Trivia in BIOT

National symbols

Flag: Blue field with white wavy lines and Union Jack, central emblem of palm tree and crown

Emblem: Shield emblem featuring sea, sun, crown, and turtle

Trivia & facts

• .io domain popular with IT startups, generating millions of dollars annually
• Land area extremely small, about half the size within Tokyo's Yamanote Line
• BIOT vehicles drive left, but base also has right-hand traffic
• Diego Garcia runway can accommodate B-52 strategic bomber takeoffs and landings
• Mail handled only via military post, no general international post
• British and American outdoor movie screenings popular entertainment
• Waters designated as one of world's premier shark sanctuaries
• No natural freshwater sources, all water supplied by desalination plant
• Giant hermit crabs inhabiting coral reefs are protected
• Full starry skies ideal for Southern Hemisphere astronomical observation