The Sahara Desert is located on the continent of Africa. It is the largest hot desert in the world, covering an area of roughly 9.2 million square kilometers (3.6 million square miles). The Sahara spans multiple countries, including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia. Known for its harsh climate, the Sahara experiences extreme temperatures and very little rainfall, making it a challenging environment for flora and fauna. Despite these conditions, the desert is home to various plant and animal species that have adapted to survive in this arid landscape.