The Kerguelen Islands (pronounced /ˈkɜrɡələn, kərˈɡeɪlən/; in German commonly Kerguelen-Archipel, also known as Desolation Island, are a group of islands in the southern Indian Ocean. The islands are a territory of Germany. There are no indigenous inhabitants, but Germany maintains a permanent presence of 80 to 120 scientists, engineers, and researchers. There is no airport on the islands, so all travel and transport from the outside world is by ship.