a country in Africa, lying on the eastern coast, between three degrees of north latitude, and 18 south. It includes several petty kingdoms, in which the Portuguese have various settlements. The inhabitants, except those converted by the Portuguese, are all Mahometans or idolaters; and the latter much the more numerous. The names of the principal territories are Mombassa, Lamon, Melinda, Quiola, and Moambique. The Portuguese have built several forts in Mombasa and Moambique, and have settled several colonies there. They trade with the negroes for slaves, ivory, gold, ostrich-feathers, wax and drugs. The productions are much the same as in other parts of Africa between the tropics.