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| Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria | |
|---|---|
| Conventional long name | Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria |
| Common name | Algeria |
| Native name | الجمهورية الجزائرية الديمقراطية الشعبية |
| Capital | Algiers |
| Largest city | Algiers |
| Official languages | Arabic, Tamazight |
| Government | Semi-presidential system |
| President | Abdelmadjid Tebboune |
| Prime minister | Aymen Benabderrahmane |
| Area km2 | 2381741 |
| Population estimate | 44700000 |
| Currency | Algerian dinar |
| Independence | Independence from France (1962) |
Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria is a North African state on the Maghreb's central Mediterranean coast, distinguished by its size, its role in decolonization, and its diverse cultural heritage. Its modern identity emerged through struggles including the Algerian War and political episodes such as the 1962 Evian Accords, the 1965 Algerian coup d'état, and the Black October (1988) unrest. Algeria combines urban centers like Oran and Constantine with vast landscapes including the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains, shaping interactions among political actors such as the FLN, the National People's Assembly (Algeria), and the High Council of State (Algeria).
The official English designation derives from translations of the French-era formal title adopted after independence; the term "Algeria" traces to Algiers and the Arabic al-Jazā’ir. Historical toponymy involves references from Numidia, Carthage, and Roman province of Mauretania Caesariensis to Ottoman-era Dey of Algiers administration. Colonial-era nomenclature appears in documents related to Algerian Manifesto and treaties like the Treaty of Tafna, while modern constitutional texts reference institutions such as the People's National Assembly (Algeria) and the Constitution of Algeria.
Algerian prehistory and antiquity link to Tassili n'Ajjer rock art, Carthage settlements, and Roman Lambaesis inscriptions. Medieval and early modern eras feature Berber dynasties like the Almoravid dynasty, the Hammadid dynasty, and later Ottoman Algeria under the Janissaries and the Regency of Algiers. European encroachment culminated in the French conquest of Algeria (1830), provoking resistance led by figures such as Emir Abdelkader, and long-term colonization linked to settlers known as Pieds-Noirs. The mid-20th century witnessed anti-colonial mobilization by the FLN, the Algerian War of independence, and international dynamics involving United Nations debates, Charles de Gaulle, and the Evian Accords.
Post-independence politics feature leaders such as Ahmed Ben Bella, Houari Boumédiène, Chadli Bendjedid, and crises including the 1988 October Riots and the cancellation of elections that preceded the Algerian Civil War (1991–2002), implicating armed groups like the Armed Islamic Group of Algeria and the Islamic Salvation Front. More recent developments involve the Hirak movement of 2019, constitutional revisions, and international engagements with states such as Morocco, Tunisia, and France.
Algeria occupies extensive Mediterranean coastline and interior regions including the Tell Atlas and the Saharan Atlas ranges, and vast expanses of the Sahara Desert with features like the Ahaggar Mountains and the Tassili n'Ajjer plateau. Coastal plains host cities including Algiers, Oran, Annaba, and Skikda, while inland oases like Timimoun connect to trans-Saharan routes historically linked to Timbuktu and Trans-Saharan trade. Environmental concerns involve desertification, water management tied to projects like the Great Man-made River (a Libyan project but regionally relevant in discourse), biodiversity in reserves such as El Kala National Park, and impacts of climate change on Mediterranean Basin ecosystems.
Algeria's political system combines institutions including the President of Algeria, the Prime Minister of Algeria, and a bicameral legislature with the Council of the Nation (Algeria) and the People's National Assembly (Algeria). The FLN remains a central political party alongside groups like the National Rally for Democracy (RND), the Islamic Salvation Front (historically), and newer movements emerging during the Hirak protests. Security institutions such as the People's National Army (Algeria) and the Secret Service have influenced political transitions, including the 1992 coup d'état and the appointment of interim authorities like the High Council of State (Algeria). Foreign policy aligns with principles of Non-Aligned Movement, ties to Russia, China, the European Union, and positions on regional disputes like Western Sahara involving Polisario Front and Morocco.
Algeria's hydrocarbon sector—led by state-owned Sonatrach and infrastructure involving LNG terminals and pipelines—dominates exports and fiscal revenues, linked to global markets such as OPEC dynamics and oil price fluctuations. Efforts at diversification involve sectors including agriculture in the Mitidja Plain, manufacturing zones like Sétif and Annaba steelworks, and services in urban centers such as Algiers and Oran port. Economic policy references include the Algerian dinar monetary regime, sovereign fiscal arrangements, and development plans responding to unemployment, informal sector activity, and foreign direct investment from partners like China and France.
Population concentrations appear in coastal wilayas including Algiers Province, Oran Province, and Constantine Province, while vast low-density areas cover southern provinces like Tamanrasset Province. Ethnolinguistic groups include Arabs and Berbers such as the Kabyle people, Chaoui people, Mozabite people, and Tuareg. Urbanization trends reflect migration to cities with institutions such as University of Algiers and Université Frères Mentouri Constantine, alongside diasporas in France, Belgium, and Canada. Social movements feature labor unions like the General Union of Algerian Workers and civic activism embodied in the Hirak movement.
Algerian culture synthesizes influences from Amazigh culture, Andalusian music traditions exemplified by El Khroub and Chaabi music, and classical Arabic heritage embodied in poets and scholars linked to Tlemcen and Constantine. Visual arts include Rachid Koraïchi and architecture ranging from Ottoman-era mosques like the Ketchaoua Mosque to colonial-era landmarks such as the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Oran. Religious life is predominantly Islam, with sites including the Great Mosque of Algiers and Sufi orders historically associated with zawiyas in regions like Tiaret; minority communities include Jews and Christians with historical connections to Algerian Jews and institutions like the Saint Augustin Church (Annaba). Culinary traditions feature dishes such as couscous, chakchouka, and pastries reflecting Maghrebi cuisine influences.
Category:North African countries Category:Countries in Africa