Overview of BIOT

Profile

The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) consists of coral atolls including the Chagos Archipelago with Diego Garcia, forming a strategic stronghold isolated in the central Indian Ocean. Separated from Mauritius and established as British territory in 1965, US-UK joint military bases have operated since the 1970s. Maximum elevation is approximately 2m, with tropical oceanic climate year-round high temperature and humidity. Administered remotely by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in London through Victoria, Seychelles, with no legislative body. Currently travel is essentially prohibited except for military personnel, though digital presence is significant through commercial use of .io domain.

Official name: British Indian Ocean Territory
Common name: BIOT
Numeric code: 086
Alpha-3 code: IOT
Alpha-2 code: IO
Population: Approx. 3,000 (military personnel and contractors only, no civilian permanent residents) (2023)
Population density: Approx. 50 persons/km² (calculated on 60km² land area)
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Diverse (according to individual beliefs of military personnel and contractors)
National anthem: God Save the King
Calling code: +246
Internet TLD: .io

History

Established as British territory in 1965, residents forcibly relocated by 1973. Since then used only for military purposes. In 2024 UK government announced policy to return territory to Mauritius.

The Chagos Archipelago was once part of Mauritius colony, but Britain separated it in 1965 to create BIOT. Between 1967-1973 approximately 1,500 islanders were relocated to Mauritius or Seychelles. From 1971 US military built base on Diego Garcia, becoming hub for Middle East operations including Afghanistan and Iraq. Since the 1990s Mauritius has contested sovereignty at the International Court of Justice, with 2019 UN General Assembly recommending British withdrawal. In October 2024, Britain agreed on sovereignty transfer with Mauritius, with base to be maintained and islander return to be permitted.

Geography & climate

Composed of atolls and low-lying coral islands, with white sand beaches and coconut palm forests spreading. Maximum elevation below 2m with no freshwater sources.

Tropical Oceanic (Monsoon Influence)

Area: Africa (Indian Ocean) / 60 km²
Capital: (Administrative center) Victoria, Seychelles
Largest city: Diego Garcia Base
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Abundant fishery resources (tuna species), Seabird breeding grounds, Coconuts for copra, Deep-sea mineral exploration potential, Wind and solar energy, Beautiful coral reefs, Shark sanctuary, Whale migration routes, Dark sky (zero light pollution), Birdwatching ecosystem

Politics

Government: British Overseas Territory, Commissioner Administration

Economy

Currency: US Dollar (USD)

GDP (nominal):

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: IOT

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

US military personnel, UK military personnel, Filipino technicians, Mauritian workers

National sports

Softball, Basketball, Fishing tournaments