Who / What
The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, covering about 9.2 million square kilometres across North Africa.
Its name comes from the Arabic word *ṣaḥārā*, a broken plural of *ṣaḥrā'*, meaning “desert.”
Background & History
The Sahara spans the northern part of the African continent, encompassing portions of Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Niger, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, and Sudan.
Historically, its expanse has made it a natural barrier and a region of trade routes.
The term “Sahara” was first recorded in Arabic literature, reflecting the linguistic and cultural history of the area.
Why Notable
As the world’s largest hot desert, the Sahara influences regional climate and ecosystems.
It contains vast sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and unique desert flora and fauna.
Its sheer size and extreme conditions make it a focal point for scientific research on desertification and climate science.
In the News
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The Sahara continues to be relevant in discussions of climate change and desert ecology.
Understanding its dynamics remains important for regional and global environmental studies.
