A history of political violence has left the Comoros desperately poor. At times, the country has teetered on the brink of disintegration.

OVERVIEW

The three Indian Ocean islands have experienced more than 20 coups or attempted coups, beginning just weeks after independence from France in 1975 when President Ahmed Abdallah was toppled in a coup assisted by French mercenary Colonel Bob Denard. Colonel Denard featured in several power struggles over the years.

To add to the country's troubles, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared unilateral independence in a violent conflict in 1997.

In an effort to bring the breakaway islands back into the fold, Moheli, Anjouan and the largest island, Grande Comore, were granted their own presidents and greater autonomy under a 2001 constitution.

The Union of the Comoros, under the overall leadership of President Azali Assoumani, retained control of security and financial matters.

The people of the Comoros are among the poorest in Africa and are heavily dependent on foreign aid. Natural resources are in short supply and the islands' chief exports - vanilla, cloves and perfume essence - are prone to price fluctuations. Money sent home by Comorans living abroad is an important source of foreign exchange.

The descendants of Arab traders, Malay immigrants and African peoples contribute to the islands' complex ethnic mix.

FACTS

• Population: 812,000 (UN, 2005)
• Capital: Moroni
• Area: 1,862 sq km (719 sq miles)
• Major languages: Arabic, French, Comoran (a blend of Swahili and Arabic)
• Major religion: Islam
• Life expectancy: 61 years (men), 65 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 Comoran franc = 100 centimes
• Main exports: Vanilla, cloves, perfume oil, copra
• GNI per capita: US $450 (World Bank, 2005)
• Internet domain: .km
• International dialling code: +269

LEADERS

President (Union of the Comoros): Azali Assoumani

Azali Assoumani, a former army officer who came to power in a coup, was named president of a re-united Comoros after elections in April 2002. The title was confirmed by an international committee overseeing the islands' transition to the Union of Comoros.

Coup leader Azali Assoumani became head of Comoros union

The presidents of the three semi-autonomous islands - Anjouan, Moheli and Grande Comore - are vice presidents of the Union of Comoros. A 33-member national assembly sits on Grande Comore.

Under the 2001 constitution, Mr Assoumani, a native of Grande Comore, is expected to step down at elections in 2006 to allow the presidency to be passed to another island.

Born in 1959, Azali Assoumani took power in a coup in April 1999 in the wake of a violent backlash against people originating from the breakaway island of Anjouan.