- Algeria is the gateway between Europe and Africa – it’s located in northwest Africa, on the Mediterranean coast and also shares borders with Morocco, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Libya, and Tunisia.
- Algeria is the largest country in Africa.
- In 2018 the population was 42.23 million.
Flag of Algeria
- Algeria has a total area of 919,595 square miles (2,381,740 square kilometres)…
- …the Sahara desert covers more than four-fifths of this.
- Because of this, more than 90% of the population live on the coast, which equates to a mere 12% of the country’s land!
- Surprisingly, sand covers less than a fifth of the vast Sahara! The rest of the desert landscape is an unforgiving world of stark mountains, gravel plains and dry salt lakes.
- Algiers is Algeria’s capital city with a population of 3.916 million (2011).
- Whilst Algiers and Oran are home to lots of big shops like we see on our high streets, the majority of towns in Algeria have a poorly developed retail sector and you’ll only see small family-owned shops, farmer’s markets, and temporary roadside stands.
Amalou, Algeria
- The currency here is called the Algerian Dinar.
- It’s estimated that 35% of the population are below the age of 14 and just 4% are older than 65.
- Although, the life expectancy in Algeria is a healthy 76.5 years (2017).
- Despite bordering the Mediterranean Sea, fishing is not Algeria’s main industry, it is actually oil and gas that are this country’s main export.
- Algeria’s national dish is couscous, with vegetables stirred in – delicious and healthy!
- Agriculturally, Algeria produces wheat, barley, oats, grapes and sheep.
Cherchell Port, Algeria
- The French ruled Algeria from 1830-1962 – a long 132 year rule.
- For generations, French vintners transformed Algeria’s best land into grape cultivation and in doing so made their colony the world’s major wine exporter! Sounds perfect.
- Want to call your friends or family in Algeria? You’ll need to use the international dialling code +213.
Do you know any interesting or fun facts about Algeria? Share them here in the comments section below!
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