lAlgeria

Algeria, officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, is a country in North Africa along the Mediterranean coast. It is Africa's largest country by land area, covering about 2.38 million square kilometers. It borders Tunisia and Libya to the northeast, Niger, Mali, and Mauritania to the south, Western Sahara to the west, and Morocco to the northwest. The terrain ranges from coastal plains to the Sahara Desert in the interior, with a climate that varies from Mediterranean to arid. The capital and largest city is Algiers. The population is around 44 million. The official languages are Arabic and Berber (Tamazight), with French widely used in business and media. Islam is the predominant religion.

Historically, the region has been inhabited by Berber populations and complex empires before French colonization began in 1830. Algeria gained independence in 1962 after a long war. Since independence it pursued state-led development, and after a civil conflict in the 1990s returned to civilian rule. The political system is a semi-presidential republic with a president and a prime minister, a bicameral legislature (National People’s Assembly and the Council of the Nation), and 58 provinces (wilayas).

Economywise, Algeria relies heavily on hydrocarbons, with oil and natural gas dominating exports and public revenue. It is a member of OPEC. Efforts to diversify have faced challenges such as unemployment and fiscal sustainability. The dinar (DZD) is the currency. Major trading partners include Spain, Italy, and France, reflecting geographic and historical ties.

Culturally, Algeria exhibits a blend of Arab, Berber, Mediterranean, and French influences. The Casbah of Algiers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Raï music and Amazigh arts are prominent, and cuisine features staples like couscous and tagines. The country has a large diaspora in Europe and elsewhere.