The Comoros is a volcanic archipelago off Africa’s east coast, in the warm Indian Ocean waters of the Mozambique Channel. The nation state’s largest island, Grande Comore (Ngazidja) is ringed by beaches and old lava from active Mt. Karthala volcano. Around the port and medina in the capital, Moroni, are carved doors and a white colonnaded mosque, the Ancienne Mosquée du Vendredi, recalling the islands’ Arab heritage.

It became part of the French colonial empire in the end of 19th century before becoming independent in 1975. The Comoros is one of the world's poorest countries. The Comoros Franc is the official currency of Comoros. It is nominally subdivided into 100 centimes, although no centime denominations have ever been issued. The first Comorian paper money was issued in 1920.

We are looking at a 500 francs banknote issued in 1994. This colourful note has the cultural setup of the Comoros Islands with native women; boats; beach; and palm trees depicted on the obverse and the reverse.

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