the laws of the UK, where applicable, apply

Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952) head of government: Commissioner John WHITE (since NA);
Administrator Louise SAVILL (since NA); note - both reside in the UK
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; commissioner and administrator
appointed by the monarch cabinet: NA

Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US: 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 centered on the outer half of the flag

Economy British Indian Ocean Territory

Economy - overview: All economic activity is concentrated on the
largest island of Diego Garcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are
located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the
military installations are done by military and contract employees from
the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. There are no industrial
or agricultural activities on the islands. When the Ilois return, they
plan to reestablish sugarcane production and fishing.

Electricity - production: NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by the
US military

Electricity - consumption: NA kWh

Communications British Indian Ocean Territory

Telephones - main lines in use: NA

Telephone system: general assessment: separate facilities for military
and public needs are available domestic: all commercial telephone services
are available, including connection to the Internet international:
international telephone service is carried by satellite (2000)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios: NA

Television broadcast stations: 1 (1997)

Televisions: NA

Internet country code: .io

Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000)

Transportation British Indian Ocean Territory

Highways: total: NA km paved: short stretch of paved road of NA km
between port and airfield on Diego Garcia unpaved: NA km

Waterways: none

Ports and harbors: Diego Garcia

Airports: 1 (2001)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2001)

Military British Indian Ocean Territory

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK; the US lease
on Diego Garcia expires in 2016

Transnational Issues British Ind