The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, forms a natural boundary between India and Pakistan. It is the world's 17th largest desert and the 9th largest subtropical desert. Covering an area of about 200,000 square kilometers, it is characterized by high, shifting sand dunes and gravel plains. Despite the harsh environment, the Thar is the most densely populated desert in the world, with a rich cultural heritage reflected in the colorful attire, folk music, and festivals of its people. The desert climate is extreme, with scorching summers where temperatures exceed 50°C and cold winters where it can drop below freezing. Agriculture in the region has been transformed by the Indira Gandhi Canal, which brings fresh water from the rivers of Punjab. The desert is also home to diverse wildlife, including the Great Indian Bustard, one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, and the desert fox.