a seaport of Nubia, on an island close to the shore of the Red Sea, N. Lat. 19.7.; E. Long. 37.20. Besides the town itself, on the island, there is on the mainland the much larger suburb of El Geyf. The houses are built of blocks of madrepore; and are one or two storeys in height. The town itself has three mosques, and the suburb another. The bay forms a good harbour; and the town is an important trading place between the interior of Africa and the opposite coast of Arabia. From three to four thousand slaves are annually shipped from this port to Arabia. Gold, tobacco, ostrich feathers, ivory, salt, &c., are among the articles of commerce. Suakin is much frequented by pilgrims to Mecca. Pop. 8000.