Get app
Photo: Sarahmcq, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.How much do you know about the Comoros? Test your knowledge on this beautiful Indian Ocean archipelago, from its volcanic landscapes and rare wildlife to its rich history and unique cultural traditions.
Island Explorer 0–4 · Fragrant Isle Friend 5–8 · Moon Island Master 9–10
Pick one
The West Indian Ocean coelacanth was first rediscovered off South Africa in 1938, but its primary home was identified in the Comoros in 1952. These mysterious, nocturnal deep-sea fish can grow up to two meters long and have unique lobed fins that move much like the limbs of land animals.
Photo: Bruce A.S. Henderson, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.
Pick one
As early as the year 933, Omani sailors called the Comoros the Perfume Islands. The islands still grow and export fragrant crops such as vanilla, cloves and flowers that are used to make perfume.
Pick one
Shikomori (or Comorian) is a Bantu language closely related to Swahili, but heavily influenced by Arabic and French. Each of the islands speaks a slightly different dialect. It is widely used in daily life, while French and Arabic are often utilized in formal administration and religious contexts.
Pick one
The Comorian franc is tied to the euro at a fixed rate that France guarantees. Its coins are minted in France by the Monnaie de Paris, and some carry the words 'Let's increase food production', part of a United Nations food programme.
Pick one
Ylang-ylang oil is extracted from the yellow flowers of the Cananga odorata tree. The Comoros produces a significant portion of the global supply, which is highly sought after by famous luxury perfume houses like Chanel. Interestingly, the flowers must be hand-harvested at dawn to preserve their delicate scent.
Photo: Vinayaraj, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Pick one
The chiromani is a traditional, hand-woven or printed cotton shawl featuring a distinctive two-tone pattern, typically red and white. It is worn with pride by Comorian women as a symbol of cultural identity. Traditionally, the specific way a woman drapes her chiromani can subtly signal her social or marital status.
Pick one
Mount Karthala is an active shield volcano rising to 2,361 metres, the highest point of the Comoros. Its frequent eruptions, most recently in 2005 and 2006, have shaped a summit caldera about three by four kilometres wide, which hikers climb up to see.
Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
Pick one
Lac Salé, located near the northern tip of Grande Comore, is a deep, circular saltwater lake formed inside a volcanic crater. Local legends say the lake is bottomless and holds spiritual significance. Because of its high salt concentration, the water is incredibly dense, making it easy for swimmers to float.
Pick one
Livingstone's fruit bat, also called the Comoro flying fox, is the largest bat of the Comoros, with wings up to about 1.4 metres across. Unlike most bats it can soar on rising warm air, a bit like a bird of prey.
Photo: Adrian Pingstone, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.
Pick one
Moroni, the largest city and capital of the Comoros, lies on the west coast of Grande Comore (also called Ngazidja). Its name means 'at the river', and its old town is a maze of narrow alleys around the Old Friday Mosque, first built in 1427, which overlooks the harbour.
Photo: Woodlouse, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Paste the code into your page. The player fits itself in, and every vote counts in Votur.
On WordPress, Ghost or Squarespace? Just paste the link of this page into your post.
This is how it looks
Also fun
