British Indian Ocean Territory

Did you know?

• 🏝As of September 2026, the Chagos Archipelago is administered by the United Kingdom as the British Indian Ocean Territory. It has no permanent civilian population, and Diego Garcia hosts joint UK-US military facilities.
• 🏳️What does its flag mean? The flag of BIOT was officially adopted in 1990 and features a unique "marine" design among British flags: blue and white wavy lines — six blue and six white alternating waves symbolize the waters of the Indian Ocean surrounding the isolated archipelago. The Union Jack in the upper left corner (canton) indicates the status of a British overseas territory. A golden crown over a green coconut palm tree on the right side represents the primary flora of the islands, while the crown signifies its connection to the British Crown.
• 🚫Off-limits for tourists: It is virtually impossible for a regular traveler to visit. Access to the islands is strictly restricted due to the military base, and civilians (except for rare scientific expeditions or yachtsmen with special permits) are barred from entry.
• 🦀Haven for giant crabs: The archipelago is home to one of the world's largest populations of coconut crabs (robber crabs). These are the largest land-living arthropods on Earth, with a leg span that can reach up to 1 meter.
• 🏝️Treaty status: The United Kingdom and Mauritius signed an agreement on 22 May 2025 that provides for Mauritius to become sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago when the treaty enters into force. As of September 2026, it had not entered into force.