Country Guide • Algeria
Algeria is located in Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia. The Saharan region, which is 85% of the country, is almost completely uninhabited. The highest point is Mount Tahat in the Sahara, which rises 9,850 ft (3,000 m).
| Official Name | Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria |
|---|---|
| Area | 2,381,740km² (919,590mile²) |
| Population | 32,800,000 |
| Continent | Africa |
| Population per mile² | 36 |
| Capital City | Algiers |
| Religions | Islam (Sunni Muslims) 99%, 1% others |
| Language | Arabic mainly but French and Berber are spoken too |
| Government | Parliamentary Republic |
| Member of EU | N/A |
| Currency | Dinar |
| GDP | $167 Billion |
| GDP per Head | $5,300 |
| Natural Resources | Iron Ore, Lead, Natural Gas, Petroleum, Phosphates, Uranium and Zinc |
| Land Use | Arable Land 3% - The Sahara accounts for 85% of Country |
| Agriculture | Barley, Cattle, Citrus Fruits, Grapes, Olives, Sheep, Wheat |
| Industry | Electrical, Various Light Industries, Food Processing, Mining, Natural Gas, petroleum, petro-chemical. and Wine |
| Tourism | The British and Foreign Commonwealth offices advise against all holiday and other non-essential travel to Algeria. Algeria is one of a number of countries where there is a risk from terrorism. The security situation in northern Algeria remains serious, especially outside the main cities. We strongly advise against all travel to the desert and mountainous areas of the South East, because of the abduction of some foreign tourists there earlier this year |
| Natural Hazards | Severe earthquakes; mudslides and floods in rainy season |
| Health Risks | |
| Climate | There are three different climates within Algeria. The Sahara region is a desert climate with erratic rainfall. The North has a more Mediterranean climate hot summer and mild winters with occasional rain and thirdly the higher regions of the country which experience far greater heat with occasional rainfall. Average temperatures in the capital are 9—15°C in the winter to 22 to 29°C in the height of summer |
| Time | GMT/UTC+1 hour |
| National Days | Revolution Day—1 November |
| Visas | A passport valid for 3 months plus a visa are required |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
Information Only
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