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Africa > Algeria > Introduction
| A L
G E R I A |
| Algeria, the second largest country
in Africa, has a diverse landscape that contains some very well-kept tourist secrets. In
the north, pretty villages and Roman ruins nestle in the Atlas mountain range while in the
south, lush oases towns are sights for eyes sore from the heat of the desert and the
barren, but craggily beautiful Hoggar Mountain range. The Algerian portion of the great
Saharan desert boasts some spectacular shifting sand dunes (ergs) that are absolutely
magical in the moonlight. |
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Algeria today has a
distinctive culture as a result of alternating Arab, Berber and French influences in its
history – the Francophone, café-going elite in the Algerian cities are as much a
part of this culture as are shining examples of exquisite Islamic architecture in
beautiful medinas and medersas. Travel Warning - Algeria
has been in the grip of a steadily worsening civil war since 1992. It is currently
unsafe to venture there due to the country’s continuing problems. |
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F A C
T B O X |
| Full Country Name |
Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria |
| Capital |
Algiers |
| Area |
2,381,745 sq km |
| Population |
30.5 million |
| Official Language |
Arabic, French |
Religion |
99% Sunni Muslim |
People |
Arab- Barber |
| Government |
Multiparty Republic |
| Head of Govt |
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika |
| Time |
GMT + 1 |
| Telephone Country Code |
213
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