Disputes - international maritime boundary dispute with Venezuela in the Gulf of Venezuela; territorial disputes with Nicaragua over Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank

Illicit drugs illicit producer of coca, opium poppies, and cannabis; cultivation of coca in 1997 - 79,500 hectares, an 18% increase over 1996; potential production of cocaine in 1997 - 125 metric tons, a 14% increase over 1996; cultivation of opium in 1997 - 6,600 hectares, a 5% increase over 1996; potential production of opium in 1997 - 66 metric tons, a 5% increase over 1996; the world's largest processor of coca derivatives into cocaine; supplier of cocaine to the US and other international drug markets; active aerial eradication program seeks to virtually eliminate coca and opium crops

Historical perspective Comoros has had difficulty in achieving political stability, having endured 18 coups or attempted coups since receiving independence from France in 1975. Most recently, in August 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared their independence from Comoros. An attempt in September 1997 by the government to reestablish control over the rebellious islands by force failed, and presently the Organization of African Unity is brokering negotiations to effect a reconciliation.

NOTE: The information regarding Colombia on this page is re-published from the 1998 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Colombia Transnational Issues 1998 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Colombia Transnational Issues 1998 should be addressed to the CIA.