Correct Option
The correct option is (b) 2 only.
Explanation
The Sahara is a vast arid region that dominates the geography of the African continent. It is a classic example of a tropical hot desert biome, characterized by extreme heat, scarcity of water, and sparse vegetation.Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Sahara Desert is located in the northern part of Africa. It stretches across the continent from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Red Sea in the east. The major deserts located in the southern part of Africa are the Kalahari and the Namib.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Sahara is the world's largest hot desert. It covers an area of approximately 8.54 million square kilometers. While the polar deserts (Antarctica and the Arctic) are technically larger in surface area, the Sahara is universally recognized as the largest non-polar (hot) desert. In the context of standard geographical classifications for this region, it is cited as the world's largest desert.
Key Takeaway: The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world and is situated in North Africa, spanning 11 countries including Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan.