British Indian Ocean Territory

The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is an area of ocean located off the coast of Africa. The territory comprises the Chagos Archipelago, which is made up of more than 60 islands. The largest and most populous island is Diego Garcia, which is home to a military base and an airport. The BIOT was established in 1965, when the United Kingdom excised the Chagos Archipelago from its colony of Mauritius. The islands were subsequently used as a military base by the United States and United Kingdom during the Cold War. In 2004, the UK government announced its intention to return the islands to Mauritius. This process is currently ongoing. The BIOT is a popular tourist destination, due to its beautiful beaches and clear waters. The archipelago is also home to a variety of wildlife, including giant tortoises, dolphins, and birds.