The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean in the world, covering an area of approximately 70.56 million square kilometers (27.24 million square miles). It is located between Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Indian Ocean islands. The ocean is bounded by the southern coast of Asia, the northern coast of Antarctica, the western coast of Australia, and the eastern coast of Africa.
The Indian Ocean is a vital transportation route for international trade, connecting the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia with Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Far East. It is also home to many important ports, including the ports of Mumbai, Colombo, and Durban.
The ocean is known for its rich marine biodiversity, with many unique and endangered species found in its waters. Coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds are important habitats for many of these species.
The Indian Ocean has a significant influence on the climate and weather patterns of the surrounding regions. It is also known for its periodic climate phenomena such as the Indian Ocean Dipole and the El Niño Southern Oscillation, which can impact weather patterns and sea surface temperatures across the globe.