Aden (
, ; Yemeni pronunciation: ) is a seaport city in
Yemen, located by the eastern approach to the Red Sea (the
Gulf of Aden), some east of
Bab-el-Mandeb. Its population is approximately 800,000 people. Aden's ancient, natural
harbour lies in the crater of a dormant
volcano which now forms a
peninsula, joined to the mainland by a low
isthmus. This harbour,
Front Bay, was first used by the ancient
Kingdom of Awsan between the 5th and 7th centuries BC. The modern harbour is on the other side of the peninsula. Aden gives its name to the
Gulf of Aden.