List of the World’s Largest Deserts

Can’t decide what to do for your next expedition? Here’s a list of the eight largest desert’s on the planet taken from The Economist’s excellent World in Figures.

What are the largest deserts?

1. Sahara Desert* – Northern Africa – 8,600km²
2. Arabian Desert – South-western Asia – 2,300km²
3. Gobi Desert – Mongolia & China – 1,166km²
4. Patagonian Desert – Argentina – 673km²
5. Great Victoria Desert – Western & Southern Australia – 647km²
6. Great Basin Desert – South-Western United States – 492km²
7. Chihuahuan Desert – Northern Mexico – 450km²
8. Great Sandy Desert -Western Australia  – 400km²

*Also called The Empty Quarter or Rub’ al Khali.

If you’re interested in finding out more about desert exploration, take a look at my Desert Expedition Resources. I’ve also written a book on How to Cross a Desert.