The desert known as the largest hot desert in the world is the Sahara Desert. Spanning across North Africa, it covers approximately 9.2 million square kilometers (3.6 million square miles). The Sahara is characterized by its vast sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and extreme temperatures, often exceeding 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day. Despite its harsh conditions, the desert hosts a variety of life, including adapted plants and animals. The Sahara has significant cultural and historical importance, with ancient trade routes and civilizations, including the Tuareg people and the ancient Egyptians.