Country Profile: Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean, the world's third-largest ocean basin, is situated between Africa, the Southern Ocean, Asia, and Australia, covering an expansive area of 70.56 million square kilometers. This vital body of water is home to numerous maritime trade routes, including crucial chokepoints like the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz. Despite its natural resources, the Indian Ocean faces significant environmental challenges, including marine pollution and threats to biodiversity. The region plays a crucial role in global fisheries, contributing a substantial percentage of the world's fish catch.

Geography

The Indian Ocean is characterized by its vast area of 70.56 million square kilometers and a coastline stretching 66,526 kilometers. It features diverse geographical elements, including abyssal plains, mid-ocean ridges, and continental slopes. The ocean experiences two major monsoons, influencing climate patterns and navigation. The unique ocean currents result in a distinctive annual reversal, significantly impacting regional weather.

• 264 million cu km: Total ocean volume.
• 19.8%: Percentage of the world's ocean total volume.
• -7,192 m: Deepest point located at the Java Trench.

Environment

The Indian Ocean encounters several environmental issues, notably marine pollution from oil spills and waste disposal, posing threats to coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Its fisheries are vital to global food security, although overfishing is a concern. Climate patterns like the northeast and southwest monsoons influence the ecosystem and fishing industries.

• 15.5%: Share of global marine catch from Indian Ocean fisheries in 2020.
• 12,220,000 mt: Total fish catch from Indian Ocean fisheries in 2020.
• 2,362,481 mt: Fish catch by India in the Eastern Indian Ocean in 2020.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Area	70.56 million sq km	Total ocean area
Coastline	66,526 km	Length of coastline
Ocean Volume	264 million cu km	Total ocean volume
Percentage of World Ocean	19.8%	World ocean volume share
Deepest Point	-7,192 m	Located at Java Trench
Total Fish Catch	12,220,000 mt	Global catch in 2020
Share of Global Catch	15.5%	From Indian Ocean in 2020
Indian Catch (Eastern)	6,590,000 mt	Total in 2020