Massawa

Second biggest town and main port in Eritrea, situated on a small sterile coral island in the Red Sea, 200 m/656 ft from the mainland; population (1995 est) 49,300. It lies 65 km/40 mi northeast of Asmara, the largest town of Eritrea. Activities within the port include salt production, fishing, fish and meat processing, and cement manufacture. Exports include oil seed, coffee, and cattle. It is one of the hottest inhabited places in the world, the temperature reaching 46°C/115°F in May.

Massawa stands on the site of the ancient port of Adulis, and in the past was known for its salt panning and pearl diving. It was an Italian possession 1885-1941. Extensive rebuilding was required after an earthquake in 1921, and it was badly damaged by Ethiopian bombing raids in 1990. Ethiopia negotiated the right to use the port in 1993. The town is connected to the shore by an embankment containing the water conduit.