The name of the largest desert in the world is the Antarctic Desert. Covering an area of approximately 14 million square kilometers (5.5 million square miles), it is classified as a cold desert due to its extreme temperatures and limited precipitation. This vast polar desert is situated over the continent of Antarctica, where harsh conditions create an environment primarily covered by ice. The Antarctic Desert is unique in its ecosystem, hosting a range of specialized wildlife, including penguins and seals. Its vast stretches of ice and snow, along with the extreme cold, distinguish it from traditional warm deserts.