Blighted by war, the violence in Algeria has subsided. Travellers will be most struck with the Saraha desert which takes up most of the country. Oases are often large towns complete with shops, mosques and monuments.
10 October 2007
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.