The Chagos Island archipelago extends over an area of almost 22,000 square miles, and is located in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
History
Used by the British during WWII. In 1965, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) was created to provide administrative control of the area. In December of 1966, the United Kingdom and the United States signed a bilateral agreement making the islands of the BIOT available for defense purposes to both governments.
Diego Garcia
Main island in the chain. Discovered by Portuguese explorers in the early 1500's. During WWII, it was a base area.
