Introduction:
The driest normally populated continent on Earth is Australia. This continent is known for its arid and semi-arid climate, which makes it one of the driest inhabited regions on the planet.

Reasons for Australia being the driest continent:
1. Climate: Australia's climate is characterized by long periods of drought and limited rainfall. The majority of the continent experiences hot and dry conditions for most of the year.

2. Desert regions: Australia is home to several large deserts, including the Great Victoria Desert, the Gibson Desert, and the Simpson Desert. These arid regions receive very little rainfall and have sparse vegetation.

3. Water scarcity: Due to its arid climate and limited water sources, water scarcity is a significant issue in Australia. The lack of rainfall and the high evaporation rates contribute to the scarcity of water resources.

4. Low precipitation: Most parts of Australia receive low annual precipitation. The interior regions, such as the Outback, receive less than 250 millimeters of rainfall per year, which is considered very low.

5. High temperatures: Australia experiences high temperatures, especially during the summer months. The combination of high temperatures and low rainfall contributes to the dryness of the continent.

6. Effects of El Niño: Australia is also affected by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which can lead to prolonged dry spells and droughts. During El Niño events, the normal weather patterns are disrupted, resulting in reduced rainfall and increased dryness.

Conclusion:
Australia is the driest normally populated continent on Earth due to its arid climate, limited rainfall, desert regions, water scarcity, low precipitation, high temperatures, and the effects of El Niño. The combination of these factors makes Australia a challenging environment in terms of water availability and sustainability.

Antarctica is the answer