The flag of the British Indian Ocean Territory has a distinctive design consisting of a wavy blue-and-white striped field with the Union Flag displayed in the canton and a palm tree rising above the St. Edward's Crown on the fly side. The alternating wavy lines on the flag symbolize the Indian Ocean, reflecting the territory's geographic location and its close connection to the surrounding waters. The depiction of the palm tree and the St. Edward's Crown serves as a representation of the British Indian Ocean Territory, emphasizing both its tropical environment and its status as a British Overseas Territory. The flag's design and symbolism encapsulate the territory's unique identity and its historical ties to the United Kingdom, underscoring its distinct geographical and cultural significance within the Indian Ocean region.
| Proportion: | 1:2 |
|---|---|
| Adopted: | November 8, 1990 |
| Flag image: | Animated GIF (25 frames looped) |
| Flag emoji code: | 🇮🇴 |
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), overseen by the United Kingdom, comprises several atolls and islands in the Indian Ocean, with Diego Garcia serving as its administrative center. The territory has a non-permanent military population of approximately 3,000 individuals. While the region remains largely uninhabited by civilians, Diego Garcia hosts a strategically significant military base that has been utilized by both the United Kingdom and the United States. The territory has been a subject of international attention due to controversies surrounding the displacement of the indigenous Chagossian population during the establishment of the military base. Despite its limited civilian presence, the British Indian Ocean Territory plays a critical role in military operations and strategic defense, reflecting its geopolitical importance in the Indian Ocean region.
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