About Algeria
Geography, government, population, climate, and key facts about Africa’s largest nation and the Mediterranean’s most strategically significant economy. Algeria.com — independent guide since the late 1990s.
46M
Population (2024)
2.38M
km² — Africa’s largest country
7
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
1,200km
of all EU gas imports — 4th largest supplier
15%
of all EU gas imports — 4th largest supplier
1990s
Algeria.com — online since
Algeria.com has been the authoritative independent English-language home of Algeria for more than two decades — one of the oldest continuously operating English-language digital platforms covering North Africa. What began as a travel and cultural reference has evolved into a multi-sector commercial and investment platform, while retaining the depth of editorial heritage that only longevity can produce. The country profile on this page draws on that accumulated knowledge to provide a comprehensive introduction to Africa’s largest and most strategically consequential nation.
The Land of the Atlas
The Maghreb and Land of the Atlas are common nicknames for Algeria. Friendly and passionate about their culture, Algerians make up various ethnic groups that originate from the Berbers, or indigenous North Africans. Berber is spoken in varying dialects across the country’s regions, with some of the dialects — such as Tamashek, spoken by the Tuareg of the far south — considered a separate language by academics.
Incredible natural landscapes, spanning from the Sahara Desert to the Kabylia Mountains and to the Mediterranean Sea, captivate travellers of the less-visited country of Algeria. The northern African country sits next to the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Tunisia to the northeast, Niger on the southeast side, Morocco to the west, and Western Sahara, Mauritania, and Mali to the southwest. Home to the largest city and capital of Algiers, Algeria features a majestic, expansive coastline, ten world-famous national parks, and numerous religious and historical attractions and landmarks.
Are you an outdoor enthusiast? If so, remember to bring your hiking boots so you can explore the Sahara Desert, Algeria’s high mountains, and the country’s lush and green oases. Your travel itinerary should also include visits to mosques and city squares, and cultural sights as well — all of which will provide you with a rich and complete cultural and historical experience.
Algeria’s Mediterranean coastline and desert interior draws travellers, as do the Ottoman landmarks in Algiers. One example is the Ketchaoua Mosque, built around 1612 and located in the Casbah quarter — a hillside area made up of narrow stairs and alleyways with a variety of unique architectural styles. The Notre Dame d’Afrique, a Neo-Byzantine basilica, dates back to the time the country was ruled by French colonials and remains one of Algiers’ most distinctive landmarks.
Travel in summer may be difficult
Naturally, with these kinds of landmarks and attractions, you may wonder when it is best to visit. Algeria has high summer temperatures, especially in the south, where conditions can also be very dry. During the summer season, road travel can be difficult. Air travel may be delayed due to Saharan sandstorms. Northern Algerian cities experience high humidity in summer while sea breezes cool cities and towns along the coast. If you plan your visit for the fall or winter, or opt for April or May, you will get relief from the desert dust, higher temperatures, and excess humidity.
A desert country
Most of Algeria — approximately 90% of the country — is made up of desert. It is the largest nation in Africa and the tenth largest in the world. Just a short distance from Europe, Algeria features snow-capped mountains which form the ideal backdrop for the country’s stunning coastlines and Roman ruins. You can spend time in a charismatic city such as Constantine or Algiers, or stroll through the ancient Roman sites at Djemila and Timgad — both of which are nicely preserved, with hardly another traveller in sight.
Djemila
Offering a quick sightseeing adventure, Djemila — a spectacular example of a ruined and ancient Roman town — can be visited in a day. If you travel at a more leisurely pace, you will want to spend longer there, strolling the streets, lingering in the marketplace, or sitting in the shade of the old landmarks. One of the great sites is the Arch of Caracalla, which displays Corinthian capitals and columns. It stands close to the House of Bacchus, a circa fifth-century mansion that includes two gardens and a pool that once served as the home’s aquarium.
One of the most prominent landmarks of Djemila, the temple of the Severan family, features a grand staircase fronted by massive Corinthian columns. Statues of the emperor and his wife, found at the temple, are displayed in the city’s museum.
Sampling Algerian dishes
One of the special experiences of visiting Algeria is sampling and eating its cuisine. Known for their range of spices and flavourings, Algerian foods include popular dishes such as chakchuka, couscous, and tajine. Algerians also love bread — expect to find it at every meal while travelling in the country. Algerian history is both long and interesting: a succession of empires has ruled the nation — peoples including the Romans, French, Ottomans, Arabs, Spanish, and Berbers. This type of influence, accumulated over time, has led to Algeria’s extraordinary cultural diversity. When travelling in Algeria, it may feel more like moving from one country to the next rather than simply crossing from one region to another.
