How much of Libya is covered by the Sahara Desert?
The Sahara Desert covers about 90% of Libya, making it one of the driest countries on Earth.
About 90% of Libya lies within the Sahara Desert, characterized by vast stretches of sand and rock. This extreme aridity limits habitation mostly to coastal areas near the Mediterranean Sea. To sustain its population, Libya built the Great Man-Made River, the world's largest underground water pipeline system. This network taps into fossil water trapped beneath the desert, delivering millions of cubic meters of fresh water daily to cities. The project began in 1984 and includes over 2,800 kilometers of pipes and 1,300 wells. Without this engineering marvel, many Libyan cities would lack adequate water resources for survival. The desert's harsh conditions also contribute to some of the highest recorded temperatures on Earth.
Nerd's Section
Libya is the 16th largest country globally, covering approximately 1.76 million square kilometers, with about 90% occupied by the Sahara Desert. This desert is one of the driest and hottest places on Earth, with some areas like the Kufra Basin going decades without measurable rainfall. In 1922, the town of El Azizia recorded a temperature of 58°C, holding the world record for the highest temperature for nearly 90 years. Due to the absence of permanent rivers or lakes, Libya relies on underground water sources. Deep beneath the Sahara lies the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System, a vast reservoir of fossil water trapped since the last Ice Age. Starting in 1984, Libya initiated the Great Man-Made River project, constructing over 2,800 kilometers of pipelines connected to about 1,300 deep wells to extract and transport water. This system moves approximately 6.5 million cubic meters of fresh water daily from the desert interior to coastal cities, sustaining millions of inhabitants. The aquifer water is non-renewable on human timescales, making the project a finite but critical resource. This engineering feat transforms an otherwise uninhabitable desert into a livable environment by overcoming natural water scarcity through advanced infrastructure.
Verified Fact
FP-0002209 · Mar 15, 2026