This volume, one of a series of handbooks on foreign culture, is intended as a reference tool for military and other personnel requiring an objective, comprehensive, and balanced description of the Indian Ocean Territories, namely, the two republics of Meldives and Mauritius, and the two European dependencies of Seychelles and Reunion. An analytical appraisal of social, economic, and political aspects is provided with emphasis on the interaction of these societal elements in an attempt to convey to the reader an understanding of the country and the people of the area who widely differ in ethnic backgrounds and from one territory to another. The handbook provides a description of not only the physical characteristics of the territories but also of changes that are expected to occur. Since none of the territories are economically self-sufficient, the need for economic diversification and development is a recurring theme. Other information about the territories includes historical background, physical environment, population and labor force, ethnic groups, languages, religion, culture and security. Additional features are an area summary and a bibliography. Related documents are: SO 002 053 through SO 002 058, SO 002 428, and SO 002 249. (Author/SJM)