A visit to Algiers and the Casbah
When planning a trip to Algeria, you will want to spend one or two days in the capital of Algiers. The city features a contrast in architectural designs and styles. While it does not display the elegance of European cities, its buildings — with their French facades — will give you the impression that you are travelling in Europe.
You cannot visit Algiers without seeing old town Algiers, or the Casbah, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. While the newer part of Algiers lies next to the water, the older part — the Casbah — rests on a hill behind the metropolis. Ancient Algiers dates back to the 1600s. It was founded on the ruins of Icosium, a former Berber city.
Visiting the Casbah Palace
Some of the sites to see in the Casbah include the Ketchaoua, El Djedid, and El Kebri mosques. The old section features the Casbah Palace as well. Also known as Dar Aziza, the Casbah Palace was constructed in 1791. It was named in honour of the Princess Aziza Bent ed-Dey. The white palace displays a grand staircase and several terraces.
Wherever you go in Algeria, you will find an unrecognised travel gem. Whether your journey extends only to the capital or takes in the whole country, you will always find something unexpected in your travels there.
A republic at Africa's strategic centre
Algeria is officially known as the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. The country is a semi-presidential republic with a president and prime minister. Its legislature consists of a parliament with an upper house — the Council of the Nation — and a lower house — the People’s National Assembly. Algeria’s political boundaries consist of 58 provinces (wilayas) and 1,541 communes. Algeria is a member of the United Nations, the Arab League, the Arab Maghreb Union, the African Union, and OPEC.
Algeria is the largest country in Africa and, in terms of geography by total area, the tenth largest in the world. Algeria has 48 regions which include 40 cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. The three most populous regions are Algiers (3,000,000), Sétif (1,500,000), and Oran (1,140,000). Algeria’s three largest cities by population are Algiers (2,100,000), Oran (810,000), and Constantine (475,000).
Algerian national identity was forged through one of the 20th century’s most consequential anti-colonial struggles — the War of Independence, which ran from 1954 to 1962 — and remains the defining event in the country’s modern self-understanding. On 5 July 1962, the day independence was proclaimed, more than a million Algerians are estimated to have gathered in the streets of Algiers alone. The national anthem, Kassaman — “We Pledge” — was written in 1955 by Moufdi Zakaria while he was imprisoned by the French colonial administration, and has been sung at every significant moment of Algerian public life since. Algeria’s culture draws from Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and Ottoman traditions, producing a civilisational depth expressed in its architecture, literature, music, and cuisine. Albert Camus — born in Mondovi (now Dréan), Algeria in 1913 — won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957, and remains one of the most widely read French-language authors in the world; his connection to Algeria’s landscape and its tensions is inseparable from his body of work. Hassiba Boulmerka, from Constantine, became the first African woman to win an Olympic gold medal on the track when she claimed the 1,500 metres at the 1992 Barcelona Games — a victory that resonated far beyond sport.
Key facts at a glance
| Official name | People's Democratic Republic of Algeriaكة المغربية |
| Location | North Africa |
| Historical nickname | The Land of the Atlas; The Land of the Mazghanna Tribe |
| Capital | Algiers |
| Select cities | Oran, Constantine, Touggourt, Ain Serfa, Blida, El Oued |
| Population | Approximately 46 million (2024) |
| Area | 2,381,741 km² — Africa's largest country; 10th largest in the world |
| Government | Unitary, semi-presidential republic with a president |
| Currency | Algerian Dinar (DZD) |
| Official languages | Arabic and Tamazight (Berber). French widely used in business and education. |
| Nationality | Algerian |
| Religion | Islam |
| Primary ethnicities | Arab and Berbers; including the Blida, Chaoui, and Mozabites. Arab-Berber approximately 99%. |
| Country motto | "By the People and For the People" — بالشعب وللشعب |
| National anthem | "Kassaman" or "Qassaman" ("We Pledge") |
| Independence | 5 July 1962 (from France) |
| Coordinates | 28°N 2°E |
| Average temperature | 82°F (28°C) national average. Algiers: 6°C (January) to 32°C (August). Biskra: up to 40°C in summer. |
| Climate | Desert, coastal regions, mountains. Mediterranean in the north; arid desert in the south. |
| Highest elevation | 4,390 ft (1,340m) — Djebel Chelia, Aurès Mountains |
| Points of interest | Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, Djebel Babor National Park, the Great Mosques, M'Zab Valley, Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions |
| Time zone | Central European Time (CET) UTC+1 |
| Calling code | +213 |
| Internet TLD | .DZ (الجزائر, or al-Jazā'ir in Latin alphabet, pronounced Al Dzayer) |
| Driving side | Right |
| Key memberships | United Nations, Arab League, African Union, Arab Maghreb Union, OPEC, OAPEC |
| UNESCO World Heritage Sites | Tassili n'Ajjer, M'Zab Valley, Djemila, Timgad, Tipasa, Casbah of Algiers, At-Benhaddou (7 total) |
| BLife expectancy | Approximately 77 years — World Bank, 2022 |
| GDP per capita | Approximately $5,200 USD — IMF estimate, 2023 |
City guide by region
Algeria’s cities and towns are distributed across distinct geographic and cultural regions. Select a region below to explore cities, travel information, and local highlights.
