You probably know that the Sahara is the world's largest hot desert, but here are a few things you should know. It covers approximately 9.2 million square kilometers.
In terms of size, it's roughly the size of the United States. Its golden sand dunes and vast gravel plains stretch across North Africa. Our map shows the Sahara's boundaries, the 11 countries it borders, and its major geographic landmarks.
Countries of the Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert covers all or part of these 11 countries. Click on any country in the table row to see its location on the map and other details.
| Country | Region |
|---|---|
| Morocco | North Africa |
| Western Sahara | North Africa |
| Mauritania | West Africa |
| Algeria | North Africa |
| Tunisia | North Africa |
| Libya | North Africa |
| Egypt | North Africa |
| Mali | West Africa |
| Niger | West Africa |
| Chad | Central Africa |
| Sudan | East Africa |
About Sahara Desert Landmarks and Geography
The Sahara is not just sand; it includes mountains, rivers, and ancient lakes. Click on the link below to see the exact location on the map and other details.
Nile River
The longest river in the world
Atlas Mountains
Mountain range separating Sahara from Mediterranean
Ahaggar Mountains
Highland region in southern Algeria
Tibesti Mountains
Mountain range in northern Chad
Qattara Depression
One of the lowest points in Africa
Erg Chebbi
Iconic sand dunes in Morocco
Ténéré
A vast sand desert region in Niger
Lake Chad
Critical water source for millions, but shrinking rapidly
Red Sea
Eastern boundary of the Sahara
Mediterranean Sea
Northern boundary of the Sahara
Senegal River
Marks the southwestern boundary of the desert
Guelb er Richat
Richat Structure, a prominent circular geological feature in Mauritania
Sahara Desert Area
- Size: 9.2 million km² (3.6 million sq mi): As big as China or the USA.
- Size Comparison: It is larger than the entire country of Brazil or Australia.
- Highest Point: Emi Koussi - 3,415 m / 11,204 ft, in the Tibesti Mountains, Chad.
- Lowest Point: Qattara Depression - 133 m below sea level in Egypt.
- Permanent Rivers: The Nile and the Niger River touch the edges of the Sahara.
- Composition: Only about 25% of the Sahara is sand dunes. The rest is rocky hamada and gravel reg.
FAQs
How many countries does the Sahara Desert cover?
The Sahara Desert covers all or part of 11 countries: Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mali, Niger, Chad, and Sudan.
How big is the Sahara Desert?
The Sahara Desert is the world's hottest desert. It covers approximately 9.2 million square kilometers (3.6 million square miles). So, it's roughly the size of the United States or China.
Are there any rivers or mountains in the Sahara Desert?
Yes, the Sahara Desert has mountains and rivers. The main mountains include the Tibesti Mountains and the Ahaggar Mountains. The famous Nile River flows through it, and seasonal valleys are sometimes flooded by rainwater.
Does the Sahara desert have water?
Yes, the Sahara has two permanent rivers, the Nile and the Niger. It also has about 20 ancient lakes, dry lakes, and large aquifers.