A Retrospective Estimate of Some Vital Statistics for British Indian Ocean Territory 1965-1973

Abstract

FOR THE civilian population British Indian Ocean Territory had only a short existence from its found ing in 1965 to 1976 when three of the islands reverted to Seychelles sovereignty. Most of the civilian population had left the islands by early 1973. Social conditions on the islands were probably very similar to those existing on equivalent islands in other territories but because of limited administrative services there were no published statistics at the time. The analysis of birth and death certificates now in Seychelles allowed a retrospective estimate to be made of some of the vital statistics.

The main causes of mortality and morbidity were diseases amenable to simple preventive measures which were not applied probably due to lack of knowledge on the part of the population of the islands. If at any time in the future a civilian population returns to the islands basic sanitation and hygiene should be given a high priority by the Administration.