BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY

B.I.O.T.

Formed 1965, from Chagos Archipelago (formerly part of Mauritius) and Aldabra, Desroches and Farquhar Islands. The latter three islands were ceded to Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976. The Chagos Archipelago, which continued to be administered by Mauritius until 1976, thus remains the sole territory comprising the British Indian Ocean Territory. For texts dealing with jurisdiction, use CHAGOS ARCHIPELAGO.