the largest of the islands in the Persian Gulf, lies along the coast opposite the Straits of Ormuz, about 10 miles S.W. of Gombroon. It is between 50 and 60 miles long, with a breadth of 12 miles, sterile for the most part, and in the S. hilly, but with considerable tracts of fertile land, producing wheat, rice, cotton, dates, grapes, &c. Pop. about 5000, chiefly occupied in agriculture, rearing cattle, fishing, and cotton-weaving. There are three small towns in the island, the principal of which, Kishan, on the E. side, is walled, and has a well-sheltered but shallow harbour, much frequented by coasting vessels.