Chagos Islands
Definition
The Chagos Islands, also known as the Chagos Archipelago, are a group of seven atolls comprising more than 60 islands in the central Indian Ocean, about 500 kilometres south of the Maldives.
They form the British Indian Ocean Territory and include Diego Garcia, a strategically vital atoll hosting a joint United States-United Kingdom military base.
The islands have been at the center of a sovereignty dispute between the United Kingdom and Mauritius; in October 2024, the UK agreed to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while securing a long-term lease for the Diego Garcia base.
Examples
The Chagos Islands' dramatic handover has world leaders debating whether paradise comes with a non-compete clause.
While Mauritius celebrates gaining the Chagos Islands, Diego Garcia's residents are just relieved the rent stays the same.
Tourists eyeing the Chagos Islands should pack clearance codes instead of sunscreen—geopolitics beats beach vibes every time.
The Chagos Islands remind us that even coral atolls can't escape the fine print of international real estate deals.