The Indian Ocean lies to the east of Africa. This ocean is the third-largest among the world's five major oceans and is bounded by several countries including parts of East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and South Asia. The Indian Ocean features a diversity of ecosystems, from coral reefs to deep-sea environments. It plays a vital role in global trade routes, with important shipping lanes traversing its waters. Additionally, it is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of marine species, and is crucial for the economies of the surrounding nations through fishing and tourism.