Things to do and see
Algeria’s extraordinary geographic diversity — from Mediterranean coastline to Saharan dunes, Roman ruins to Berber mountain villages — produces an equally diverse range of visitor experiences. The links below reflect more than two decades of Algeria.com editorial coverage.
Attractions
Explore Algeria in depth
Algeria.com has been the independent digital home of Algeria since the late 1990s. Use the links below to explore Algeria’s regions, culture, travel information, and commercial sectors.
Algeria’s Regions — North to Sahara
Berber, Arab, Andalusian — Cultural Depth
Visiting Algeria — Travel Guide
Sahara, Trekking, Roman Ruins and More
UNESCO Sites, Casbah and Landmarks
Algeria’s Economy — Seven Sectors
Algeria travel — frequently asked questions
Is Algeria safe for travellers?
Travellers to Algeria should consider all of their options before planning a visit. Generally, the larger cities are considered safe for tourists, although travelling in remote areas and along shared borders must be done with extreme caution due to a number of designated no-go zones. Guided tour operators are available with many reputable companies able to serve you. Be sure to do your research with your embassy as well as government resources before exploring on your own.
What languages are spoken in Algeria?
The official languages are Arabic and Berber (Tamazight). Other languages include French, which is used for administrative, commercial, and educational matters, and Darja (Algerian Arabic) — the everyday spoken language and the lingua franca that makes communication possible between those who do not share a first regional language. In the Kabylie region, Kabyle Berber is the dominant spoken language. In the Saharan south, Tuareg dialects including Tamashek are spoken.
What is the temperature like in Algeria?
The weather and climate in the north, along the Mediterranean coast, is mild and pleasant. Algeria’s desert and mountain regions have much more diverse climatic conditions that contrast significantly depending on the time of year. In Algiers, for example, the temperature ranges from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) in January to a high of 32°C (90°F) in the summer months of July and August. Temperatures in Biskra — known as the Gateway to the Sahara — can range from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a high of 40°C (104°F) from June through August.
Is a visa required to visit Algeria?
Depending on your country of origin, a passport valid for six months is required for entry into Algeria. There are some exceptions for visitors from certain countries who can stay for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Travellers from Israel are not permitted entry or transit. For US and Canadian citizens, visas are required. Algeria introduced streamlined visa procedures for certain nationalities beginning in 2023 — always verify the current requirements with the Algerian embassy in your country before travel.
What currency is used in Algeria?
The official currency of Algeria is the Algerian Dinar, abbreviated DZD and represented by the symbol DA. The Dinar is divided into 100 centimes. It is not freely convertible outside Algeria, so it is advisable to obtain local currency on arrival rather than before departure — exchange facilities outside the country are limited. Major international hotels in Algiers, Oran, and Constantine accept credit cards, but cash in Dinar is essential for travel in smaller cities, souks, and rural areas. If you plan to visit the Saharan south, carry enough Dinar before you leave the northern cities, as ATMs become sparse south of the Saharan Atlas.
What are the must-see destinations in Algeria?
Most visitors start in Algiers, and the Casbah alone justifies the trip. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most intact historic medinas in the Mediterranean — narrow stairways, the Ketchaoua Mosque, El Djedid, El Kebri, and the Casbah Palace itself, built in 1791. From there, the Roman ruins at Djemila and Timgad are a short journey east and are genuinely extraordinary — nicely preserved, with hardly another traveller in sight. If you have time for the Saharan south, the Tassili n’Ajjer plateau contains over 15,000 prehistoric rock engravings spanning 10,000 years, and the M’Zab Valley — five fortified Mozabite cities built in the tenth and eleventh centuries — is unlike anything else in North Africa. Whether your trip covers only Algiers or extends to the whole country, you will always find something unexpected in your travels there.
