Coelacanth
This ancient fish was thought to be extinct for 65 million years until one was caught alive near Comoros in 1938, making it one of the most surprising discoveries in natural history.
Flag of Comoros
Field Report
Comoros is a small nation of four volcanic islands tucked in the Indian Ocean between the eastern coast of Africa and Madagascar, and it is one of the least-visited and least-known countries in the world. The islands are lush and mountainous, surrounded by warm seas, and the people who live there have a rich culture shaped by African, Arab, and island traditions going back many centuries. Most people in Comoros have never had a chance to hear about Jesus, which makes it one of the important places Christians around the world are praying for today.
From the Field Notebook
Coelacanth
This ancient fish was thought to be extinct for 65 million years until one was caught alive near Comoros in 1938, making it one of the most surprising discoveries in natural history.
Livingstone's Flying Fox
One of the world's largest bats, this fruit bat lives only in the forests of Comoros and has a wingspan that can reach nearly five feet across.
Mongoose Lemur
This rust-and-gray lemur was brought from Madagascar long ago and now lives wild on the islands of Comoros, making it one of the very few places outside Madagascar where lemurs are found.
Langouste à la Vanille
Grilled lobster cooked with the island's own vanilla gives this dish a rich, sweet-savory flavor that reflects how Comoros sits at the crossroads of the sea and the spice trade.
Mkatra Foutra
This coconut flatbread is cooked on a griddle and eaten at breakfast, tasting slightly sweet and chewy from the fresh coconut milk folded into the dough.
Pilao
A spiced rice dish cooked with meat, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, pilao fills the air with warm fragrance and is served at celebrations and family gatherings.
Comoros is made up of four volcanic islands in the Indian Ocean, located between the eastern coast of Africa and the northern tip of Madagascar — and three of those islands form one of the smallest countries on earth.
The island of Anjouan has such steep volcanic mountains that on some mornings the peaks are wrapped in clouds while the beaches below are dry and sunny.
Comoros is the world's second-largest producer of ylang-ylang, a flower whose oil is used in some of the most famous perfumes in France — so the islands are sometimes called the Perfume Islands.
The Comorian people speak a language called Shikomori, which blends Swahili, Arabic, and other influences, reflecting centuries of trade between Africa, Arabia, and the wider Indian Ocean world.
Grand Comore is home to Mount Karthala, an active volcano that erupted as recently as 2005, and the islanders have learned to live with the constant reminder that the ground beneath them is still very much alive.
Daily Life
67
Years life expectancy
76%
Can read and write
81%
Kids go to school
Missions Field Report
Comoros is home to 7 distinct people groups — 5 of them haven’t yet heard about Jesus.
Nearly all Comoros's people follow Islam (97.3%). Less than 1% of people in Comoros are Evangelical Christians.
What People Believe
Unreached People Groups
These are communities of people who haven’t had the chance to hear about Jesus yet. They need missionaries — and they need kids like you to pray for them.
Comorian, Ngazidja
416,000 people
Comorian, Ndzwani
365,000 people
Comorian, Mwali
44,000 people
Makhuwa-Meetto
14,000 people
Deaf
4,000 people
Prayer Journal
Tick each one as you pray. God hears every word.