Top 12 Largest Deserts in the World
This ranking sorts deserts by area, covering tropical, polar, and other types. Data reflects geographically recognized measurements, showcasing global arid region distribution.
Interesting Facts & Summary
When people hear the word 'desert,' they often picture the scorching sands of the Sahara. However, the Antarctic Desert claims the top spot globally with a staggering 14.2 million square kilometers. More than just a barren expanse, it is the world's largest reservoir of freshwater, holding approximately 70% of the planet's supply. Intriguingly, despite being an 'icy desert,' its inland regions are so arid that they receive less annual precipitation than parts of the Sahara. If you combine the Antarctic Desert with the second-ranked Arctic Desert, they encompass an area so vast that they dwarf most other terrestrial ecosystems, effectively challenging the common misconception that a desert must be covered in sand.
| Rank | Name | Area (10k km²) | Region/Type |
|---|---|---|---|
Antarctic Desert | 1400 | Antarctica/Polar Desert | |
Sahara Desert | 920 | North Africa/Tropical Desert | |
Arctic Desert | 1390 | Arctic Region/Polar Desert | |
| 4 | Arabian Desert | 233 | Arabian Peninsula/Tropical Desert |
| 5 | Gobi Desert | 130 | China/Mongolia/Temperate Desert |
| 6 | Patagonian Desert | 67 | Argentina/Cold Desert |
| 7 | Great Victoria Desert | 64 | Australia/Tropical Desert |
| 8 | Kalahari Desert | 57 | Southern Africa/Tropical Desert |
| 9 | Syrian Desert | 52 | West Asia/Subtropical Desert |
| 10 | Great Basin Desert | 49 | USA/Temperate Desert |
| 11 | Chihuahuan Desert | 45 | Mexico/USA/Subtropical Desert |
| 12 | Namib Desert | 41 | Southwestern Africa/Coastal Desert |