About DZ
Location
Algeria is a country located in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Tunisia and Libya to the northeast, Niger to the southeast, Mali and Mauritania to the southwest, Western Sahara to the west, and Morocco to the northwest.
Capital
The capital city of Algeria is Algiers, which is also the largest city in the country.
Population
Algeria has a population of approximately 44 million people, making it the largest country by population in the Maghreb region and the tenth-largest in Africa.
Languages
The official language of Algeria is Arabic. French is also widely spoken and used in business, education, and government.
Religion
The majority of the population in Algeria adheres to Islam, predominantly Sunni Islam.
Geography
Algeria is the largest country in Africa by land area, covering an area of over 2.3 million square kilometers (roughly 919,595 square miles). It is characterized by diverse landscapes, including the Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, coastal plains, and fertile valleys.
Economy
Algeria has a mixed economy with significant contributions from the oil and gas sector. It has the 16th largest reserves of petroleum and natural gas in the world. Other important sectors include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism.
Currency
The currency of Algeria is the Algerian Dinar (DZD).
Politics
Algeria is a republic with a semi-presidential system of government. The President is the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The political landscape has been dominated by the National Liberation Front (FLN) party since independence in 1962.
History
Algeria has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. It was ruled by various indigenous Berber kingdoms and later came under the control of various empires, including the Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, and French. Algeria gained independence from France in 1962 after a bloody war of independence.
National Items of Algeria
Fennec Fox
The Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda) is the national animal of Algeria. Known for its large ears and adaptability to the desert environment, it symbolizes resilience, agility, and the rich biodiversity of the Sahara.
Barbary Oak
The Barbary Oak (Quercus canariensis) is considered a symbol of Algeria. It represents the country's natural heritage and the diversity of its forests.
Desert Rose
The Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) is a significant plant in Algeria, especially in the Sahara. It symbolizes beauty, endurance, and the unique flora of the desert.
Dates
Dates are an important agricultural product in Algeria. They symbolize sustenance, prosperity, and the agricultural traditions of the country.
Chechia
The Chechia is a traditional Algerian hat worn by men. It symbolizes cultural heritage, traditional attire, and national identity.
Couscous
Couscous is a traditional North African dish that is also popular in Algeria. It symbolizes the rich culinary traditions and the importance of food in Algerian culture.
Touareg Jewelry
Touareg Jewelry, known for its intricate designs and craftsmanship, represents the artisanal heritage and cultural identity of the Touareg people in Algeria.
Kasbah of Algiers
The Kasbah of Algiers is a historic district in the capital city. It symbolizes Algeria's rich architectural heritage, historical significance, and cultural identity.
Raisins
Raisins, and dried grapes, are significant agricultural products in Algeria. They represent the country's agricultural diversity and the importance of viticulture.
Algerian Desert
The Algerian Desert, part of the Sahara, symbolizes the country's vast natural landscapes, beauty, and the resilience of its people.
Chaoui Headdress
The Chaoui Headdress is a traditional headwear worn by the Chaoui people. It symbolizes the Berber community's cultural heritage and traditional fashion in Algeria.
Mint Tea
Mint Tea is a traditional beverage in Algeria, symbolizing hospitality, cultural traditions, and social customs.
Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are a significant natural landmark in Algeria, representing the country's geographical diversity, natural beauty, and the cultural significance of the Berber communities.
Ahaggar Mountains
The Ahaggar Mountains, located in the Sahara, symbolize the rugged natural beauty and the historical significance of the Touareg people in Algeria.
Algerian Carpet
Traditional Algerian carpets, known for their intricate designs and craftsmanship, symbolize the country's rich artisanal heritage and cultural identity.
The national anthem of Algeria is called "Kassaman" in Arabic. Here are the lyrics in Arabic and their English translation:
قَسَمَنَا يا بِلادي إرْتِفاعَ الْعَلَمِ
في الْسَّماءِ مَجْداً تَحَلَّيتي في الأَلَمِ
أَحْمَرِ الورَى مَوْطِنُكَ الأَمَانُ
أَحْمَرَّ السِّنَانُ نَعْلُ يَرْعاكِ الزَّمانُ
عاهَتْ عَلَيْكِ كُلُّ الأَحْزانِ
جَلَّتْ وَطَأَتْ فِي الدَّمِ كُلُّ الأَكْفانِ
وَفي سَمَائِكِ زَهَوَ الأَمَلِ
وَفي أَرْضِكِ سَطَعَ الْمَجْدُ وَالْخِيَامُ
We swear by the lightning that destroys,
By the streams of generous blood being shed,
By the bright flags that wave,
Flying proudly on the high mountains,
That we are in revolt, whether to live or to die,
We are in revolt, whether to live or to die,
For we have tasted the bitterness of death time and time again,
We are resolved that Algeria should live,
So be our witness - be our witness, be our witness!
We are soldiers in revolt for truth,
And we have been revolting for all time,
If we die, despite our pain,
Our graves will be a symbol of glory,
In our souls and our bodies,
The flame of the revolution is burning,
The cry of the Fatherland sounds out,
For the land of Algeria, to glory rise,
Over the thunder of guns, let us all rise!
