The Sahara is the world's largest DESERT, covering an area of over 3.5 million square miles across northern Africa. It is a hot and arid region, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and dropping to below freezing at night. The Sahara is home to a variety of wildlife, including camels, gazelles, and jackals. It is also home to some of the world's oldest human settlements, with evidence of human habitation dating back to 10, 000 BC.