Status: Partly Free
Legal Environment: 11
Political Influences: 18
Economic Pressures: 15
Total Score: 44

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 56
Religious Groups: Sunni Muslim (98 percent), Roman Catholic (2 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava
Capital: Moroni

A new constitution adopted in December 2001 provides for freedom of speech and of the press, and these rights are generally respected. Nevertheless, journalists are occasionally sued for defamation. Comoros has several independent newspapers and one semiofficial weekly, Al-Watwan. However, they appear only sporadically because of limited resources. The Comoran Print Media Association met with President Azali Assoumani this year and pledged to "behave responsibly" while still protecting freedom of expression. Of the two national radio stations, one (Radio Comoros) is run by the government; the other (Radio Tropique) is run by the opposition. Several local radio and television stations are also available, as is French television. Satellite antennas are popular. Although the independent print and broadcast media operate without overt government interference and are critical of official policies, some journalists are believed to exercise self-censorship. Reporters are occasionally harassed. Lack of resources is a major impediment to a more robust media in Comoros.

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