Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's five oceans after the Atlantic and Pacific. Bordered on the north by Asia, Africa to the west, the South Polar Ocean to the south and Australia, Indochina and the Sunda Islands to the east, the Indian Ocean covers approximately 20% of the earth's surface.

The Indian Ocean climate is heavily influenced by the Monsoon wind system, which brings violent storms and heavy rain to the northern Arabian Sea and south coast of India. Winds, although generally less severe, are also characteristic of the southern Indian Ocean.

The Indian Ocean provides important trade routes connecting the Middle East to Europe and the Americas and, as such, is used to ship many oil and petroleum products.

Due to its warm waters that inhibit the production of marine life, the Indian Ocean does not see the same variety of fish and and mammal species as other oceans.

• NationMaster.com: Indian Ocean Transportation Statistics

• Google Product Search: Indian Ocean Merchandise

• Amazon.com: Indian Ocean Books | DVDs

• eBay: Indian Ocean Merchandise

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