The Sahara Desert is located on the continent of Africa. It is one of the largest deserts in the world, covering an area of about 9.2 million square kilometers (3.6 million square miles). The desert spans across several countries, including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia. Characterized by its arid climate, sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and various landforms, the Sahara is home to unique flora and fauna that have adapted to extreme conditions. Its vast expanse influences the climate and ecology of neighboring regions.