The Comoro Islands are a group of volcanic islands in the Mozambique Channel to the north-west of Madagascar and facing Mozambique. An arm of the Indian Ocean lying between Madagascar and the African mainland. Three of the islands form the Union of the Comoros, a sovereign nation, while Mayotte belongs to France. These volcanic islands are: Ngazidja, Ndzuwani, Mwali, Mayotte. The city of Moroni is the capital; Arabic, Comorian, and French are the official languages; Comorian Franc is the national currency.