Deserts might seem empty, but they actually cover a big part of our planet—around one-third of Earth’s land. These dry places aren’t just hot sand dunes; they can be rocky, cold, or filled with unique plants and animals. Some deserts are even used for solar and wind energy projects today.
Let’s look at the countries that have the largest desert areas, based on research by global climate experts.
🌍 Top Countries with the Largest Desert Areas
🇩🇿 1. Algeria – 1.5 million sq km
Algeria has the largest share of the Sahara Desert, with over 80% of its land being desert. It’s full of sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and salt flats. Towns like Tamanrasset and oases in the M’zab Valley have been home to people for hundreds of years.
🇸🇦 2. Saudi Arabia – 1.3 million sq km
Almost 95% of Saudi Arabia is desert. The Rub’ al Khali or “Empty Quarter” is the world’s biggest sand desert. These lands are part of Bedouin culture and are now used for big renewable energy projects.
🇱🇾 3. Libya – 1.2 million sq km
Around 90% of Libya is desert. Its part of the Sahara is one of the driest places on Earth. Some areas haven’t seen rain in decades. Ancient rock art shows people once lived and traveled through here.
🇦🇺 4. Australia – 1.0 million sq km
About 18% of Australia is desert, mostly in the Outback. The deserts like Great Victoria and Simpson have red earth, shrubs, and unique animals like kangaroos and reptiles. Rain is rare, but when it comes, wildflowers bloom.
🇸🇩 5. Sudan – 800,000 sq km
Sudan has a big chunk of the Sahara, including the Bayuda and Nubian deserts. While dry, the Nile River helps life survive near desert edges. Climate change is starting to affect this balance.
🇨🇳 6. China – 700,000 sq km
China has two huge deserts: the Gobi and the Taklamakan. The Gobi is a cold desert, while the Taklamakan is a dry, sandy one. Together, they cover a massive part of China’s western regions.
🇳🇪 7. Niger – 700,000 sq km
About two-thirds of Niger is desert. The Ténéré Desert is known for its amazing sand dunes and rock shapes. It’s one of the most stunning parts of the Sahara.
🇲🇳 8. Mongolia – 500,000 sq km
Mongolia’s Gobi Desert is a cold desert filled with rocky plains, not just sand. It’s home to rare animals like snow leopards and wild camels.
🇺🇸 9. United States – 500,000 sq km
The U.S. has several deserts like the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin, mainly in the southwest (California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah). These deserts have everything from cactus forests to dry salt flats.
📌 Fun Fact
Not all deserts are hot! Some are cold and rocky, and many support life, culture, and even clean energy projects.
📅 Sources Used
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World Atlas of Desertification (WAD)
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NASA Earth Observations
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UNEP and national climate reports
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