| Location | archipelago in the Indian Ocean, south of India, about one-half the way from Africa to Indonesia |
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| Geographic coordinates | 6 00 S, 71 30 E; note - Diego Garcia 7 20 S, 72 25 E |
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| Zone | Asia |
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| Area | total: 54,400 sq km
land: 60 sq km; Diego Garcia 44 sq km
water: 54,340 sq km
note: includes the entire Chagos Archipelago of 55 islands |
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| Land boundaries | 0 km |
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| Coastline | 698 km |
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| Maritime claims | territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm |
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| Climate | tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds |
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| Terrain | flat and low (most areas do not exceed two meters in elevation) |
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| Elevation extremes | lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Diego Garcia 15 m |
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| Natural resources | coconuts, fish, sugarcane |
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| Irrigated land | 698 km |
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| Natural hazards | NA |
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Environment -
current issues | NA |
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| Geography - note | archipelago of 55 islands; Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility |
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