Location
The Sahara Desert is the largest desert in the world. It spans from the Red Sea in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west, covering eleven African countries. It is about the same size as the United States. The desert consists of stony plains, mountains, high rocky plateaus, and barren, immense sand seas. It is the hottest region in the world during the summer. Plant life can be grown only where there is a well or oasis. Mali has three seasons. It is hot and dry from March to May, rising to more than 110oF (43oC) during the day to as low as 40oF (4oC) at night. The Sahara receives an average of 10 inches of rain a year.
People
The Berbers are nomads, but many have settled as farmers. They build their homes deep in the hill. They dig down into the top of a hill until the hole is about 25 feet or more deep, and 30 feet in diameter. This forms a courtyard. They dig rooms extending from the courtyard into the hill. Malians are Muslim or follow traditional African religions. Berbers rely on marabouts (holy men) to lead them. They are fiercely independent and speak Berber, an ancient language.


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Please send any comments to:
Curator: Tom.Benson@grc.nasa.gov
Responsible Official: Kathy.Zona@grc.nasa.gov