| | Algeria
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| Algeria is renowned by its natural beauty, rich culture, fascinating history and warm hospitality. Algeria is increasingly becoming a popular and an international tourist destination. Tourism has the potential to contribute significantly on an ongoing basis to the economy of Algeria; therefore the authorities place an emphasis on the development of the country's infrastructure and tourism facilities. |
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| Geography |
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People's Democratic Republic of Algeria as officially known, is the second largest country of the African continent and also, the eleventh largest country in the world. In the north- east it is bordered by Tunisia, towards east bordered by Libya and in the southeast by Niger. In the southwest it is surrounded by Mauritania and Mali, and a stretch of Western Sahara in the West, in the northwest by Morocco, and towards the north by Mediterranean Sea.
The costal area is mostly hilly and sometime mountainous. You can also find natural harbours here. Tell Atlas, the area towards the south of coast is fertile. Further towards the south are the Sahara desert and the Atlas mountain range. The Ahaggar Mountains are the highland region in southern Algeria and central Sahara. The Ahaggar is also popularly known as the Hoggar.
The main Cities of Algeria are Algiers (the capital city), Oran Constantine and Annaba | | |
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| History |
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Berbers were the first inhabitants of Algeria and they still represent a significant minority.Algeria has witnessed series of invasion in history by Phoenicians and the Roman, but the greatest cultural impact was made by the Arab invasion in 8th and 11th Century A.D.
The Moors and the Jews also settled in Algeria. Algeria was also integral parts of the Ottoman Empire from 1518 to 1830. In 1830, Algeria became a French territory and during this period political and economic power was mainly upheld by the minority of white settlers, and the native Muslim minority did not enjoy equal rights.
Many Muslims were killed before independence was achieved on July 5, 1962. National liberation Front, FLN has ruled the politics ever since. National Constituent Assembly was elected, and the French army withdrew.
During the 1960s and 1970s Algeria emerged as a staunch socialist state: the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria. Chadli Bendjedid, a former colonel was named president, in February 1979. He was reelected to a third five-year term in December 1988.
In late seventies and early eighties Algeria's relations with France was embittered. Algeria had also criticized French military intervention in other African countries. |
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| Government |
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| The President of Algeria is Abdelaziz Bouteflika who is both the head of the state and head of the government. The Algerian politics takes place in a framework of a presidential republic. The government exercises the Executive powers and the Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of parliament, the Council of Nation and the people's National Assembly. The Algerian politics is very dynamic in nature witnessing change often. Currently, the country is a constitutional republic with a democratically elected government |
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| Economy |
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The Hydrocarbon sector is the backbone of the Algerian Economy. Algeria is the forth largest gas exporter, eight largest reserves for natural gas and the fourteenth largest oil reserve in the world. Sustained high oil prices in the recent years have benefited Algeria's economic and financial sectors. Diversification of the economy has been the prime focus of the government by attracting foreign and domestic investment outside the energy sector, however this hasn't contributed enough to improve the standard of living or reduce unemployment. The Algerian soil is noted for its fertility, therefore many are employed in the agriculture sector. The agricultural products are wheat, barley, oats, grapes, olives, citrus, fruits; sheep, cattle. The major trading partners France, Germany, Spain, turkey, Italy and China
The monetary unit of Algeria is Dinar |
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| People |
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Most of the Algerian population is Berber in origin. Berber are mostly Muslim, primarily Sunni Muslim (97%) and Ibadis (1.3%) the non Sunni Muslims very little in number. Along with the Muslims there also exists minority community, the Roman Catholic, protestant Christians and some Jew. In the metropolitan cities you can find less than 1% of European population.
Algerian mostly speak Algerian Arabic. Although Tamazight has been recently recognized a national language, Arabic remains Algeria's only official language.
Language is a politically sensitive issue, particularly for Berber minority. The most widely used foreign language is French. |
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| Climate |
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Northern region of Algeria is in the temperate zone and faces mild, Mediterranean
climate. Variation in the climatic condition is a common feature observed year- to –year.
Temperature in Tell Atlas during summer average between 21 – 24 °C, and during winter it drops to 10 - 12°C. Although, it's not very cold during winters, but the humidity level is high. The coastal area of Tell Atlas receives abundant rainfall. Between the mountains, Algeria has ergs also known as sand dunes, during summer when the winds are gusty and heavy, temperatures sore upto 110 °F i.e. 43°C. |
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