British Indian Ocean Territory Archives and Libraries

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British Indian Ocean Territory

Archives and Libraries

• The British Indian Ocean Territory is constitutionally distinct and separate from the UK, with its own laws and Administration. The Territory is administered from London, by a Commissioner appointed by The Queen, who is assisted by a Deputy Commissioner and Administrator.
• In 1966 the UK agreed with the USA to make BIOT available for the defense purposes of the two countries.
• The British Indian Ocean Territory constitution states that "no person has the right of abode" in the territory as it "was constituted and is set aside to be available for the defense purposes of the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of the United States of America", and accordingly, "no person is entitled to enter or be present in the Territory except as authorized" by its laws.
• As there is no permanent population, or census, information on the demographics of the territory is limited; the size of the population is related to its offensive requirements. Population is normally limited to official visitors and military-essential personnel only, and family members are not authorized to travel to Diego Garcia (the island therefore has no schools).
• Prior to 1965, British Indian Ocean Territory was part of Mauritius. See Mauritius Archives and Libraries.

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BIOT Administration
Overseas Territories Directorate
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
King Charles Street
SW1A 2AH British Indian Ocean Territory

E-mail: BIOTAdmin@fco.gov.uk
Fax: 020 7008 1589