The largest desert in the world is Antarctica. It is a polar desert, covering about 13.96 million square kilometers, and is larger than the Sahara Desert.
The Largest Desert In The World Is Antarctica
Antarctica may not look like a classic desert, but deserts are defined by low precipitation, not heat. The interior of Antarctica receives very little snow or rain, which makes it the world’s largest desert.
Britannica lists the Antarctic Ice Sheet as the planet’s largest desert, with an area of about 13.96 million square kilometers. Antarctica as a continent covers about 14.2 million square kilometers. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
Why Is Antarctica A Desert?
Antarctica is a desert because it is extremely dry.
Key facts:
- Desert type: polar desert
- Area: about 13.96 million square kilometers
- Climate: cold, dry, windy
- Location: around the South Pole
- Ice cover: about 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice
- Main reason: very low precipitation
Most people picture sand when they hear “desert,” but a desert can be hot or cold. The key factor is how little moisture falls from the sky.
Is The Sahara The Largest Desert?
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world. It covers about 8.6 million square kilometers across North Africa. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
So both answers can be correct, depending on the question:
- Largest desert overall: Antarctica
- Largest hot desert: Sahara Desert
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Where Is Antarctica?
- Region: Southern Hemisphere
- Location: around the South Pole
- Ocean: surrounded by the Southern Ocean
- Known for: ice sheets, penguins, research stations, extreme cold, and polar landscapes
Antarctica has no countries because the Antarctic Treaty protects the continent for peace and science.
Before You Travel To Remote Places
Antarctica is one of the most remote places on Earth, and most travelers reach it by expedition cruise through gateway cities such as Ushuaia. Before and after remote trips, maps, bookings, weather updates, and travel documents are easier to manage when your phone is ready.
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FAQ
What Is The Largest Desert In The World?
The largest desert in the world is Antarctica, a polar desert covering about 13.96 million square kilometers.
Why Is Antarctica A Desert?
Antarctica is a desert because it receives very little precipitation. Deserts are defined by dryness, not temperature.
Is The Sahara The Largest Desert In The World?
The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, but Antarctica is the largest desert overall.
How Big Is The Sahara Desert?
The Sahara covers about 8.6 million square kilometers across North Africa. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
Is Antarctica Bigger Than The Sahara?
Yes. Antarctica’s polar desert is larger than the Sahara Desert.
