Facts

Location: Southern Africa, group of islands at the northern mouth of the Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique

Area (only Total: 2,170 sq km

Climate: tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)

Terrain: volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills

Population: 731,775 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Arabic

Government type: republic

Capital (Name): Moroni

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+3

Independence: 6 July 1975

National holiday: Independence Day, 6 July