Aden

 

(ä'dən, ā'–), western arm of the Arabian Sea, 550 mi (885 km) long, lying between Yemen and Somalia; connected with the Red Sea by the Bab el Mandeb. The gulf is on the great Mediterranean Sea–Indian Ocean trade route. After the 16th cent. Portugal, Turkey, and Great Britain were the chief contenders for control of the gulf, but by the 19th cent. Britain dominated the area. In the late 1960s, British military withdrawal E of Suez led to an increased Soviet naval presence in the gulf area. The importance of the Gulf of Aden declined when the Suez Canal was closed, but it was revitalized when, after being deepened and widened by Egypt, the canal was reopened in 1975 and marine activity increased. The Gulf of Aden is richly supplied with fish, turtles, and lobsters.

The Gulf of Aden (Arabic: خليج عدن; transliterated: Khalyj 'Adan) is located in the Arabian Sea between Yemen on the south coast of the Arabian Peninsula and Somalia in Africa. In the northwest it connects with the Red Sea through the Bab el Mandeb sound.

The Gulf of Aden is an essential waterway for Persian Gulf oil, making it very important for the world economy. It has many varieties of fish, coral, and other creatures since there is little pollution. The main ports are Aden (in Yemen), Berbera, and Bosaso (both in Somalia). In ancient times, Crater was an important port.

It is one of the main areas in the world where acts of piracy are regularly committed, making it dangerous for sailing. Moreover, various attacks have been carried out in the Gulf, such as the USS Cole bombing.

Coordinates: 12°32′45″N, 48°08′44″E

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