British Indian Ocean Territory flag

British Indian Ocean Territory

Capital

Diego Garcia

Region

Africa

Population

N/A

Area (km²)

60

💡Quick Summary

The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is a remote British overseas territory comprising the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, with a total land area of just 60 km² and Diego Garcia serving as its administrative capital and primary hub. Classified under the Africa region, it hosts a major US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, but has no permanent civilian population or recorded GDP, making it one of the world's most isolated and strategically vital outposts. Despite its tiny size, BIOT remains embroiled in international disputes over sovereignty and the rights of displaced Chagossian islanders.

Key Insights

Small Landmass, Vast Strategic Importance

The territory covers a relatively small land area of 60 square kilometers, yet its strategic importance is immense due to the presence of the US military base on Diego Garcia. This small land footprint belies its critical role in global military and logistical operations.

Geopolitical Regional Misalignment

Despite being physically located in the central Indian Ocean, BIOT is officially categorized under the 'Africa' region and 'Eastern Africa' subregion. This classification reflects geopolitical and historical administrative groupings rather than strict geographical proximity to the African continent.

Extreme Population Density Anomaly

With a population of zero and a defined land area of 60 square kilometers, the population density calculation is mathematically zero. This contrasts sharply with almost every other territory globally, highlighting its status as an uninhabited, strategically controlled zone.

Capital City with No Residents

Diego Garcia is listed as the capital of BIOT, yet the territory has no permanent population. This creates the unusual scenario of a capital city designation serving purely administrative or military purposes rather than acting as a center for civilian life or governance.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

No economic data available

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