Overview of Algeria

Profile

Algeria is a republican state located in the Maghreb region of northwestern Africa, facing the Mediterranean Sea to the north and extending into the Sahara Desert inland. With some of Africa's largest natural gas and oil reserves, it maintains strong economic ties with Europe as an energy exporter. Ancient Roman ruins, Arab-Berber culture, and French colonial architecture coexist, forming a diverse historical heritage. Following independence, the nation shifted from socialist policies led by the National Liberation Front to economic liberalization, now adopting a semi-presidential system. The vast territory ranges from Mediterranean climate to extreme desert heat, blessed with rich biodiversity.

Official name: People's Democratic Republic of Algeria
Common name: Algeria
Numeric code: 012
Alpha-3 code: DZA
Alpha-2 code: DZ
Population: 46 million (2024)
Population density: approximately 18 people/km2
Primary languages: Arabic, Berber
Major religions: Islam (predominantly Sunni)
National anthem: Qassaman (We Pledge)
Calling code: +213
Internet TLD: .dz

History

After 132 years of French occupation beginning in 1830, Algeria gained independence in 1962, subsequently overcoming civil war to reach its current governmental system.

Algeria, which became Islamized after the Phoenician and Roman eras, flourished as a maritime power under Ottoman protection from the 16th century onward. Conquered by France in 1830, colonial rule and settler dominance continued until the Algerian War erupted in 1954. Independence was achieved on July 5, 1962, giving birth to Ben Bella's government under a socialist banner. The 1990s saw civil war intensify following the annulment of elections won by an Islamist party, resulting in hundreds of thousands of casualties, though reconciliation policies progressed in the 2000s. Currently pursuing multi-party systems and economic diversification, the nation maintains tense relations with Morocco over the Western Sahara issue in regional diplomacy.

Geography & climate

Diverse terrain with fertile Mediterranean coast and Atlas Mountains to the north, high plateau steppe in the center, and the world's largest Sahara Desert to the south.

Ranging from Mediterranean to subtropical desert climate

Area: Africa / 2381741 km²
Capital: Algiers
Largest city: Algiers
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic

Natural resources

Natural gas, Petroleum, Iron ore, Phosphate, Mercury, Lead, Zinc, Uranium, Gypsum, Coal, Salt, Petrified wood, Marble, Solar energy, Wind power potential

Politics

Government: Semi-presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Algerian Dinar (DZD)

GDP (nominal): 195 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 686 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Arabic, Berber

Time zone: Central European Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Arabs, Kabyle, Chaoui, Mozabite, Tuareg, Chenagla

Life expectancy

76 years

Literacy rate

81%

National sports

Football, Handball, Track and field, Judo, Volleyball