Comoros has endured more than 20 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared independence from Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. AZALI seized power in a bloodless coup, and helped negotiate the 2000 Fomboni Accords power-sharing agreement in which the federal presidency rotates among the three islands, and each island maintains its own local government. AZALI won the 2002 Presidential election, and each island in the archipelago elected its own president. AZALI stepped down in 2006 and President SAMBI was elected to office. In 2007, BACAR effected Anjouan's de-facto secession from the Union, refusing to step down in favor of fresh Anjouanais elections when Comoros' other islands held legitimate elections in July. The African Union (AU) initially attempted to resolve the political crisis by applying sanctions and a naval blockade on Anjouan, but in March 2008, AU and Comoran soldiers seized the island. The move was generally welcomed by the island's inhabitants.

Moroni - the country's capital

Moroni is the largest city of the Comoros, and since 1962 it's capital. It is located on the western coast of Grande Comore island.

Nioumachoua - second largest village of Moheli - on the South coast

Whale watching from July to October

Coral reefs and inhabited isles

Fishing on the reef with local fishermen

Livingstone bats (giant fruit eating bats endemic on Moheli)

Boating, sailing, canoes and kayaks, bikes

Hiking in coastal and primary rain forest

Civets (small wild leopard type cats)

Bird Watching (endemic species!)

Traditional villages

Local artisanat (carpets from sisal, potteries, embroideries)