British Indian Ocean Territory

British Indian Ocean Territory

British Overseas Territory (1965-present)

Location: Indian Ocean

Capital City: Diego Garcia

Government type: British military-administered territory

Main languages: English

Main religions: Protestant Christianity

Note: The BIOT is claimed in its entirety by Mauritius. In 2024, the British government announced plans to transfer the territory to Mauritius, but opposition from the United States, who uses the Diego Garcia military base, and the Chagossian people, the former civilian population of the territory, as well as opposition in Britain itself, led to the deal being "put on hold indefinitely" and it will likely be fully cancelled.

Chronology

1965: British Indian Ocean Territory created from islands subordinated to Seychelles and Mauritius

1971: Administered by military

1976: Aldabra, Farquhar and Desroches islands retroceded to Seychelles

Currency

Pound (2008-present)

1 Pound = 100 Pence

Coins from the British Indian Ocean Territory in the collection

•2 Pounds, 2019 (Queen Elizabeth II (1952-2022), cupronickel, Pobjoy mint (Tadworth), KM#28) Commemorative: World War II

Note: The BIOT uses British Pounds and US Dollars for everyday commerce, any coins minted in the territory's name are non-circulating collector pieces.