Dahlak Kebir

Dahlak Kebir

Dahlak Kebir (Eritrea)
Geography
Location	Red Sea
Coordinates	15°43′21″N 40°05′21″E / 15.722469°N 40.089111°E / 15.722469; 40.089111Coordinates: 15°43′21″N 40°05′21″E / 15.722469°N 40.089111°E / 15.722469; 40.089111
Archipelago	Dahlak Archipelago
Country
Eritrea
Largest city	Dahlak Kebir
Demographics
Population	2,500

Dahlak Kebir is the largest island of the Dahlak Archipelago. Situated in the Red Sea off of the coast of Eritrea, it was formerly called Dahlak Deset.

Overview

Dahlak Kebir has a population of around 2,500 people speaking Dahlik. Its major industries include fishing, sea cucumber collection and tourism.

The village of Dahlak Kebir lies on the west of the island and is known for its ancient cisterns and necropolis, dating from at least AD 912. It is also known for its fossils. Other features of the island include pre-Islamic ruins at Adel, wildlife and mangrove swamps. Ferries link the island with Massawa and several smaller islands.