Algeria

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Country in North Africa

Algeria ( , Template:Lang-ber), officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, is a country in North Africa. It is the largest country in Africa and the tenth-largest in the world. Algeria is bordered to the northeast by Tunisia, to the east by Libya, to the southeast by Niger, to the southwest by Mali, Mauritania, and Western Sahara, to the west by Morocco, and to the north by the Mediterranean Sea.

History

The history of Algeria spans several millennia, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era. The region has seen the rise and fall of numerous civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, and Umayyads. In the early 19th century, Algeria was colonized by France, leading to significant cultural and political changes. The Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) resulted in Algeria gaining independence from France on July 5, 1962.

Geography

Algeria is characterized by its diverse geography, which includes the Tell Atlas mountain range, the Sahara Desert, and a Mediterranean coastline. The Atlas Mountains run along the northern part of the country, while the vast Sahara Desert covers much of the south.

Politics

Algeria is a semi-presidential republic. The President of Algeria is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The country has a multi-party system, with the People's National Assembly and the Council of the Nation forming the bicameral parliament.

Economy

Algeria's economy is heavily reliant on hydrocarbons, with the country being one of the largest producers of oil and natural gas in Africa. The Algerian dinar is the official currency. Despite its wealth in natural resources, the country faces challenges such as high unemployment and a need for economic diversification.

Demographics

The population of Algeria is estimated to be around 44.7 million as of 2023. The majority of the population is of Arab-Berber descent, with Arabic and Berber being the official languages. Islam is the predominant religion, with the majority of Algerians adhering to Sunni Islam.

Culture

Algerian culture is a rich blend of Arab, Berber, and French influences. The country is known for its traditional music, such as Raï, and its cuisine, which includes dishes like couscous and tagine.

Education

Education in Algeria is compulsory and free for children aged 6 to 15. The country has numerous universities and higher education institutions, including the University of Algiers.

See also

• List of cities in Algeria
• Geography of Algeria
• History of Algeria
• Economy of Algeria
• Culture of Algeria

References

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