British Indian Ocean Territory

British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is a remote British Overseas Territory in the central Indian Ocean, made up of the coral islands of the Chagos Archipelago. It is best known for Diego Garcia, an atoll that hosts a joint UK–US military facility, while the surrounding reefs and atolls form one of the world's largest marine protected areas.

Diego Garcia is the only inhabited island and the main centre of activity in the territory. The other principal island groups, including Peros Banhos, Salomon and the Egmont Islands, are largely uninhabited and remain part of a strictly protected marine environment.

The archipelago consists of low-lying coral atolls, lagoons and extensive reefs. Historically, the islands were settled by people of African and South Asian descent who worked coconut plantations, and the Chagossian community was displaced in the late 1960s and early 1970s when the military base was developed.

Access to BIOT is tightly controlled and the territory is not a tourist destination. Entry is limited mainly to military personnel, contractors and officials, while visiting yachts may receive permits for safe passage through the outer islands.

There are no commercial flights. Travel to the territory is by pre-authorised military or official aircraft, and movement around Diego Garcia is arranged through base support services, so transport depends on official clearance rather than public networks.