Algeria

Country Profile: Algeria

Official Name: People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria

Capital: Algiers

Geography:

Located in North Africa, Algeria is the largest country in Africa and the 10th largest in the world. It is bordered by Tunisia to the northeast, Libya to the east, Niger to the southeast, Mali and Mauritania to the southwest, Western Sahara to the west, Morocco to the northwest, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north.

Area: Approximately 2.38 million square kilometers (approximately 919,595 square miles).

Population: Approximately 44 million people (as of 2023 estimate).

Language: Arabic is the official language, and Berber is also widely spoken. French is used in media and business.

Climate:

Algeria has a varied climate, with a coastal Mediterranean climate in the north and a hot, dry Sahara desert climate in the south.

Economy:

Algeria’s economy is dominated by its export trade in petroleum and natural gas, commodities that, despite fluctuations in world prices, annually contribute roughly one-third of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Government:

Algeria is a semi-presidential republic, wherein the president serves as the head of state and the prime minister as the head of government.

Education:

Education is free and officially compulsory for all Algerians until the age of 16. Arabic is the language of instruction from the first year of primary school, and French is introduced in the second year.

Culture:

Algeria’s culture is a blend of many influences, from its history as an Arab and Berber state to its former French colonization. The country is known for its unique architectural styles, vibrant music scenes such as Rai, and popular dishes like couscous.

Noteworthy Facts:

Algeria’s Sahara desert is one of the biggest high-altitude deserts in the world. The country also has seven sites inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, including the Roman ruins of Djémila and Timgad.

This is a general overview of Algeria. There’s much more to learn about this country, from its rich history to its diverse landscapes and cultures.