Algiers

Algiers
Name	Algiers
Coordinates	36.7753°N 3.0587°E
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Algeria
Subdivision type1	Province
Subdivision name1	Algiers Province
Subdivision type2	District
Subdivision name2	Sidi M'Hamed District
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Samia Ghali
Population total	3643810
Population as of	2014

Algiers is the capital and largest city of Algeria, located on the Mediterranean Sea coast, and is home to many notable landmarks, including the Casbah of Algiers, Notre Dame d'Afrique, and the Grand Mosque of Algiers. The city has a rich history, with influences from the Ottoman Empire, French colonial empire, and Arab League. Many famous individuals have visited or lived in Algiers, including Pierre Bourdieu, Albert Camus, and Frantz Fanon, who were all associated with the University of Algiers. The city has also been an important location for international events, such as the Arab League Summit and the African Union meetings.

Geography

Algiers is situated on the Bay of Algiers, along the Mediterranean Sea coast, and is surrounded by the Tell Atlas mountains to the south and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. The city's geography is characterized by its hilly terrain, with many steep streets and narrow alleys, and is home to several notable neighborhoods, including Bab El Oued, Belouizdad, and Hussein Dey. The city is also close to several other important cities, including Oran, Constantine, and Annaba, and is connected to them by the National Route 1 (Algeria) and the National Route 5 (Algeria). Many notable rivers flow through or near the city, including the Oued El Harrach and the Oued El Kebir, which are both tributaries of the Mediterranean Sea.

History

The history of Algiers dates back to the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians, who established a settlement on the site of the current city. The city was later conquered by the Roman Empire and became an important center of trade and commerce, with many notable landmarks, including the Theatre of Carthage and the Arch of Caracalla. The city was also an important location for the Ottoman Empire, which conquered it in the 16th century and made it the capital of the Regency of Algiers. Many famous individuals have played a role in the city's history, including Hassan Pasha, Kheireddine Pacha, and Abd al-Qadir al-Jazairi, who all fought against the French colonial empire during the Algerian War of Independence. The city has also been an important location for international events, such as the Congress of Algiers and the Pact of Algiers.

Climate

Algiers has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The city's climate is influenced by its location on the Mediterranean Sea coast, and is subject to the Sirocco wind, which brings hot, dry air from the Sahara Desert. The city's average temperature is around 18°C (64°F), with average highs of around 28°C (82°F) in the summer and average lows of around 8°C (46°F) in the winter. The city receives an average of around 600 mm (24 in) of rainfall per year, with most of it falling between September and May. Many notable weather events have affected the city, including the 2001 Algiers flood and the 2003 Boumerdès earthquake.

Economy

The economy of Algiers is driven by a number of industries, including petroleum, natural gas, and manufacturing. The city is home to many notable companies, including Sonatrach, Sonelgaz, and Air Algérie, which are all major players in the Algerian economy. The city is also an important center of trade and commerce, with many markets and shopping centers, including the Casbah of Algiers and the Bab Ezzouar shopping center. Many notable individuals have played a role in the city's economy, including Ahmed Ben Bella, Houari Boumédiène, and Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who all served as President of Algeria and implemented various economic policies. The city has also been an important location for international events, such as the Arab League Summit and the African Union meetings.

Culture

The culture of Algiers is a unique blend of Arabic, Berber, and French influences, with many notable landmarks, including the National Museum of Antiquities and Islamic Art, the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, and the Théâtre national d'Algérie. The city is home to many notable cultural events, including the Festival of Algiers, the International Book Fair of Algiers, and the Pan-African Festival. Many famous individuals have been associated with the city's culture, including Assia Djebar, Kateb Yacine, and Mohammed Dib, who were all notable writers and intellectuals. The city has also been an important location for international cultural events, such as the Arab Capital of Culture and the Islamic World Academy of Sciences.

Transportation

The transportation system in Algiers is well-developed, with many notable roads, highways, and public transportation systems, including the National Route 1 (Algeria), the National Route 5 (Algeria), and the Algiers Metro. The city is also home to many notable airports, including the Houari Boumediene Airport and the Boufarik Airport, which are both major hubs for Air Algérie and other airlines. Many notable ports are also located in or near the city, including the Port of Algiers and the Port of Oran, which are both important centers of trade and commerce. The city has also been an important location for international transportation events, such as the African Railway Union and the International Maritime Organization meetings.

Category:Cities in Algeria