The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is a British Overseas Territory located in the Indian Ocean, about halfway between Africa and Indonesia. It is a group of islands including the Chagos Archipelago, the largest of which is Diego Garcia. The territory is uninhabited, and the only inhabitants are military personnel and civilian contractors working on the US military base on Diego Garcia.
The BIOT was created in 1965, when the United Kingdom excised the Chagos Archipelago from its colony of Mauritius, in order to establish a military base on Diego Garcia. The United States now operates a joint military base on Diego Garcia, which is used for strategic military operations in the Middle East and Africa.
The BIOT is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life, which makes it a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The islands are also home to a variety of bird species, including the red-footed booby and the brown booby. The islands are also home to unique species of plants and animals that are not found elsewhere in the world.
The BIOT is also known for its unique history and culture. The Chagos Islanders, the original inhabitants of the islands, were forcibly removed by the British government in the 1960s and 1970s, to make way for the military base on Diego Garcia. The Chagos Islanders have been fighting for their right to return to their homeland for many years.
The BIOT's environment and biodiversity is protected by the British Indian Ocean Territory (Environmental Management) Ordinance, which was passed in 2010, it provides for the protection of the BIOT’s biodiversity and the management of its natural resources.
