Key Economic Insights: The economy of Comoros generates an estimated GDP of $1.35 billion ($1,663 per capita) supporting a population of 866,628. Productive output is anchored by 54.5% services, 9.5% industry and manufacturing, and 35.9% agriculture and natural resource extraction. Key merchandise exports include cloves, vanilla, and essential oils (including ylang-ylang), directed primarily toward Singapore, Turkey, France, and the Netherlands.
Comoros, with a population of approximately 866,628 (2024), is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean covering 1,861 square kilometers.
Comoros has a GDP of approximately $1.35 billion (2023, current USD, World Bank). The GDP per capita is approximately $1,663 (2024, current USD, World Bank). The economy is among the world’s least developed, heavily reliant on agriculture, remittances, and foreign aid.
Comoros Economic Structure & Sector Analysis
| Economic Dimension | Official Indicator (2024–2026) | Authoritative Source |
|---|---|---|
| GDP & Macro Output | Nominal GDP: $1.35 billion | Per Capita: $1,663 | World Bank WDI / IMF |
| Sector Breakdown | Services: 54.5% | Industry: 9.5% | Agriculture: 35.9% | World Bank National Accounts |
| Trade & Commodities | Top Exports: cloves, vanilla, and essential oils (including ylang-ylang) (Total: $504 million) | UN Comtrade / OEC |
| Demographics & Labor | Population: 866,628 | Distributed workforce across formal & primary sectors | ILO / UN Population Division |
| Strategic Trade Corridors | Leading Trade Partners: Singapore, Turkey, France, and the Netherlands | World Bank WITS / IMF DOTS |
- Primary activities (agriculture, forestry, fishing): approximately 35.9% of GDP (2023, World Bank).
- Secondary activities (industry): approximately 9.5% of GDP (2023, World Bank).
- Tertiary activities (services): approximately 54.5% of GDP (2023, World Bank).
Primary Sector of Comoros
Agricultural land covers 71.47% of the country. The main products include coconuts, bananas, cassava, yams, maize, taro, milk, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and pulses.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing contribute approximately 35.9% to GDP (2023) and engage the large majority of the workforce. The variety of crops and animal products highlights the sector’s importance and sustains livelihoods in Comoros.
The country’s geological diversity, with its volcanic origins, influences the availability of natural resources. The primary sector heavily relies on fish, contributing significantly to the economy through fishing industries and exports.
Secondary Sector of Comoros
In Comoros, industrial products include perfume distillation.
In 2023, manufactures in the total exports of Comoros accounted for a minimal percentage, indicating their limited significance in driving the country’s export economy.
Tertiary sector of Comoros
The tertiary sector in Comoros encompasses services that enhance productivity and meet needs through knowledge and time. Main activities include healthcare, education, banking, communication, tourism, transportation, and security services.
Specifically, Comoros’ tourism industry holds limited significance in its economy. With a mere 50,360 annual arrivals and a low tourist-to-population ratio, the sector’s contribution remains negligible. Efforts are needed to harness Comoros’ potential and diversify its economic drivers beyond tourism.
Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with approximately 839,000 subscriptions, supporting technological growth by enhancing communication and access to digital services across the population.
International Trade of Comoros
Import Activities of Comoros
The import activities of Comoros are of high importance, accounting for approximately 35.3% of GDP in 2023, totaling approximately $504 million (goods and services, balance of payments basis, World Bank). Merchandise imports alone were approximately $273 million (WITS).
Comoros primarily imports rice, refined petroleum, poultry, water, and synthetic fabric. Its main import partners are the UAE (25%), China (19%), India (12%), France (8%), and Tanzania (7%). These imports play a crucial role in meeting the country’s domestic demand and supporting its economy.
Exports Activities of Comoros
In 2023, Comoros had total exports of goods and services of approximately $148 million (balance of payments basis, World Bank). With exports accounting for approximately 10.4% of its GDP, export activities hold limited importance in driving the country’s economic growth. Merchandise exports alone were approximately $29 million (WITS).
Comoros primarily exports cloves, vanilla, and essential oils (including ylang-ylang). Comoros is the world’s leading producer of ylang-ylang essence. Its top export partners include Singapore, Turkey, France, and the Netherlands.
Comoros economy challenges in 2024
In 2024, Comoros faces economic challenges due to declining remittances and adverse impacts of cyclones and COVID-19. Structural and fiscal reforms are underway, but state-owned enterprises struggle. Despite manageable debts, the country’s liquidity environment remains fragile. Large foreign direct investments offer hope for recovery.
Sources
- World Bank: Comoros Data
- IMF: Comoros
- WITS: Comoros Trade Snapshot
- CIA World Factbook: Comoros
- UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
Last updated: August 2026
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