Archaeological evidence dates the first inhabitants of the Comoros back to the 6th century, probably of African origin.

Islamic culture spread over the Comoros at around the 10th century, and local rulers held power in the land. The inhabitants made a living by trading goods with markets in the Middle East, India, Kenya, and Tanzania. This led to the rise of the Swahili culture.

The first Europeans to discover the beautiful islands were the Portuguese, who arrived in the 1500’s. Arab traders from the sea influenced the Comorian population, and Shirazi settlers from Iran followed. The Arabs and Shirazis set up sultanates and built mosques in the Island.

France purchased the Island in 1841 during the rise of European empire building. All four Comoros islands became a single colony in 1908. They were governed through Madagascar from 1912 – 1946. In 1946, the islands were no longer administratively attached to Madagascar and formed a united and recognized administrative entity.

In 1975 that the Comoros parliament declared unilateral independence for the four islands. Since Independence, there have been many periods of political instability in the Comoros (including over 20 coups).