1992 Edition
CIA World Factbook 1992 (Project Gutenberg)
Geography
Climate
tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds
Coastline
698 km
Comparative area
about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC
Disputes
the entire Chagos Archipelago is claimed by Mauritius
Environment
archipelago of 2,300 islands
Land area
60 km2; includes the island of Diego Garcia
Land boundaries
none
Land use
arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100%
Natural resources
coconuts, fish
Note
Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility
Terrain
flat and low (up to 4 meters in elevation)
Territorial sea
UK announced establishment of 200-nm fishery zone in August 1991
Total area
60 km2
People and Society
Ethnic divisions
civilian inhabitants, known as the Ilois, evacuated to Mauritius before construction of UK and US defense facilities
Population
no permanent civilian population; formerly about 3,000 islanders
Government
Capital
none
Chief of State
Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
Diplomatic representation
none (dependent territory of UK)
Flag
white with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and six blue wavy horizontal stripes bearing a palm tree and yellow crown centered on the outer half of the flag
Head of Government
Commissioner Mr. T. G. HARRIS; Administrator Mr. R. G. WELLS (since NA 1991); note - both reside in the UK
Long-form name
British Indian Ocean Territory (no short-form name); abbreviated BIOT
Type
dependent territory of the UK
Economy
Electricity
provided by the US military
Overview
All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installations are done by military and contract employees from the UK and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands.
Communications
Airports
1 with permanent-surface runways over 3,659 m on Diego Garcia
Highways
short stretch of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcia
Ports
Diego Garcia
Telecommunications
minimal facilities; broadcast stations (operated by US Navy) - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
Military and Security
Note
defense is the responsibility of the UK