The official name of the islands is the Federal and Islamic Republic of the Comoros. Until 1975, all the islands belonged to France. At that time, the three largest islands declared their independence; but Mayotte, the fourth island, chose to remain a French possession.

The Comorian are a blend of settlers from the past: Iranian traders, mainland Africans, Arabs, and Malagasy. Because of poor economic conditions, the islands receive monetary and technical support from other countries.

What Are Their Lives Like?
Most of the islanders work as farmers or fishermen, while a few breed cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys. A small number work in industry or in jobs relating to tourism. The Comoros Islands are very poor and underdeveloped.

The basic diet of the Comorian consists of rice, potatoes, corn, fish, coconuts, and bananas. Other crops that are grown are sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, and pineapples.

Although young people wear Western style clothing, traditional clothing is still common among the adults. In town, a Comorian man will typically wear a white cotton garment and a knee-length shirt, sometimes with a white jacket and a white skull cap. When he goes out of town, he wears a long cloth sarong (colorful skirt). Most women wear long, colorful cotton dresses, with bright shawls as face coverings. Other women prefer wearing black robes that cover their heads.

Polygamy (the practice of having more than one spouse) is an acceptable practice among the Nzwani Comorian. Children are expected to help with the farming, fishing, and caring of the animals. For recreation, the Nzwani Comorian enjoy dancing, singing, and playing instruments, especially horns and drums.

About 27% of all the Comorian live in cities; but whether in rural or urban areas, housing on the island is generally of poor quality. Although French and Arabic are the official languages of the islands, the Nzwani Comorian speak their own Swahili dialect.

What Are Their Beliefs?
The Nzwani Comorian are Shafiite Muslims, yet mosque attendance is very low. Mixed with their Islamic practices is a strong involvement in occultism and spirit possession.

Traditionally, the Nzwani Comorian have been very resistant to any kind of religious change; however, they are gradually becoming more receptive to other ideas.

What Are Their Needs?
The physical needs of the Nzwani Comorian are numerous. Major problems on the Comoros Islands include poverty, disease, and hunger. Educational levels are low, and only 46% of the population is literate.

There is a shortage of hospitals and doctors, and many people suffer from illnesses and chronic malnutrition. Because of a poor water supply, good hygiene is lacking. Such problems contribute to a high death rate, especially among young children.

The spiritual needs of the Nzwani Comorian are even greater than their physical needs. Though freedom of religion exists on the islands, evangelism is not well received by these Shafiite Muslims. Their commitment to Islam, coupled with involvement in occult practices, has made these people difficult to reach.

Two missions agencies are presently working among the Nzwani Comorian. Unfortunately, Christian resources are limited. Consequently, the number of Nzwani Comorian believers remains small. Prayer is the first step toward seeing these people reached with the Good News that Jesus Christ came to set them free.

Prayer Points

• Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go to the Comoros Islands and share the Gospel with the Nzwani Comorian.
• Ask the Lord to grant wisdom and favor to the two missions agencies that are targeting the Nzwani Comorian.
• Ask God to anoint the Gospel as it goes forth via radio in their area.
• Pray that God will reveal Himself to the Nzwani Comorian through dreams and visions.
• Pray that God will give the small number of Nzwani Comorian believers boldness to share Christ with their own people.
• Take authority over the spiritual principalities that are keeping the Nzwani Comorian bound.
• Ask the Lord to send Christian teachers and medical teams to work among the Nzwani Comorian.
• Ask God to raise up an army of intercessors for the Nzwani Comorian.

See also the following related groups: the Comorian of Mayotte; the Mwali Comorian of Comoros; the Ngazija Comorian of Comoros; and the Ngazija Comorian of Madagascar.

THE PEOPLE

• People name: Nzwani (Comorian)
• Country: Comoros
• Their language: Nzwani (Swahili)
• Population: (1990) 194,700
  (1995) 228,400
  (2000) 267,700
• Largest religion: Muslim (Shafiite) 99.9%
• Christians: 0%
• Church members: 0
• Scriptures in their own language: None
• Jesus Film in their own language: None
• Christian broadcasts in their own language: Available
• Mission agencies working among this people: 2
• Persons who have heard the Gospel: 66,200 (29%) Those evangelized by local Christians: 6,900 (3%)
  Those evangelized from the outside: 59,300 (26%)
• Persons who have never heard the Gospel: 162,200 (71%)

• Country: Comoros
• Population: (1990) 445,100
  (1995) 522,200
  (2000) 612,100
• Major peoples in size order: Comorian (Ngazija) 49%
  Comorian (Nzwani) 43.7%
  Comorian (Mwali) 4.5%
  Makua 1.6%
• Major religions: Muslim 98.1%
  Christian 1.2%
• Number of denominations: 6