Algeria is a country located in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Tunisia and Libya to the east, Niger and Mali to the south, and Mauritania, Western Sahara, and Morocco to the west. Algiers is the capital and largest city of Algeria, and Arabic and Berber are the official languages.

Algeria has a population of over 44 million people, and the majority of the population is Arab-Berber, with small minorities of Europeans and sub-Saharan Africans. The country has a diverse landscape, including the Saharan desert in the south, the Atlas Mountains in the north, and a fertile coastal plain along the Mediterranean coast.

Algeria has a hot and dry climate, with temperatures that can exceed 40°C (104°F) during the summer months. The country is known for its natural resources, including oil and natural gas, which account for the majority of the country's export revenues.

The Algerian economy has undergone significant transformation since independence from France in 1962, transitioning from a socialist economy to a market-oriented economy. The country is also known for its agricultural production, particularly of wheat, barley, and citrus fruits.

Algeria is a predominantly Muslim country, with a rich cultural heritage influenced by Berber, Arab, and French colonial traditions. The country has a diverse and flavorful cuisine, with popular dishes such as couscous, tagine, and pastilla.

Despite progress in areas such as education and healthcare, Algeria still faces challenges such as high unemployment rates, corruption, and political instability. In recent years, the country has also faced security challenges, including terrorism and cross-border trafficking of arms and drugs.

National holiday
Independence Day, 5 July (1962); Revolution Day, 1 November (1954)

Telephone Code
213

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 21606666; Fire: 14; Police: 17

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer

Currency (Code)
Dinars (DZD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages
Arabic (official), French (lingua franca), Berber or Tamazight (official); Berber dialects include Kabyle, Shawiya, Mzab, and Tuareg

Major Religions
Muslim (official; predominantly Sunni) 99%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Algiers, particularly the Casbah; Hoggar Mts. and Atakor Volcanic Field; Oran City; Constantine

Major Sports
Soccer, boxing, judo

Cultural Practices
It is best for men to allow the woman to extend her hand or offer her cheek first. If the hand is not extended, a man may make a slight bow or nod as a polite acknowledgement.

Tipping Guidelines
Waiters and bartenders should be tipped 10% of the total bill. Taxi fares are usually pre-negotiated, but a tip of 5-10 dinars is appreciated. Hotel maids should be tipped 90-100 dinars a night.

Souvenirs
Kandura tunics, leather items, rugs, copper and brassware, coral jewelry

Country code top-level domain
.dz

Geography
Area
total: 2,381,740 sq km
land: 2,381,740 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer

Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, zinc

People and Society
Population
44,758,398 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%

Languages
Arabic (official), French (lingua franca), Berber or Tamazight (official); dialects include Kabyle Berber (Taqbaylit), Shawiya Berber (Tacawit), Mzab Berber, Tuareg Berber (Tamahaq)

Religions
Muslim (official; predominantly Sunni) 99%, other (includes Christian, Jewish, Ahmadi Muslims, Shia Muslims, Ibadi Muslims) <1% (2012 est.)

Population growth rate
1.27% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Algiers

Economy
Economic overview
suffering oil and gas economy; lack of sector and market diversification; political instability chilling domestic consumption; poor credit access and declines in business confidence; COVID-19 austerity policies; delayed promised socio-economic reforms

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$487.716 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$11,000 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
potatoes, wheat, milk, watermelons, barley, onions, tomatoes, oranges, dates, vegetables

Industries
petroleum, natural gas, light industries, mining, electrical, petrochemical, food processing

Exports
$41.776 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Italy 13%, France 13%, Spain 12%, United States 7%, United Kingdom 7%, India 5%, South Korea 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, natural gas, refined petroleum, fertilizers, ammonia (2019)

Imports
$44.322 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 18%, France 14%, Italy 8%, Spain 8%, Germany 5%, Turkey 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, wheat, packaged medical supplies, milk, vehicle parts (2019)