Dryness isn’t just about hot weather — it’s about rainfall so minimal that entire nations struggle with water supply, agriculture and ecosystems. According to recent data, several countries record annual precipitation in the tens of millimetres. Leading the list is Egypt, with an average of just 18 mm of rain per year. Following closely are Libya (~56 mm) and Saudi Arabia (~59 mm). These countries are mostly in North Africa and the Middle East, regions dominated by desert climate, high-pressure systems and limited moisture inflows.

Why it matters:

• Such low rainfall means national reliance on alternative sources (rivers, aquifers, desalination) and huge vulnerability if those fail.

• Ecosystems in these places are fragile; water-stress becomes a major socio-economic challenge, from agriculture to urban supply.

• It’s a stark reminder of how unevenly precipitation is distributed on Earth — some places struggle while others receive thousands of millimetres yearly.

In summary: The driest nations aren’t just “less wet” — they live in a climate regime where rain is nearly absent, and managing water becomes a national priority rather than just a local concern.