or KEDAH, a native state in the Malay peninsula, dependent on the empire of Siam, lying between N. Lat. 5. and 7., E. Long. (of the capital) 100. 30, bounded on the N. by Siam proper; E. by the dependent states of Patani, Kalantan, and Tringam; S. by the independent state of Perak; and W. by the British province Wellesley and the ocean. It is about 140 miles in length by 50 in average breadth. The coast is skirted with many small islands, and is difficult of access on account of the shallowness of the water. The country consists for the most part of a plain, but slightly elevated above the level of the sea, and traversed by a chain of hills from N. to S. about 20 miles inland. The soil is fertile, though little cultivated, and covered in many places with vast forests. Rice, cocoa-nuts, plantains, and betel-nuts, are among the vegetable productions of Quedah; and gold, iron, and tin are its chief mineral riches. The subjection of Quedah to Siam is little more than nominal. The rajah of Quedah receives a pension from the British government in return for the cession of Prince of Wales Island and Province Wellesley. The capital of the state is Quedah, at the mouth of the river of the same name; and an active trade is carried on with Prince of Wales Island in the produce of the country, especially in tin. Pop. of the state, 65,000; of the town, 8000.