Moroni is the capital of the Comoros, a volcanic archipelago in the Mozambique Channel. The nation is often called the 'Perfume Islands' because it is the world's largest producer of ylang-ylang essence, a key ingredient in luxury perfumes like Chanel No. 5. Comoros is also a major producer of vanilla and cloves. Moroni is situated at the foot of Mount Karthala, one of the world's largest active shield volcanoes, which has one of the largest calderas on the planet. The city's architecture reflects its diverse history, blending Arab-Islamic culture with French colonial and African influences. The 15th-century Vendredi Mosque (Friday Mosque) is a central landmark. Comoros is a member of the Arab League and is unique for being one of the few African nations with a predominant Swahili-Arab heritage situated in the Indian Ocean.