UK cedes sovereignty to Mauritius.
- Geography:
- Location – Indian Ocean
- Comprises ~58 small, low-lying islands.
- Key islands: Salomon Islands, Diego Garcia, Nelsons Island.
- Strategic Importance:
- Diego Garcia: US naval support facility.
- ~1,600 km south of the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent.
- Topography: Highest point is an ocean-side dune on Diego Garcia.