Comoros, independent state comprising a group of islands located at the northern entrance of the Mozambique Channel, between the African mainland and the island of Madagascar. Officially called the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros, the archipelago includes four major islands: Grande Comore (Njazidja), Mohéli (Mwali), Anjouan (Nzwani), and Mayotte. Sovereignty of Mayotte is claimed by the government of the republic; the island, however, remains a dependency of France. The republic (including Mayotte) has an area of 2236 sq. km (863 sq. mi.).