The Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert is a hot, sandy desert located in southern Africa. It covers 190,000 square miles (500,000 square kilometers) in the countries of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.

The Kalahari is not considered a true desert. Although it has many of the characteristics of a desert, some parts of the Kalahari get more than 10 inches (25 cm) of rain each year. Still, most of it land is desert-like so it is often grouped with the other deserts of the world.

Many minerals are found within the borders of this desert. Coal, copper, diamonds, and nickel are mined there. In addition to being rich in minerals, the Kalahari is rich in animals. Many species call this desert home.