COMOROS

The islands became a French colony following the Berlin conference of 1886-7 and remained under French political control until 1975 when the islands unilaterally declared independence from France. Three of the islands, Ngazidja (Grande Comore), Mwali (Moheli), and Ndzuwani (Anjouan) are now forming the Union of Comoros and have been given considerable autonomy. Although recognized by the United Nations' General Assembly as part of the independent nation of the Comoros, the fourth major island of the archipelago, Maoré (Mayotte), continues to be administered by France in violation of international law... There is an abundance of life in the sea around the Comoros. One can find everything from giant whales, sharks, manta rays, sailfish, sunfish, lobsters, crabs and tiny shrimp. Coral reefs, miles of sandy beaches, plus fresh water streams and shoreline springs provide multiple habitats for the marine life.

Primary location: Chicago United States