Guide to Algeria

Full name: The People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. (Al Jumhuriyah al Jazairiyah ad Dimuqratiyah ash Shabiyah).

Short form: Algeria (Al Jazair)

Term for Citizens: Algerian(s)

Location: Northern Africa,borders the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia, Niger,Tunisia,Western Sahara
Bordes: Libya, Mali, Mauritinia

Population: 32.9 million (UN, 2005)

Capital: Algiers

Area: 2.4 million sq km (919,595 sq miles)

Major languages: Arabic, French, Berber

Major religion: Islam

Life expectancy: 70 years (men), 72 years (women) (UN)

Currency: 1 dinar = 100 centimes

Internet domain: .dz

International dialling code: +213

Time Zone: Winter: GMT/Summer: GMT+1

Flying time: London to Algiers 2 hours and 45 minutes

Climate: Arid to semi-arid; 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  

Entry/Visa: A valid passport and visa are required.

Public Holidays:
January 1 New Year’s
January 11, 2006* Feast of the Sacrifice
January 31, 2006* Islamic New Year
February 9, 2006* Ashoura
April 11, 2006* Birth of Muhammad
May 1 Labor Day
June 19 Ben Bella’s Overthrow
July 5 Independence Day
August 22, 2006* Ascension of Muhammad
September 24, 2006* Beginning of Ramadan
October 24, 2006* End of Ramadan
November 1 Anniversary of the Revolution

Dates marked with an asterisk vary from year to year according to the Islamic calendar.

10 October 2007