One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, contributes 40% to GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. The country is not self-sufficient in food production; rice, the main staple, accounts for the bulk of imports. The government - which is hampered by internal political disputes - is struggling to upgrade education and technical training, privatize commercial and industrial enterprises, improve health services, diversify exports, promote tourism, and reduce the high population growth rate. The political problems have inhibited growth, which has averaged only about 1% in 2006-08. Remittances from 150,000 Comorans abroad help supplement GDP.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$741.7 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 208 $738 million (2007 est.)
$745.5 million (2006 est.)
note: data are in 2008 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
$532 million (2008 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
0.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191 -1% (2007 est.)
1.3% (2006 est.)