Nearly an eighth of the world's land surface is arid, with a rainfall of less than 25 cm (10 in) per annum. The Sahara in North Africa is the largest hot desert in the world. At its greatest length it is 5,150 km (3,200 miles) from east to west. From north to south it is between 1,280 and 2,250 km (800 and 1,400 miles). The area covered by the desert is about 9.1 million km² (3.5 million square miles). A "desert" is simply an area that has no or very little rainfall. By this definition, technically the largest desert must be Antarctica (14 million km²; 5.4 million square miles), which receives around 50 mm (2 in) of precipitation per year.

The Largest Hot Desert in the World: Sahara Desert

The largest hot desert in the world is the Sahara Desert, which stretches across northern Africa covering an area of approximately 9.2 million square kilometers. Let's explore the characteristics and unique features of the Sahara Desert in more detail.

Location and Geography:
- The Sahara Desert is located in the northern part of Africa, spanning across several countries including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia.
- It is positioned between the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the Red Sea in the east, the Mediterranean Sea in the north, and the Sahel region in the south.
- The desert is primarily composed of sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and gravel plains.

Climate:
- The Sahara Desert experiences an extreme desert climate, characterized by scorching hot temperatures during the day and significant drops in temperature at night.
- The average annual temperature in the Sahara ranges from 30°C (86°F) to 49°C (120°F), making it one of the hottest regions on Earth.
- Rainfall is extremely scarce in the desert, with some areas receiving less than 25 millimeters of precipitation per year. However, there are occasional flash floods in certain regions.

Flora and Fauna:
- Despite its harsh conditions, the Sahara Desert is home to a variety of plant and animal species that have adapted to survive in this environment.
- Vegetation in the desert is mainly limited to drought-resistant shrubs, grasses, and small trees. Some common plant species include acacia, date palm, and tamarisk.
- Animal life is diverse and includes species such as camels, gazelles, fennec foxes, scorpions, snakes, and various bird species.

Human Presence:
- The Sahara Desert has seen human presence for thousands of years, with various indigenous tribes and nomadic communities inhabiting the region.
- Historically, the desert served as a trade route for caravans, facilitating the exchange of goods between North Africa, the Mediterranean, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Today, some parts of the Sahara Desert are inhabited by local communities, while others remain largely uninhabited.

Tourism and Attractions:
- The Sahara Desert attracts tourists from around the world, offering unique experiences such as camel treks, desert camping, and exploring ancient ruins.
- Popular tourist destinations in the Sahara include the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in Morocco, the Siwa Oasis in Egypt, and the Tassili n'Ajjer National Park in Algeria.

In conclusion, the Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering a vast area in northern Africa. Its extreme climate, unique flora and fauna, and historical significance make it a fascinating and iconic natural wonder.