The Sahara Desert is located on the continent of Africa. It is the largest hot desert in the world, stretching across several countries, including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia. The Sahara covers about 9.2 million square kilometers (3.6 million square miles) and is characterized by its vast sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and extreme temperatures. It experiences very little rainfall, making it a challenging environment for habitation and agriculture. Despite these conditions, the Sahara is home to various native plants, animals, and resilient communities.