Bab-el-Mandeb facts for kids
The Bab-el-Mandeb is a narrow waterway, also known as a strait. Its name means "Gate of Tears" in Arabic. This important strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. It lies between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and the countries of Djibouti and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa. Sometimes, people just call it the Mandab Strait.
The strait got its name because sailing through it used to be very dangerous. Another story, an old Arab legend, says it was named after many people who drowned during an earthquake. This earthquake supposedly separated the continents of Asia and Africa.
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Why is this Strait Important?
The Bab-el-Mandeb is a super important link for ships traveling between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Ships use this route to get to the Suez Canal, which then leads to the Mediterranean.
It's a key pathway for oil and gas. In 2006, about 3.3 million barrels of oil passed through this strait every day. This shows how vital it is for world trade and energy supplies.
Exploring the Strait's Geography
The narrowest part of the Bab-el-Mandeb is about 20 miles (30 km) wide. This distance is measured from Ras Menheli in Yemen to Ras Siyan in Djibouti.
Channels and Islands
The strait is divided into two main channels by the island of Perim.
- The eastern channel is called the Bab Iskender, or Alexander's Strait. It is about 2 miles (3 km) wide and 16 fathoms (30 meters) deep.
- The western channel is known as Dact-el-Mayun. This channel is much wider, about 16 miles (25 km) across. It is also much deeper, reaching about 170 fathoms (310 meters).
Close to the coast of Djibouti, there is a group of smaller islands. These islands are famously known as the "Seven Brothers".
Images for kids
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Flows of petroleum products and liquefied natural gas through the strait, 2014–2018
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See also
In Spanish: Bab el-Mandeb para niños
