The name of the largest desert in the world by area is the Sahara Desert. Spanning across North Africa, it covers approximately 9.2 million square kilometers. The Sahara is known for its extreme climate, vast sand dunes, and unique geological features. Despite harsh conditions, it hosts a variety of ecosystems and wildlife. Its historical significance includes being a trade route that facilitated the exchange of goods and cultures between sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean world.