About Mohéli (Mwali) – mwaliregistrar

About Mohéli (Mwali)

Mohéli (known locally as Mwali) is a jewel of the Comoros archipelago, celebrated for its lush nature and close-knit community. It is the smallest of the three main islands in the Union of Comoros, with an area of just 211 km² . Mohéli’s capital city is Fomboni, a tranquil seaside town that serves as the island’s administrative and economic center .

Despite its small size, Mohéli boasts a vibrant cultural heritage, blending African, Arab, and Malagasy influences in its language and traditions. The island’s population is around 50,000, contributing to an intimate society where family, religion, and tradition play key roles. Mohéli’s people primarily speak Comorian (Shikomori), and French is used in government and education, reflecting Comoros’ historical ties and official bilingual status . The island’s economy is based on agriculture (vanilla, ylang-ylang, cloves), artisanal fisheries, and a growing eco-tourism sector.

Mohéli is also known for its pristine marine environment – it is home to the first marine national park in the Comoros, underscoring the island’s commitment to conservation and sustainable development. As part of the Union of Comoros, Mohéli enjoys a degree of autonomy in local governance while contributing to the collective identity and progress of the nation.