Mohéli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mohéli
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Autonomous Island of the Union of the Comoros
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Mohéli is the lowermost shown of the Comoros islands.
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| Country | Comoros | |
| Capital | Fomboni | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 211 km2 (81 sq mi) | |
| Population | ||
| • Estimate
({{{pop_est_as_of}}})
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38,000 | |
| Time zone | UTC+03:00 (EAT) | |
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Mohéli, also known as Mwali, is a beautiful island located in the Indian Ocean. It is found off the coast of Africa and is part of the island nation called the Comoros. Mohéli is the smallest of the three main islands that make up the Comoros. Its capital city and largest town is Fomboni.
Contents
About Mohéli
Mohéli is a special place known for its amazing nature and quiet way of life. It is an "autonomous island," which means it has its own government that makes many decisions for the island, even though it is part of the larger Comoros nation. This allows Mohéli to manage its local affairs and protect its unique environment.
Joining the Comoros
In 1975, Mohéli decided to join the new nation of the Comoros. This union also included the islands of Grande Comore and Anjouan. Together, these islands formed the independent country we know today as the Comoros.
Geography and Nature
Mohéli is a small island, only about 211 square kilometers (81 square miles) in size. It has a hilly landscape with lush green forests and beautiful sandy beaches. The island is known for its clear waters and rich marine life.
Mohéli Marine Park
One of the most important places on Mohéli is the Mohéli Marine Park. This park was created to protect the ocean and the creatures that live there. It is the first national park in the Comoros.
Protecting Sea Turtles
The park is especially famous for its sea turtles. Many green sea turtles come to Mohéli's beaches to lay their eggs. Local people work hard to protect these turtles and their nesting sites. It's a wonderful example of how people can live alongside nature and help it thrive.
Other Wildlife
Besides sea turtles, the marine park is home to many other animals. You can find colorful fish, dolphins, and even humpback whales that visit the waters around Mohéli during certain times of the year. On land, the island has unique birds and the rare Livingstone's fruit bat.
Culture and Life on Mohéli
Life on Mohéli is generally peaceful and traditional. Most people on the island speak Comorian, which is a mix of Arabic and African languages. The main religion is Islam.
Fomboni: The Capital
Fomboni is the largest town and the capital of Mohéli. It's a small, charming place where you can find local markets and government buildings. Life in Fomboni is much slower-paced than in bigger cities around the world.
Economy and Daily Life
The people of Mohéli mostly rely on farming and fishing for their livelihoods. They grow crops like vanilla, cloves, and ylang-ylang, which are important for the island's economy. Tourism is also slowly growing, as more people discover Mohéli's natural beauty.
Images for kids
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Postage stamps were issued for Mohéli briefly under French rule; this two-centime value dates from 1906.
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Sable Beach, Mohéli
See also
In Spanish: Mohéli para niños
