or ADEL, or ADAEL, a region between Abyssinia and the Red Sea, to the south of Bah-el-Mandeb. It was little known to Europeans until described in the travels of Isenberg and Krapp in 1839, and later by Beke. It forms the S.W. coasts of the Red Sea for 300 miles, which are composed of coral rock. The country is generally barren, intensely hot, and rather flat. A lofty mountain of 5000 feet high, Mount Gedem, stands isolated in the plain, and is succeeded in the ascent to the table-land of Tigre by a series of conical hills. Some parts of it are fit for pasturage, and those portions are inhabited by tribes possessing many domestic animals; and beasts of prey, and elephants are said not to be uncommon. The route to Abyssinia, from Massowah lies through this country; but that from Tajarah to Ankobar, to the south, is preferable, as less steep. On this route is seen a remarkable salt lake, Bahr Assal, which is 570 feet below the surface of the Red Sea; and volcanic rocks occur in various parts of the route. Two mountains of 4000 feet in height are mentioned, Abida and Aiylah, which occupy the centre of a volcanic district, and have sent down streams of lava on all sides to the distance of 30 miles. The river Hawash runs through this district, and is said to be navigable for boats 300 miles from its embouchure. This country has also been visited by the English missionaries, Messrs Keith and Coffin.

Adal is inhabited by many tribes who call themselves Danakil and Dankali. Rüppel, who visited this country, mentions only the name of Shohos, whom he describes as strong and muscular, with black, crisp hair, short straight noses, thick lips, but less so than the negro feature, their colour dark brown. They are nomadic, and are Mahommedans. The only traffic in the country is in the salt of the Bahr Assal.