British Indian Ocean Territory
The British Indian Ocean Territory (English: British Indian Ocean Territory; BIOT) is a British overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, about midway between Africa and Indonesia, at about 6 ° S, 71 ° 30′E. The Territory was established as a part of the United Kingdom on November 8, 1965, and consisted of the Chagos Archipelago, Aldabra, Farquhar and Des Roches. On June 23, 1976 were Aldabra, Farquhar and Des Roches returned to Seychelles as a result of their impending independence. Since there is only the BIOT six main islands of the Chagos Archipelago.
Diego Garcia, the largest and southernmost island, situated in a strategic location in the central Indian Ocean, home to a British / American military base. Due to the special military status were all natives (mostly farmers) the island between 1967 and 1973 abandoned. Most settled in Mauritius, the Seychelles others. In 2000 the compulsory emigration undone, the island still retained his military status. The total area of the site covers approximately 60 square kilometers.
The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II and the Government have Commissioner David Ross MacLennan and Administrator Don Cairns, who both live in the UK. No elections are held, and the administrator are appointed by the queen.
All economic activity is concentrated on Diego Garcia. In 1995 there were approximately 1700 American and British soldiers on the island and some 1,500 civilians. Although a British territory, is the currency the U.S. dollar (USD). There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the island. There are separate civil and military connections to the internet and telephone via satellite. The Territory has three stations, one AM and two FM and one TV station. His internet abbreviation IO.
Most islands have no roads, Diego Garcia is a short paved road between the airport and port, but most transportation is by bicycle. The only airport is the military base. Diego Garcia is about 3000 meters asphalt road.
British Virgin Islands & Brazil
