Indian Ocean Territories
Indian Ocean Territories
Islands in the Indian Ocean experience tropical marine conditions, including hot and humid weather, which is sometimes relieved by trade winds, and small amounts of rain. One exception, though, are the Heard and McDonald Islands, which have Antarctic conditions. The region occasionally experiences tropical storms throughout the year, and the area is known for its monsoons. There are a variety of natural resources on these islands, including excellent fishing, phosphate deposits, and coconuts. Heard & McDonald Islands are primarily used for scientific research, including an experiment to monitor global warming. The British Indian Ocean Territory's coral atolls are used for a U.S./UK military base.
Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Uninhabited territories of Australia
At a Glance
Official Name: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Area: 2 sq. mi. (5 sq. km)
British Indian Ocean Territory
Uninhabited territory of U.K.
At a Glance
Official Name: British Indian Ocean Territory
Area: 23 sq. mi. (60 sq. km)
Christmas Island
At a Glance
Official Name: Territory of Christmas Island
Area: 52 sq. mi. (135 sq. km)
Population: 2,564
Unit of Money: Australian dollar
Major Languages: English
Government: territory of Australia
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[Image not available for copyright reasons]
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
At a Glance
Official Name: Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Area: 5.4 sq. mi. (14 sq. km)
Population: 635
Unit of Money: Australian dollar
Major Languages: English, Malay
Government: territory of Australia
Heard and McDonald Islands
Uninhabited territories of Australia
At a Glance
Official Name: Heard and McDonald Islands
Area: 159 sq. mi. (412 sq. km)
Mayotte
At a Glance
Official Name: Territorial Collectivity of Mayotte
Area: 145 sq. mi. (375 sq. km)
Population: 163,366
Unit of Money: French franc
Major Languages: Mahoran, French
Government: territorial collectivity of France
Réunion
At a Glance
Official Name: Department of Réunion
Area: 965 sq. mi. (2,500 sq. km)
Population: 732,570
Unit of Money: French franc
Major Languages: French (official), Creole
Government: overseas department of France
[Image not available for copyright reasons]
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Indian Ocean Territories