The world's largest desert is the Antarctic Desert, covering approximately 14 million square kilometers (5.5 million square miles). Although many think of deserts as hot, sandy environments, Antarctica is classified as a desert due to its extremely low humidity and precipitation levels. The Antarctic Desert is characterized by frigid temperatures and vast ice sheets, housing unique ecosystems and wildlife, including penguins and seals. Its expansive landscape plays a crucial role in the Earth's climate system, influencing global weather patterns. The harsh conditions and isolation of this desert make it one of the most extreme environments on the planet.