The large desert located in northern Africa is known as the Sahara Desert. It is the largest hot desert in the world, spanning approximately 9.2 million square kilometers (3.6 million square miles) and covering a significant part of North Africa. The Sahara features vast stretches of sand dunes, gravel plains, and mountainous regions. Its climate is characterized by extremely low rainfall, high temperatures during the day, and cooler nights. The Sahara is not only significant for its ecological features but also for its rich history and cultural heritage, having been home to various ancient civilizations.