Religion in Comoros

(by Bryant Hinckely)

The Union of Comoros has a population of around 735,000 of which about 99 percent are Sunni Muslims. The nation’s religious minorities consist of Shia Muslims, Hindus, Catholics, and Protestants. Roman Catholics are the most visible religious minority.

The preamble of the current constitution of Comoros affirms that the country will “draw from Islam, the religion of the state, the permanent inspiration of the principles and rules that govern the Union.” The phrase “the religion of the state” was added by amendment in 2009. The constitution also affirms “the equality of all concerning rights and duties without distinctions based on sex, origin, race, religion or belief.” It also affirms ­the country’s commitment to the principals and fundamental rights defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international conventions.

The U.S. State Department reports that there are laws prohibiting conversion from Islam. But these laws are not frequently enforced and social pressure appears to be the only consistently applied method of enforcing religious norms. Individuals found proselyting non-Muslim religious beliefs are deported from the country.

Comoros became independent from the French Republic in 1974. The archipelago country’s primary islands are Ngazidja (Grande Comore), Mwali (Mohéli), and Nzwani (Anjouan). Although Comoros claims the island of Mayotte it has never been under the control of the post-independence government of Comoros, and the citizens of Mayotte voted to become a French overseas department in 2009.

Under the constitution of Comoros each of the three primary islands has been granted significant autonomy. The presidency of the Comoros rotates every four years between the three principal islands.

Arab traders brought Islam to the archipelago and the islands have historically been associated with the sultanates of eastern Africa. Comoros became a French colony in 1912. The period of French colonization had a significant effect on the country’s culture bringing with it French language.

Because of its unique history and geography Comoros is a member of a variety of international organizations including the African Union, Francophonie, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Arab League, and the Indian Ocean Commission.

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