The economic activities in Comoros split across primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary sectors, with services at 54.5% and agriculture an unusually large 35.9% of GDP. What are the main economic activities in Comoros? Industry contributes 9.5%, and the 2023 GDP sat near $1.35 billion. Farming, remittances, and aid sustain this Indian Ocean economy.
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.
What are the economic activities of Comoros?
- 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
What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?
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
What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?
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: June 20, 2026
Leave a Reply