British Indian Ocean Territory

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British Indian Ocean Territory British colony in the Indian Ocean comprising the islands of the Chagos Archipelago, 1900km (1200mi) ne of Mauritius. In 1814 France ceded the territory to Britain, and it was administered by Mauritius. In 1965, Britain bought it from Mauritius in order to build a joint US-UK naval base on Diego Garcia island. In 1976, the islands of Aldabra, Farquhar, and Desroches reverted to Seychelles administration. Industries: coconuts, fishing. Area: 80sq km (31sq mi). There is no permanent population.

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British Indian Ocean Territory

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