Algeria is a country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa, bordered by Tunisia and Libya to the east, Mauritania and Morocco to the west, Niger and Mali to the southwest, and Algeria’s small international borders with Western Sahara to the south. The country has a population of approximately 43 million people, making it the largest country in both Africa and the Arab world.
Algeria is home to some of the most impressive natural wonders on the planet including the Grand Erg Oriental which is one of the biggest sandy deserts in North Africa covering over 9 million hectares. The country also boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna with forests, mountains, rivers and lakes making up nearly 20% of its total land area.
The capital city Algiers is built on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea providing breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. Other major cities include Oran, Constantine and Annaba which are all known for their rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
Algeria has a long and complex history dating back to the Roman Empire when it was part of the province of Mauretania Caesariensis. The country then became an important center of trade commerce and learning under the Islamic Golden Age in the Middle Ages. Today Algeria is a major producer of natural gas oil petroleum and iron ore making it one of the most economically powerful nations on the continent.
The official language of Algeria is Arabic but Berber which is spoken by over 20% of the population is also widely recognized as an official language by law. The majority of Algerians practice Sunni Islam while a smaller minority follow various forms of Christianity and Judaism.
