British Indian Ocean Territory is located in Eastern Africa, and its capital is Diego Garcia. Its official currency is the United States dollar (USD).
What stands out
Practical reference
United States dollar (USD)
British Indian Ocean Territory uses United States dollar (USD), calling code +246, internet domain .io.
About British Indian Ocean Territory
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is a remote British Overseas Territory scattered across the central Indian Ocean, best known for its strategic military base on Diego Garcia and its pristine coral atolls that whisper of an untouched tropical paradise.
BIOT consists of the Chagos Archipelago, a chain of 55 low‑lying coral islands and atolls spread over 475 km of ocean. The largest atoll, Diego Garcia, features a lagoon encircled by a broad reef, white sandy beaches, and dense tropical foliage, while the surrounding waters host some of the world’s most diverse marine life and vibrant coral gardens.
Though the islands have no permanent civilian population, the cultural legacy of the displaced Chagossian people lives on through music, dance, and cuisine that blend African, Indian, and Creole influences. Their traditions are celebrated in diaspora communities throughout Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the United Kingdom, preserving a unique heritage tied to the islands’ former way of life.
The territory was created in 1965 when the United Kingdom detached the Chagos Archipelago from the colony of Mauritius to establish a military base. In 1971 the original Chagossian inhabitants were forcibly removed, a controversial episode that has led to ongoing legal battles and a United Nations advisory opinion affirming Mauritius’ claim to the islands.
Key facts
The atoll of Diego Garcia hosts the only permanent settlement, a joint UK‑US military base supporting strategic operations across the Indian Ocean.
BIOT covers just about 60 km² of land, but its Exclusive Economic Zone spans roughly 540,000 km² of ocean.
The islands are a designated Marine Protected Area, home to endangered species such as green turtles, dugongs, and a myriad of reef fish.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
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British Indian Ocean Territory: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of British Indian Ocean Territory?
The capital of British Indian Ocean Territory is Diego Garcia.
What currency is used in British Indian Ocean Territory?
British Indian Ocean Territory uses the United States dollar (USD), with the symbol $.
Where is British Indian Ocean Territory located?
British Indian Ocean Territory is located in Eastern Africa, Africa.
What are people from British Indian Ocean Territory called?
People from British Indian Ocean Territory are referred to as BIOT.
What is the phone calling code for British Indian Ocean Territory?
The international dialing code for British Indian Ocean Territory is +246.
What is the internet domain for British Indian Ocean Territory?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for British Indian Ocean Territory is .io.
What time zone is British Indian Ocean Territory in?
British Indian Ocean Territory uses the Indian/Chagos time zone.
What is British Indian Ocean Territory known for?
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is a remote British Overseas Territory scattered across the central Indian Ocean, best known for its strategic military base on Diego Garcia and its pristine coral atolls that whisper of an untouched tropical paradise.
Eastern Africa