It also is the world's second largest producer of vanilla. Principal food crops are coconuts, bananas, and cassava. The country lacks the infrastructure necessary for development. The islands' ports are rudimentary, although a deep-water facility was recently completed on Anjouan. Only small vessels can approach the existing quays in Moroni on Grande Comore, despite recent improvements.
Most freight is sent first to Mombasa or Reunion and transshipped from there.
France, Comoros' major trading partner, also provides direct budgetary support essential to the government's daily operations. Comoros has an international airport at Hahaya on Grande Comore. In November 1975, Comoros became the 143d member of the United Nations. The new nation was defined as consisting of the entire archipelago, despite the fact that France maintains control over Mayotte. Comoros also is a member of the Organization of African Unity, the European Development Fund, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Indian Ocean Commission, and the African Development Bank.