Union of the Comoros (2001)

Comoros is an archipelago nation situated in the Indian Ocean off the south-east coast of Africa. The country officially comprises four main islands: Njazidja (formerly Grand Comore), Mwali (formerly Moheli), Nzwani (formerly Anjouan), and Mayotte.

In the late 19th century, France occupied the southern most island of the Comoros group, Mayotte and by the the early 20th century had also annexed the other three islands. 

The islands representative government announced independence from France in 1975.

There is some dispute within the nation about its actual make-up, with Mayotte (it voted against independence) still being governed as an overseas territory by France, yet claimed by the Comoros government and the islands of Nzwani and Mwali showing a desire to secede from the Comoros union.

The current flag dates from the 23rd of December 2001 and replaced a predominantly green flag, which highlighted the Muslim faith of the people. 

The Symbolic Meaning

The green triangle and crescent at the hoist stand for Islam and the four five-pointed stars represent the country's four main islands. 

Yellow represents the sun and the progress of the country. White symbolises liberty and and the purity of the people. Red represents the blood spilt for independence, while blue symbolises the Indian Ocean, which surrounds the island nation.