It is part of the culture of the Comoros to send children to schools in which they learn the Quran. After the Quran has been taught, many children attend schools which were formerly run by the French. The language spoken, Comorian, is related to Swahili; French and Arabic are also spoken by the inhabitants of the island nation. Obviously, the main religion is Sunni Islam, which accounts for 98% of the faithful on the islands. Some French Roman Catholics also make up the islandsÂ’ population. Because of the Muslim influence on the island, guests should respect a conservative dress expectation and proper behavior is also expected. Alcohol is sold on the island, to be consumed in private, though, which is atypical for a Muslim nation.

Eating in the Comoros may be a new experience, as some dishes are much different than what you are used too. However, there are many dishes which one may find familiar, including barbecue, except on the Comoros, it will be goat meat. As an island, it should be expected that seafood will make up a large portion of the diet in the Comoros. Couscous, plantain, and other dishes are also available; one favorite is “Langouste a la vanilla,” which is made from lobster boiled in vanilla. If you do eat seafood, stay away from coelacanth, which is a “living fossil” and was once thought to be extinct. Most dishes include meat and rice, but produce such as chiles, bananas, and maize are available. Comorian cuisine is both varied and delicious.