Where is the British Indian Ocean territory located?

The British Indian Ocean Territory has been under continuous British sovereignty since 1814. BIOT is close to the very centre of the Indian Ocean, mid-way between Tanzania and Indonesia. Its nearest neighbours are the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The Territory covers 640,000 square kilometres of ocean but the land area is only 60 square kilometres.

What is the British Indian Ocean territory (Biot)?

The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is administered from London. We work to support security and good governance, and preserve marine environment and historical heritage. The British Indian Ocean Territory has been under continuous British sovereignty since 1814.

How is the British Indian Ocean territory governed?

The constitutional arrangements for BIOT are set out in the British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004 and related instruments. The Territory is administered from London, by a Commissioner appointed by The Queen, who is assisted by a Deputy Commissioner and Administrator.

Is there a native population in the British Indian Ocean territory?

There is no native population on the islands. BIOT is constitutionally distinct and separate from the UK, with its own laws and Administration. The constitutional arrangements for BIOT are set out in the British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004 and related instruments.

How many islands are in the British Indian Ocean territory?

Map of the British Indian Ocean Territory since 1976. The territory is an archipelago of 58 islands covering 56 square kilometres (22 sq mi). The largest island is Diego Garcia, which at 32.5 square kilometres (12.5 sq mi) accounts for about half of the territory's total land area.

Why should you visit the British Indian Ocean territory?

The wildlife and environment of the British Indian Ocean Territory are exceptional. The Territory has the greatest marine biodiversity in the UK and its Overseas Territories, as well as some of the cleanest seas and healthiest reef systems in the world which are protected by the largest no-take Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Indian Ocean.