<item><hi format=bold>International disputes:</hi> the entire Chagos Archipelago is claimed by Mauritius
<item><hi format=bold>Climate:</hi> tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds
<item><hi format=bold>Terrain:</hi> flat and low (up to 4 meters in elevation)
<item><hi format=bold>Natural resources:</hi> coconuts, fish
<item><hi format=bold>Land use:</hi>
<list style=hang>
<item>• <hi format=ital>arable land:</hi> 0%
<item>• <hi format=ital>permanent crops:</hi> 0%
<item>• <hi format=ital>meadows and pastures:</hi> 0%
<item>• <hi format=ital>forest and woodland:</hi> 0%
<item>• <hi format=ital>other:</hi> 100%
</list>
<item><hi format=bold>Irrigated land:</hi> 0 sq km
<item><hi format=bold>Environment:</hi>
<list style=hang>
<item>• <hi format=ital>current issues:</hi> NA
<item>• <hi format=ital>natural hazards:</hi> NA
<item>• <hi format=ital>international agreements:</hi> NA
</list>
<item><hi format=bold>Note:</hi> archipelago of 2,300 islands; Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility