The world's largest hot desert is the Sahara Desert, located in North Africa. It covers an area of approximately 9.2 million square kilometers (3.6 million square miles), making it one of the largest deserts in the world.

The Sahara Desert is characterized by its hot, arid climate, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) during the day and dropping below freezing at night. It is also one of the driest places on Earth, with annual rainfall of less than 100 mm (4 inches) in most areas.

Despite its harsh climate, the Sahara Desert is home to a surprising variety of plant and animal life. Some of the most iconic animals found in the Sahara include the dromedary camel, the fennec fox, and the sand cat. The desert is also home to a number of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and tortoises.

Human habitation in the Sahara dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Romans, and Greeks all leaving their mark on the region. Today, the Sahara is home to a number of nomadic tribes, including the Tuareg, who have adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert through a nomadic lifestyle based on camel herding and trade.

The Sahara has also played an important role in global history, serving as a major trade route between sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean for centuries. The Trans-Saharan trade network, which linked West Africa to North Africa and Europe, was a major driver of economic and cultural exchange throughout the region.

Despite its cultural and ecological importance, the Sahara Desert faces a number of challenges today, including desertification caused by overgrazing and climate change. The encroachment of the desert into once-fertile regions has had a major impact on agriculture and food security in many areas.

In conclusion, the Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering an area of approximately 9.2 million square kilometers in North Africa. Despite its harsh climate, the desert is home to a surprising variety of plant and animal life, and has played an important role in human history as a major trade route and cultural crossroads. However, the desert faces a number of challenges today, including desertification and the impacts of climate change.