Algeria

The Gateway to North Africa and the Land of Endless Desert

Algeria (الجمهورية الجزائرية الديمقراطية الشعبية) is the largest country in Africa and the Arab world, located in North Africa along the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its Sahara desert, Berber-Arab heritage, and rich natural resources, Algeria plays a strategic role in Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Islamic world.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Algeria has been home to Berber civilizations for thousands of years.

  • Conquered by Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, and later the Arabs in the 7th century.

  • Became a French colony in 1830, and remained under colonial rule for 132 years.

  • Gained independence after a brutal war on July 5, 1962, led by the National Liberation Front (FLN).

  • Developed as a secular republic with strong military influence and a rich revolutionary legacy.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Official Name People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
Native Name الجمهورية الجزائرية الديمقراطية الشعبية
Capital Algiers (الجزائر العاصمة)
Continent Africa (North Africa)
Official Language Arabic, Tamazight (Berber)
Currency Algerian Dinar (DZD)
Area Approx. 2.38 million sq. km
Population Approx. 45 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone UTC+1
ISO Code DZ
Calling Code +213
Internet TLD .dz

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune
Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui
Government Type Presidential republic
Legislature Bicameral – People’s National Assembly (APN) & Council of the Nation
Legal System Mixed – French civil law and Islamic law

Administrative Divisions (Wilayas)

Algeria is divided into 58 wilayas (provinces). Each wilaya is further subdivided into daïras (districts) and communes (municipalities).

List of 58 Provinces (Wilayas):

  1. Adrar

  2. Chlef

  3. Laghouat

  4. Oum El Bouaghi

  5. Batna

  6. Béjaïa

  7. Biskra

  8. Béchar

  9. Blida

  10. Bouira

  11. Tamanrasset

  12. Tébessa

  13. Tlemcen

  14. Tiaret

  15. Tizi Ouzou

  16. Algiers (Alger)

  17. Djelfa

  18. Jijel

  19. Sétif

  20. Saïda

  21. Skikda

  22. Sidi Bel Abbès

  23. Annaba

  24. Guelma

  25. Constantine

  26. Médéa

  27. Mostaganem

  28. M’Sila

  29. Mascara

  30. Ouargla

  31. Oran

  32. El Bayadh

  33. Illizi

  34. Bordj Bou Arréridj

  35. Boumerdès

  36. El Tarf

  37. Tindouf

  38. Tissemsilt

  39. El Oued

  40. Khenchela

  41. Souk Ahras

  42. Tipaza

  43. Mila

  44. Aïn Defla

  45. Naâma

  46. Aïn Témouchent

  47. Ghardaïa

  48. Relizane

  49. Timimoun (new)

  50. Bordj Badji Mokhtar (new)

  51. Ouled Djellal (new)

  52. Béni Abbès (new)

  53. In Salah (new)

  54. In Guezzam (new)

  55. Touggourt (new)

  56. Djanet (new)

  57. El Meghaier (new)

  58. El Menia (new)

Local Government Structure

  • Each wilaya is headed by a Wāli (Governor) appointed by the President.

  • Local governance includes People’s Provincial Assemblies (APW) and People’s Communal Assemblies (APC).

  • Municipalities play a key role in delivering basic services and development planning.

Leadership & Governance

  • Algeria emphasizes centralized authority, but with elected local assemblies.

  • Strategic priorities:

    • Economic diversification away from oil dependency

    • Political reform and anti-corruption

    • Youth empowerment and employment

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Managed by:

    • DGSN (Police) – urban areas

    • Gendarmerie Nationale – rural and semi-urban zones

    • ANP (People’s National Army) – national defense

  • Internal threats include:

    • Smuggling and terrorism in border regions

    • Cybercrime and political dissent management

  • Emergency Numbers:

    • 17 – Police

    • 14 – Ambulance

    • 1021 – Civil Protection (Fire)

Economy & Industry

  • Heavily reliant on hydrocarbons:

    • Oil, natural gas, LNG – over 90% of export revenues

  • Other sectors:

    • Agriculture: cereals, olives, dates

    • Mining: iron ore, phosphates

    • Manufacturing, construction, services growing slowly

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 200 billion

  • High youth unemployment remains a challenge

Education & Institutions

  • Free education system; Arabic and French are primary mediums

  • Key universities:

    • University of Algiers

    • University of Constantine

    • USTHB (Science & Technology)

  • Challenges:

    • Language transition policies

    • Skill gap in modern industries

Healthcare

  • Public healthcare is free and widely accessible

  • Private sector expanding in urban areas

  • Top hospitals:

    • CHU Mustapha Bacha (Algiers)

    • CHU Oran

  • Key concerns: regional disparities, brain drain, underfunding

Transport & Connectivity

  • Roads: extensive network connecting Sahara to the coast

  • Rail: under modernization, connects major cities

  • Airports: Houari Boumediene International (Algiers), Oran, Constantine

  • Ports: Algiers, Oran, Annaba are major commercial hubs

  • Metro: Algiers Metro operational; extensions ongoing

Tourism & Attractions

  • Ancient Roman ruins: Timgad, Djemila

  • Sahara expeditions: Hoggar Mountains, Tassili n’Ajjer (UNESCO)

  • Mediterranean cities: Oran, Algiers, Annaba

  • Casbah of Algiers – UNESCO Heritage Site

  • Rich Amazigh (Berber) cultural festivals, mosques, and cuisine

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Blend of Arab, Berber, African, and French influences

  • Language: Arabic (official), Tamazight (official), French (widely used)

  • Music: Rai, Chaabi, Kabyle folk

  • Cuisine: couscous, chorba, brik, pastries like makroud

  • Family-oriented society with Islamic values and hospitality

Summary

Algeria stands as a cultural and strategic giant in North Africa. With untapped tourism potential, massive energy reserves, and a proud revolutionary spirit, Algeria is poised for transformation. From its vast deserts and Roman cities to vibrant youth and cultural pride, Algeria is a nation of resilience and promise.