The Driest Countries in the World

We Brits are never happy it seems, so synonymous are our fair isles with rain that foreign visitors virtually demand the sight of a downpour upon touching down! 2010 has certainly not delivered on the rain front however, as this is one of the driest years in history. While this might have some of us sun-worshipers jumping for joy, a long spell of dry weather has it’s downsides. Hayfever sufferers will endure particularly bad and prolonged symptoms, gardeners dispair as their prize chrysanthemums fail to grow and those in the Northwest of the country are currently facing drought and as a result, a hosepipe ban.

Although we are bona fide experts, us Brits should not moan about the conditions. Other countries suffer from much more severe spells of dryness. Here are three countries that are dryer than Bond’s Martini!

Egypt

Officially the driest country in the world, and little wonder when you consider that the first images to pop into your head when you think of this tourist-friendly north African territory are vast desserts and parched stone pyramids. It goes without saying that almost all the hotel rooms here have a ceiling fan.

Chile

The long, thin strip of land which runs down the west coast of the South American continent makes up the country of Chile. Now famous for their successful run in the 2010 World Cup, the country is popular with backpackers and houses the Atacama dessert which scientist have described as ‘super-arid’. Allegedly this is so dry that insects don’t even live there, no need for a fly killer here!

Sudan

Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the world, covered by the eastern end of the Sahara dessert. The dry conditions only add to the countries existing political and social problems, poverty and disease are widespread and the lack of access to clean water is a contributing factor.

Perhaps us Brits shouldn’t moan so much about the weather then, we have it good with our largely consistent, temperate climate. If the dry weather does continue however we will be in for a very chilly winter, meaning now would be the perfect time to invest in  patio heaters.