The Sahara Desert is located in Northern Africa, covering approximately 3.5 million square miles, making it the largest desert in the world. It runs 3,000 miles east to west and 1,200 miles north to south, with recorded temperatures over 136 degrees. While several million people live in the desert regions, they reside only on the margins, as the extreme heat affects the human muscular, nervous, and respiratory systems. Locals wear loose cotton robes and head coverings to wick away sweat and conserve moisture, helping the body stay cooler in the desert's high temperatures.

1. The Sahara Desert Shanti Sconyers Per.4