Ethnic divisions: civilian inhabitants, known as the Ilois, evacuated to
Mauritius before construction of UK and US defense facilities
- Government Long-form name: British Indian Ocean Territory (no short-form name); abbreviated BIOT
Type: dependent territory of the UK
Capital: none
Leaders:
Chief of State—Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
Head of Government—Commissioner R. EDIS (since NA 1988), Administrator Robin CROMPTON (since NA 1988); note—both officials reside in the UK
Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK)
Flag: the flag of the UK is used
- Economy Overview: All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installations are done by military and contract employees from the UK and US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands.
Electricity: provided by the US military