How do I get around Algeria?
Air Algérie operates an extensive domestic network connecting Algiers to Oran, Constantine, Annaba, Béjaïa, Tamanrasset, Ghardaïa, and other regional centres — for visitors covering large distances, domestic flights are the most practical option. Algeria’s rail network, operated by SNTF, connects the major northern cities — Algiers, Oran, Constantine, and Annaba — with reasonable reliability and affordable fares. For travel within Algiers, the metro (opened 2011) covers the city centre and eastern suburbs, while the city’s tramway network extends to outlying areas. Long-distance bus services operated by KTCS and private operators serve most cities and towns. Travel in the Saharan south requires careful planning — guided tours with reputable operators are the recommended approach for the Tassili n’Ajjer, the Ahaggar Mountains, and the deep south generally. Road travel in the north is straightforward; main routes between the northern cities are well-maintained. Petrol and diesel are widely available and subsidised, making car hire a practical option for exploring the northern regions independently.
What should I know about Algerian customs and culture before I visit?
Algeria is a predominantly Muslim country and a few practical points will help your visit go smoothly. Dress modestly when visiting mosques, traditional souks, and smaller towns — shoulders and knees covered is the standard for both men and women in these settings. In Algiers and the major northern cities, dress codes are relaxed and international norms apply. If you are travelling during Ramadan — the month of fasting, whose dates shift each year — expect restaurants to be closed during daylight hours, a reduced pace of activity in the middle of the day, and a lively and hospitable atmosphere in the evenings when families gather. It is respectful not to eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight hours. Algerians are known for their warmth and hospitality — if invited to someone’s home, bringing a small gift is appreciated, and it is customary to accept tea or coffee when offered. Greetings are important and unhurried; take time for them. French is widely understood and appreciated in business and urban contexts.
Selected resources
Practical visitor and cultural resources accumulated over more than two decades of editorial coverage on Algeria.com.
Visitors and Travellers
Algeria is not only Africa’s largest country by territory — it is one of the continent’s most strategically significant commercial platforms. Sonatrach, the state energy company, is Africa’s largest company by revenue and a consistent Fortune Global 500 entry, anchoring an energy export infrastructure that supplies 15% of all EU gas imports — per Eurostat 2024. An iron ore reserve of 3.5 billion tonnes at Gara Djebilet, a pharmaceutical manufacturing base representing 30% of Africa’s total capacity, and an AI market growing at 27.67% annually complete the commercial picture. Algeria.com covers all seven of Algeria’s commercial sectors in depth — from energy infrastructure and critical minerals to green hydrogen, industrial manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, digital economy, and cultural tourism. Explore Algeria’s Economy →
- Energy & Hydrocarbons Transition
- Critical Minerals & Mining
- Green Hydrogen & Renewables
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
- Digital Economy & Technology
- Heritage & Cultural Tourism
Eight macro-regions — Mediterranean coast to deep Sahara
Oran & North-West
Algeria’s second city and the commercial capital of the west, with a distinctly Andalusian character shaped by centuries of Spanish presence — the Fort of Santa Cruz, built by the Spanish in 1708, still overlooks the city from the Murdjadjo plateau. Oran hosted the 19th Mediterranean Games in 2022, accelerating significant urban infrastructure investment. Home to Fiat’s first Algerian manufacturing plant (opened 2023), Renault and Peugeot assembly operations, and the Port of Oran — one of the western Mediterranean’s most active. The region extends west to Tlemcen, a UNESCO-recognised city of Andalusian-Islamic cultural heritage containing the Grand Mosque built in 1136 and the Mansourah mosque ruins.
Tamanrasset & South
Gateway to the Algerian Sahara and the Ahaggar Mountains. The Hoggar rises to Mount Tahat at 3,003 metres. The plateau of Assekrem, where Charles de Foucauld established his hermitage in 1905, offers one of the most extraordinary views on the African continent. Home to Algeria’s Tuareg population and the Tamashek language.
Tassili n’Ajjer & Deep Sahara
A UNESCO World Heritage Site of global significance containing over 15,000 prehistoric engravings and paintings — spanning 10,000 years of Saharan human habitation. The region also contains significant natural gas infrastructure connected to the Hassi R’Mel hub that feeds the European pipeline network.