Location
The Mediterranean Sea is to the north of Algeria, while Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara and Morocco all share borders with Algeria. Algeria is the African continent's second largest country. The Tell Atlas mountains are heavily forested and are the home to many wild animals.
Food and Drink
Much of the food must be imported since most of the large land area cannot support agriculture. However, vegetables, grapes, sugar beets, cotton, rice, citrus fruit and olives for oil are major products.
Arts
Algerian films have won acclaim as have the literature of Mammeri, Yacine and Benhadouga. Albert Camus was born in Algeria. Rock paintings depicting Neolithic scenes are found in the Sahara. Roman ruins can be seen at Timgad and Djemila.
History
Many invasions, perhaps due to a lack of natural barriers, have resulted in a diverse culture in Algeria. Phoenicians probably established Carthage in the 8th century B.C. The Roman victory over Carthage in the Jugurthine War in 105 B.C. resulted in an integration into the Roman Empire. In the 5th century the Vandals invaded and ended Roman rule, which was returned in the next century. In the 7th and 8th centuries the Arabs invaded leaving a lasting impression on the culture. A Turkish invasion resulted in 300 years of Turkish rule. King Charles X of France defeated the Turks in 1830 and the era of French colonialism began. The Algerians won independence in 1962 after a war lasting eight years.
People, Religion, Ethnic background, Language
Arabic, French and Berber are all spoken in Algeria. Sunni Muslim is the major religion.
Economics
Oil is a major product, the Algerian oil is fine quality needing less refining than oil from other Middle Eastern countries. A pipeline delivers natural gas through Italy to European countries. The roads and railways have been maintained since the departure of the French. People feel comfortable wearing both European-style and traditional clothing. A substantial part of the budget goes to education which has resulted in a literacy rate of over 50%, a considerable change from the 10% literacy at the time of independence in 1962.
Government
Algeria is a presidential republic having had strong, authoritarian presidents.
Miscellaneous
- Useful Information
- Go To Algeria
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