Anjouan, Volcanic island in Comoros
Anjouan is a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean with steep, forested slopes and black sand beaches throughout. Mount Ntingui rises above 1,500 meters and defines the island's triangular shape with its prominent peak.
France established a protectorate over the island in 1886 and formally annexed it in 1912 after forcing the last sultan to step down. This period shaped how the island was governed and its political path for decades to come.
The local people speak Shindzuani and practice Sunni Islam, with African, Arab, and French influences woven into daily customs. These traditions appear in how people build their homes, celebrate together, and live within their communities.
The island stays warm year-round with temperatures between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius (81 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit), though the mountains are cooler and the northeastern areas warmer. Visitors should prepare for humid conditions and steep terrain, especially when exploring inland areas.
Local farmers cultivate ylang-ylang, fragrant flowers that are processed into essential oil used in perfumes and cosmetics. The island remains one of the world's leading producers of this valuable ingredient for the fragrance industry.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
