Where Are the World’s Deserts? A Continent‑by‑Continent Guide

Deserts Exist on Every Continent Except Europe

Deserts cover ~⅓ of Earth’s land surface. Major examples by region:

• Africa: Sahara, Kalahari, Namib
• Asia: Arabian, Gobi, Taklamakan, Thar
• Australia: Great Victoria, Great Sandy, Simpson
• North America: Mojave, Sonoran, Chihuahuan, Great Basin
• South America: Atacama, Patagonian, Monte
• Antarctica: Polar desert (McMurdo Dry Valleys)

Four Desert Types

• Hot & Dry (Sahara, Arabian)
• Cold Winter (Gobi, Great Basin)
• Coastal Fog (Namib, Atacama)
• Polar (Antarctica, Arctic)

Despite harshness, deserts host specialized flora/fauna, mineral wealth, and growing tourism.