The Dead Sea is of an oblong form, and would be of a very regular contour, were it not for a remarkable projection from its eastern shore near its southern extremity.

In this place, a long and low peninsula, shaped like a human foot, projects into the lake, filling up two thirds of its width, and thus dividing the expanse of water into two portions, which are connected by a long and somewhat narrow passage.

The entire length of the sea, from north to south, is 46 miles: its greatest width, between its eastern and its western shores, is 101 miles.

The whole area is estimated at 250 geographical square miles.

Of this space 174 square miles belong to the northern portion of the lake (the true "Sea"), 29 to the narrow channel, and 46 to the southern portion, which has been called "the back-water," or "the lagoon." The most remarkable difference between the two portions of the lake is the contrast they present as to depth.