Country Information
| Sovereign State | No (British Overseas Territory) |
| Country Codes | IO, IOT, 086 |
| Official Name | British Indian Ocean Territory |
| Continent | Asia (located in the Indian Ocean) |
| Capital | Diego Garcia (Administrative center) |
| Government Type | British Overseas Territory |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| Calling Code | +246 |
| Member Of | N/A (Overseas territory of the United Kingdom) |
| Population | No indigenous inhabitants; small military and contractor population (Approx. 3,000-4,000) |
| Total Area | 60 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Unnamed location on Diego Garcia (15 meters or 49 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Indian Ocean (0 meters or 0 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | N/A |
| Life Expectancy | N/A |
| Internet TLD | .io |
National Anthem
God save our gracious King!
Long live our noble King!
God save the King!
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the King.
Thy choicest gifts in store
On him be pleased to pour,
Long may he reign.
May he defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the King.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the British Indian Ocean Territory Flag
The flag of the British Indian Ocean Territory was adopted on November 8, 1990. It is one of the newer flags among British Overseas Territories and reflects the unique status and history of this territory.
The flag consists of the Union Jack in the canton, representing the territory’s connection to the United Kingdom, and the territory’s coat of arms on a white field in the fly. The coat of arms features a palm tree and white waves, symbolizing the tropical and oceanic nature of the territory. A crown is situated above the shield, representing the monarchy of the United Kingdom.
The flag’s design is significant as it represents the dual aspects of the territory: its geographical nature and its political status as a British Overseas Territory. The palm tree and the waves depict the primary geographical features of the islands located in the Indian Ocean, while the Union Jack and the crown reflect British sovereignty.
The British Indian Ocean Territory, particularly Diego Garcia, has been a strategic military base for the United Kingdom and the United States since the 1960s. The flag does not represent a native or permanent population but rather the territory’s status under British administration. The flag is used in official capacities and on governmental buildings but does not have a widespread presence due to the limited civilian and transient military population in the territory. The flag symbolizes the unique geopolitical significance of the British Indian Ocean Territory in international affairs.