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GEOGRAPHY
Location:
Southern Africa, group of islands in the Mozambique Channel,
about two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and
northern Mozambique
total
area: 2,171 sq km (838 sq. mi.)
major
islands: Grande Comore (1,025 sq. km.), Anjouan (424 sq. km.),
Mayotte (374 sq. km.), and Moheli (211 sq. km.)
Cities:
Capital--Moroni (pop. 30,000), Mutsamudu (pop. 20,000)
comparative
area: slightly less than half the size of Delaware
exclusive
economic zone: 200 nm
International
disputes: claims French-administered Mayotte
Climate:
tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)
Terrain:
volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills
Natural
resources: negligible
current
issues: soil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation
on slopes without proper terracing; deforestation
natural
hazards: cyclones and tsunamis possible during rainy season
(December to April); Mount Kartala on Grand Comore is an active
volcano
international
agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered
Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection;
signed, but not ratified - Desertification
Note:
important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel
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