Africa is home to some of the largest and most famous deserts in the world, including the Sahara, the Kalahari, and the Namib. Below is a list of African countries with the most desert area:
1. Algeria
- Desert: Sahara Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: Over 80% of Algeria is covered by the Sahara Desert.
- Details:
- Algeria has vast stretches of sand dunes (ergs), rocky plateaus (hamadas), and barren landscapes.
- The Grand Erg Occidental and Grand Erg Oriental are major features.
2. Libya
- Desert: Sahara Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: Around 90% of Libya is desert.
- Details:
- Libya’s desert landscape includes the Libyan Desert, part of the greater Sahara.
- Features include the Ubari Sand Sea and the Acacus Mountains.
3. Egypt
- Desert: Sahara Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: Approximately 96% of Egypt is desert.
- Details:
- Includes the Eastern Desert, Western Desert, and parts of the Libyan Desert.
- Famous for oases like Siwa and the White Desert.
4. Sudan
- Desert: Sahara Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: Over 50% of Sudan is desert.
- Details:
- The Nubian Desert is a prominent part of Sudan’s desert landscape.
- Northern Sudan is dominated by arid and semi-arid regions.
5. Chad
- Desert: Sahara Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: About 55% of Chad is desert.
- Details:
- The northern part of Chad is dominated by the Sahara.
- Includes the Tibesti Mountains and the Ennedi Plateau.
6. Niger
- Desert: Sahara Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: Over 80% of Niger is desert.
- Details:
- The Tenere Desert is a major part of Niger’s desert landscape.
- Known for vast sand dunes and rock formations.
7. Mali
- Desert: Sahara Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: Around 65% of Mali is desert.
- Details:
- The northern region of Mali, including Timbuktu, lies in the Sahara.
- Includes the Adrar des Ifoghas mountain range.
8. Mauritania
- Desert: Sahara Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: Over 75% of Mauritania is desert.
- Details:
- Features the Adrar Plateau and sand dunes.
- Includes barren landscapes stretching into Western Sahara.
9. Morocco
- Desert: Sahara Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: Approximately 25% of Morocco is desert.
- Details:
- Southern Morocco features the Sahara Desert.
- Known for its rocky and sandy desert landscapes, including the Erg Chebbi dunes.
10. Namibia
- Desert: Namib Desert and Kalahari Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: About 45% of Namibia is desert.
- Details:
- The Namib Desert is one of the oldest deserts in the world.
- The Kalahari Desert covers parts of eastern Namibia.
11. Botswana
- Desert: Kalahari Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: Approximately 70% of Botswana is covered by the Kalahari.
- Details:
- Features semi-arid conditions and unique wildlife adapted to desert living.
12. South Africa
- Desert: Kalahari Desert and Namib Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: About 7% of South Africa is desert.
- Details:
- The Kalahari extends into the northern parts of South Africa.
- The Namib Desert edges into the western regions.
13. Tunisia
- Desert: Sahara Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: Around 40% of Tunisia is desert.
- Details:
- The southern region is dominated by the Sahara.
- Features include the Chott el Jerid salt flats.
14. Western Sahara
- Desert: Sahara Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: Nearly 100% desert.
- Details:
- Dominated by arid landscapes and dunes.
- Political disputes over its territory exist.
15. Eritrea
- Desert: Danakil Desert.
- Percentage of Desert Land: Around 30% of Eritrea is desert.
- Details:
- Features one of the hottest and harshest desert regions in the world.
Summary Table of Key Deserts:
| Country | Major Desert | % Desert Area |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria | Sahara | 80%+ |
| Libya | Sahara | 90% |
| Egypt | Sahara | 96% |
| Sudan | Sahara | 50%+ |
| Chad | Sahara | 55% |
| Niger | Sahara | 80%+ |
| Mali | Sahara | 65% |
| Mauritania | Sahara | 75%+ |
| Morocco | Sahara | 25%+ |
| Namibia | Namib, Kalahari | 45% |
| Botswana | Kalahari | 70% |
| South Africa | Kalahari, Namib | 7% |
| Tunisia | Sahara | 40% |
| Western Sahara | Sahara | ~100% |
| Eritrea | Danakil | 30% |
These countries highlight Africa’s diverse desert landscapes, from the vastness of the Sahara to the unique ecosystems of the Namib and Kalahari deserts. Let me know if you’d like more detailed information about any of these deserts!
