Danakil Desert
| Danakil Desert | |
|---|---|
| Area | 136,956 km2 (52,879 sq mi) |
| Geography | |
| Country | Ethiopia Eritrea Djibouti |
| Coordinates | 14°14′30″N 40°18′00″E / 14.2417°N 40.3°E |
The Danakil Desert (or Afar Desert) is a desert in northeast Ethiopia, southern Eritrea, and northwestern Djibouti. Situated in the Afar Triangle, it stretches across 136,956 square kilometres (52,879 sq mi) of arid terrain. It is inhabited by a few Afar, who engage in salt mining. The area is known for its volcanoes and extreme heat, with daytime temperatures surpassing 50 °C (122 °F). Less than 25 mm (1 in) of rainfall occurs each year. The Danakil Desert is one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth.