Category: Algeria

Algeria is located in Maghreb region and the country is the largest one in the Mediterranean Sea. Algeria is largest among the Arab countries and second-largest country of African continent. The country is bordered by Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Western Sahara and Mediterranean Sea. Algiers is the capital of the country. During ancient times, the country was called as Numidia kingdom and the people were known as Numidians. Numidia kingdom has relations with Romans, Greeks and Carthaginians. The Berbers controlled majority of the Maghreb region in middle Ages. Several dynasties ruled the country and Spanish conquered several town and outposts of the country starting from 1505.

Later French captured the country in 1830 and the country got independence from French in the year 1962. The government of Algeria is semi-presidential republic. Algeria is under the authoritarian regime and president is the head of the state. President is also the head of the Council of Ministers and High Security Council. Prime Minister is the head of the government appointed by the president. Algerian economy is mainly dependent on fossil fuels energy sector. The country ranked 14th in petroleum reserves and export earnings of the country is 95%.

Algeria’s total population is 41.3 million and among them 99% are ethnic Berbers or Arabs. Around 90% of the population is living in the coastal area of the country. The population of the country ranges from Black Africans to light skinned and blue eyed Kabyles. Algeria’s official language is Arabic and Berber is considered as the national language. Arabic and Berber are the native languages of Algerians as 83% of people are speaking Arabic and 15% of people are Berbers. French is the foreign language that is used widely. Major religion of the country is Islam as 99% of the population is following Islam. The minority religions are Christianity and Jewish.

The major tourist attraction of Algeria is Sahara desert and Algeria is a place worth visiting with its varying landscapes such as meadows, forests, sand dunes, deserts and beaches. Algiers, the capital city is known for white buildings and city offers ancient ruins at Timgad, Tipaza and Djemila. Monument of Martyrs is a famous monument made in memory of Algerian war of Independence. You can also visit the northern coastal line of the country for beaches and variety for beach resorts. Jardin d’Essai du Hamma is the botanical garden located in Algiers is divided into English garden, Zoo area and French garden.

Notre Dame d’Afrique is the Roman Catholic Church built in 19th century that overlooks the Bay of Algiers. Ben Aknoun Zoo is one of the top tourist destinations in Algeria and oldest of Africa. Tassili n’Ajjer is famous for pre-historic cave paintings. Kasbah Quarter is a historical place dated back to 17th century. Ghardaia is an oasis town famous for date production and exquisite cloth and rugs. Hogars National Park is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO where you can find wildcat, wolf, wild goats, gazelle, cheetah and different species of birds.