The Sahara Desert is the largest non-polar desert in the world, covering a staggering area of approximately 9.2 million square kilometers (3.6 million square miles). Located in North Africa, it spans across multiple countries, including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Western Sahara, Sudan, and Tunisia.
Despite being known for its scorching heat and vast sand dunes, the Sahara is a diverse ecosystem. The desert is home to a variety of plant and animal species that have adapted to its extreme conditions. These include resilient plants like cacti and tough shrubs, along with animals such as camels, foxes, and desert reptiles. While the Sahara is often associated with arid, sandy landscapes, much of the desert is covered by rocky plateaus, gravel plains, and mountain ranges.
The Sahara plays a crucial role in the global climate system by influencing weather patterns, including the trade winds. The desert also has a rich cultural history, with ancient civilizations once thriving in its oasis regions. Today, it attracts adventurers, researchers, and tourists who are drawn to its unique beauty and history.
For anyone interested in learning more about the largest desert on Earth, the Sahara continues to be a fascinating subject of exploration and study.
source : britannica.com
