The Thar Desert

The Thar Desert is a huge desert in South Asia. Most of it is in India, but part of it is in Pakistan. It is also called the Great Indian Desert. Unlike many deserts, lots of people live here. The Thar is full of sandy dunes and dry plains.

Life in the Desert

The Thar Desert is the most crowded desert in the world. People have lived here for thousands of years. They grow crops when the rains come and raise camels, sheep, and goats. Villages are built from mud and stone to stay cool. The people wear bright colored clothes that stand out in the sand.

Desert Wildlife

Many animals live in the Thar Desert. The chinkara is a small deer that can run very fast. The great Indian bustard is a large bird that is now very rare. Camels are the most important animals for people here because they can carry heavy loads. Snakes, foxes, and peacocks also live in the desert.

Fun Facts

• The Thar Desert covers more than 77,000 square miles.
• Summer temperatures can reach 122 degrees in the Thar.
• Every year, a big camel festival is held in the Thar Desert town of Pushkar.

Did You Know?

About 83 people live in every square mile of the Thar, making it the only desert with that many people.