The desert is a difficult place in which to live. Yet, 13 percent of the world's people live in desert habitats. Spectacular photography highlights this series about the world's major desert systems. Each title focuses on one desert, describing its topography, climate, plant and animal life, unique geographical features, human cultures, and the problems facing the region. Covering most of Botswana, as well as portions of Namibia and South Africa, the Kalahari Desert is not a true desert because it receives more than ten inches (250 mm) of rain each year. But the rain drains and evaporates quickly leaving no water on the surface of the red sand. Each year, close to one million visitors travel to the Kalahari to view the desert's wildlife and to visit the communities of the disappearing San Bushmen. Today, overgrazing by farm animals is threatening what little vegetation grows in the desert.

Diamond mining has helped grow the economy of Botswana, one of the poorest countries in Africa, but at great cost to this fragile desert system. How will these problems be resolved? Book jacket.