British Indian Ocean Territory Government - 2024

Country name

conventional long form: British Indian Ocean Territory

conventional short form: none

abbreviation: BIOT

etymology: self-descriptive name specifying the territory's affiliation and location

Dependency status

overseas territory of the UK; administered by a commissioner, resident in the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in London

Capital

name: administered from London; often regarded as being on Diego Garcia

geographic coordinates: 7 18S, 12 24E

time difference: UTC+6 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Constitution

history: British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004

Legal system

the laws of the UK apply where applicable

Executive branch

chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022)

head of government: Commissioner Paul CANDLER (since 8 July 2021); Administrator Balraj DHANDA; note - both reside in the UK and are represented by Commander Colvin OSBORN, RN, Officer commanding British Forces on Diego Garcia (since January 2022)

cabinet: NA

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; commissioner and administrator appointed by the monarch

International organization participation

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US

embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description

white with six blue wavy horizontal stripes; the flag of the UK is in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the striped section bears a palm tree and yellow crown (the symbols of the territory) centered on the outer half of the flag; the wavy stripes represent the Indian Ocean; although not officially described, the six blue stripes may stand for the six main atolls of the archipelago

National anthem

note: as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the King" is official (see United Kingdom)