MASSOUAH, MASSOWAH, or MASUAH, the most important seaport of Abyssinia, is situated on an island in the Red Sea, and separated from the mainland by the channel of Adowa, 250 miles N.E. of Gondar. The island is about half a mile in length by a quarter in breadth; and about one-third of it is covered with houses. Although some of the houses are built of stone, most of them are mere huts made of poles and grass. The only buildings of any importance are the mosques. The harbour is deep and secure, and can accommodate about fifty vessels; and though the entrance is narrow, access is not difficult. Owing to the dry and rocky nature of the island, water has to be collected in large tanks, which cover about one-third of the area. Massouah has a very important trade. It is not only the principal seaport in Abyssinia, but also the largest emporium on the coasts of the Red Sea. The chief articles of export are, slaves, horns, ivory, wax, coffee, leather, hides, butter, honey, grain, gold, and spices; while the exports consist of pepper, cotton, silks, muslins, razors, sword-blades, carpets, &c. Massouah belongs to the viceroy of Egypt, and a governor, subordinate to that dignitary, resides here. Pop. of the entire island estimated at 10,000.