Britain separated the Chagos Islands from Mauritius in 1965 before it became independent in 1968. A leaked internal Foreign Office memo notoriously belittled the Chagossians as “a few Tarzans and Man Fridays”.

Britain signed an agreement Thursday to hand sovereignty over the contested Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a move the government says ensures the future of a U.S.-U.K. military base that is vital to British security.

As UK hands over Chagos Islands to Mauritius for £101 million a year in last-minute deal, here's all you need to know about the deal and Chagos Islands. Also, go 'Beyond the Nugget' to know about Diego Garcia.