will also be interested in visiting the city bazaar, which is a colorful attribute of the capital. Here are sold wicker baskets, carved boxes, figurines, various crafts from coconuts, pottery, essential oils and many other local products.
The city has a lot of green spaces that fill the air with a pleasant aroma: oranges and other fruit-bearing trees grow in abundance in the courtyards of houses.
Comoro Islands. Author - pretusi.
Other amazing attractions in Comoros
Many tourists want to climb to the top of Mount Ntinga and enjoy the panorama of the island of Anjouan, called “the pearl of the Indian Ocean”, to visit the groves of mahogany, where grow amazingly beautiful orchids. In Mutsamudu, foreign visitors can visit the sultan's palace, see the famous Dziyankundre waterfall, and enjoy the view of the majestic mosque du Vendredi. It is possible to travel safely throughout the islands, as there is almost no crime in the archipelago and the locals are friendly and welcoming.
Visitors to the archipelago will also be interested in a small island - Chissiu Unefu. It has preserved virgin, untouched by man nature. During the tour you can look at the green turtles occupying the local beaches, go snorkeling or just sunbathe on the magnificent beaches.
In terms of natural beauty it is almost equal to Moili, located nearby. This is also a “wild” island, which is rarely visited by tourists. Here there are lush tropical forests interspersed with green valleys. Coconut groves, white sandy shores, old cocoa or coffee plantations will make an unforgettable impression on visitors.
On the island, you can check out the boatyard workshops located on the beaches. They make dhow boats that are used by the locals. Visitors can also visit the picturesque lake Dziani-Buduni, located right in the crater of the volcano, visit Mirinogi, where several species of endemic birds live, drive to the Mwali reserve with relic trees.
Diving enthusiasts won't be bored either. Grande Comore Island on the southern side has a beach ideal for underwater travel. Another famous attraction is the salt lake in its northern part. It is regularly fed by the waters of the ocean.
Those wishing to engage in extreme tourism can visit the island of Mayotte, which belongs to France. Here you can go scuba diving to the caves and picturesque reefs of coral, which appeared 40 million years ago. Mayotte is a universally recognized nature reserve, where not only unique landscapes, but also cultural monuments of the peoples who inhabited the Comoros Islands have been preserved.
