MANDEB, STRAIT OF


Meaning of MANDEB, STRAIT OF in English

or Bab el-Mandeb Arabic B 0101; b al-Mandab

Strait that connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden .

Its land boundaries are the Arabian Peninsula (northeast) and the African coast (southeast), which are separated by some 20 mi (32 km). The strait is divided into two channels by Perim Island. Its name means "Gate of Tears," referring to the dangers that formerly attended its navigation.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.