Country Profile: British Indian Ocean Territory
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is a remote archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, south of India and strategically positioned between Africa and Indonesia. Comprised mainly of the Chagos Archipelago, this territory includes only one inhabited island, Diego Garcia, which supports a major UK-US military facility. The population is not permanently resident, as the territory was formerly home to agricultural communities that have since been relocated. Economically, BIOT's activities are centered around military installations and limited exports of fish, alongside oil exports that have recently increased following diplomatic resolutions with Mauritius.
Geography
The British Indian Ocean Territory, an archipelago of 55 islands, is situated in the tropical marine climate of the Indian Ocean. The total land area is approximately 60 sq km, predominantly flat coral atolls, with Diego Garcia being the only inhabited island. The territory features a coastline of 698 km and is characterized by its low elevation, with the highest point being only 9 m above sea level.
- Total area: 60 sq km (land area)
- Coastline: 698 km
- Climate: Tropical marine; hot and humid
- Highest point: 9 m (Diego Garcia)
- Natural hazards: None; outside Indian Ocean cyclone routes
People and Society
The British Indian Ocean Territory has no permanent residents, with all inhabitants being temporary military personnel from the UK and the US stationed on Diego Garcia. This unique demographic situation stems from the historical relocation of the Chagossian population between 1967 and 1973, which remains a significant social and political issue.
- Permanent population: None
- Inhabited island: Diego Garcia hosts military personnel
Economy
The economy of the British Indian Ocean Territory is minimal and revolves mainly around the military installations on Diego Garcia, which allow for some economic activity. Recent agreements with Mauritius have opened new opportunities for oil exportation, while fishing is limited due to established marine reserves.
- Major exports: Fish, primarily to Singapore (86% in 2023)
- Top import partner: Greece (52% in 2023)
- Primary import commodities: Refined petroleum, animal products
- Exchange rate: The US dollar is utilized as currency
Government
The British Indian Ocean Territory is a UK overseas territory managed from London, with a commissioner acting as the local representative. The legal framework is based on UK laws, and governance is under the purview of the monarchy. With ongoing geopolitical interests surrounding Diego Garcia, the territory also grapples with historical claims from the displaced Chagossians.
- Dependency status: Overseas territory of the UK
- Capital: Administered from London
- Chief of state: King Charles III
- Local governance: Nishi Dholakia is the appointed commissioner.
Military and Security
The British Indian Ocean Territory has no regular military forces; defense responsibilities lie with the UK. Diego Garcia serves as a crucial military base for both the UK and the US, hosting key surveillance and operational systems. A recent agreement with Mauritius will enable the UK to retain control of the base for another 99 years.
- Military installations: Joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia
- Defense responsibility: UK
- Sovereignty agreement: Signed with Mauritius (May 22, 2025)
Energy
The territory's energy consumption is closely linked to the military installations, with a reliance on imported petroleum products. No significant renewable energy initiatives are reported, reflecting the limited civilian infrastructure and permanent population.
- Primary energy source: Imported refined petroleum
Environment
The environmental concerns of the British Indian Ocean Territory primarily involve wastewater discharge into the lagoon at Diego Garcia. The territory supports a unique tropical marine ecosystem, but human activity is limited due to its military orientation.
- Environmental issues: Wastewater discharge into the lagoon
- Land use: 100% non-agricultural (2018 est.)
Transportation
Transportation within the British Indian Ocean Territory is limited to Diego Garcia, which has one airport and a very small port facilitating military and logistical operations. The island functions primarily as a naval support facility.
- Airports: 1 (projected for 2025)
- Ports: 1 (Diego Garcia)
Communications
The British Indian Ocean Territory's communication infrastructure includes military broadcasting services and access to internet services. Diego Garcia is also significant for being home to one of the four dedicated ground GPS antennas.
- Broadcast media: Armed Forces Radio and Television Service
- Internet country code: .io
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 60 sq km | Total land area |
| Coastline | 698 km | Total coastline length |
| Population | None | No permanent inhabitants |
| Exports (to Singapore) | 86% of total exports | Major export partner |
| Imports (from Greece) | 52% of total imports | Major import partner |
| Military base control | 99 years (from 2025) | Lease agreement with Mauritius |
| Energy source | Refined petroleum | Primary energy source |
| Climate | Tropical marine | Characteristic of the region |
| Highest elevation | 9 m | Highest point in the territory |
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