Union des Comores

Last year, I took a tour with Intrepid Travel to the islands of Comoros. The dozen travellers in my group were all inveterate world travellers who had accumulated well over 100 countries each. Postcards are such a great way to document your hard-to-get-to destinations.

The top one I sent to myself, and the ones below were sent to pals.

The Comoros, an archipelago of four islands in the Indian Ocean, has a rich and diverse history. Here's a brief overview:

- Early Settlement (6th century): The Comoros were first settled by Austronesian peoples from present-day Indonesia.

- Swahili and Islamic Influence (10th-16th centuries): The islands became a major trading hub, with Swahili merchants and Islamic scholars shaping the local culture.

- Portuguese and Malagasy Rule (16th-18th centuries): The Comoros were colonized by the Portuguese, followed by the Malagasy Empire.

- French Colonization (1843-1975): France took control of the islands, introducing European-style education, infrastructure, and administration.

- Independence (1975): The Comoros gained independence from France, with Ahmed Abdallah becoming the country's first president.

- Modern Era (1975-present): The Comoros has experienced periods of political instability, economic challenges, and environmental concerns, but remains a unique cultural melting pot with a strong sense of national identity.