The Flag of the British Indian Ocean Territory
The flag of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) features a navy blue field with the Union Jack in the canton, signifying British sovereignty. In the fly, a palm tree and crown are superimposed on a white circle. The palm tree represents the natural vegetation of the islands, and the crown symbolizes the monarchy of the United Kingdom. The overall design reflects the territory's status as a British overseas territory located in the Indian Ocean.
History of The Flag of the British Indian Ocean Territory
The flag of the British Indian Ocean Territory was officially adopted on November 8, 1990. Prior to this, the territory, which was established in 1965 following the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius for strategic reasons, did not have its own unique flag and used the Union Jack for official purposes. The introduction of the flag coincided with efforts to establish a distinct identity for the territory, which is primarily known for hosting the US Naval Support Facility on Diego Garcia, one of its islands. The flag's design elements, including the Union Jack, palm tree, and crown, are meant to symbolize the territory's connections to the UK, its natural beauty, and its governance under the British Crown.