Algeria

Travel Facts:

Algeria’s economy has suffered somewhat from the ravages of war so getting around can be a bit cumbersome. Travel in Algeria is usually by car and bus and the country can either be accessed by road or by air. Figuring out which method of transport to choose can be quite bothersome but car hire definitely gives you more room though it also makes you a bit of a target as it could lead to you getting lost or heading into dangerous territory unwittingly.
However finding a place to stay is generally a whole lot easier with the reasonable number of hotels which dot the more tourist-friendly parts of the country.

Hotels:

Algeria may not be the most visited country in the world, but it does have quite good accommodation. Bed and Breakfasts, hotels, guest houses and self-catering accommodation are available in various locations in the country. Prices vary according to service and location but you will likely find the majority to be very reasonable.
It is always a good idea to check what services and facilities will be made available to you before your stay. Booking ahead is not essential but is never a bad idea.

Flights:

Because of the largeness of the country Algeria has quite a large number of airports. Many of these are smaller airstrips. The main airports can be found at Algiers, Constantine, Annaba and Oran.
These airports provide 97 % of all airport services and cater for international as well as domestic flights.

Car Rental:

There are several car rental companies which operate in Algeria.
Many of these companies are branches of global chains but local companies also flourish. Some of these companies specialize in economical or budget car hire. Since Algeria is a hot, sandy country, it is usually a good idea to ensure that the vehicle you plan to hire has
air conditioning and can handle off-road conditions. This is especially so if you plan to head to desert areas where 4x4 capabilities as well as extra fuel tanks and water holding facilities become a must. Always remember to check maps and compasses and stay out of
dangerous territories while driving in Algeria.

Location:
Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea,
between Morocco and Tunisia
Geographic coordinates:
28 00 N, 3 00 E
Map references:
Africa
Area:
Total: 2,381,740 sq km
Land: 2,381,740 sq km
Water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
Slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas
Land boundaries:
Total: 6,343 km
Border countries:
Libya 982 km, Mali 1,376 km, Mauritania 463 km,
Morocco 1,559 km, Niger 956 km, Tunisia 965 km,
Western Sahara 42 km
Coastline:
998 km
Climate:
Arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers
along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers
on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind
especially common in summer
Terrain:
Mostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow,
discontinuous coastal plain
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Chott Melrhir -40 m
Highest point: Tahat 3,003 m
Natural resources:
Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, zinc
Natural hazards:
mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes;
mudslides and floods in rainy season
Population:
32,930,091 (July 2006 est.)
Nationality:
noun: Algerian(s)
Algerian
Ethnic groups:
Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%
note: almost all Algerians are Berber in origin, not Arab;
the minority who identify themselves as Berber live
mostly in the mountainous region of Kabylie east of
Algiers; the Berbers are also Muslim but identify with their
Berber rather than Arab cultural heritage; Berbers have
long agitated, sometimes violently, for autonomy; the
government is unlikely to grant autonomy but has offered
to begin sponsoring teaching Berber language in schools.
Religions:
Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1%
Languages:
Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects
Country name:
Conventional long form: People’s Democratic Republic of
Algeria
Conventional short form: Algeria
Local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Jaza’iriyah ad
Dimuqratiyah ash Sha’biyah
Local short form: Al Jaza’ir
Government type:
Republic
Capital:
Algiers
Administrative divisions:
48 provinces (wilayat, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Ain Defla,
Ain Temouchent, Alger, Annaba, Batna, Bechar, Bejaia,
Biskra, Blida, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdes,
Chlef, Constantine, Djelfa, El Bayadh, El Oued, El Tarf,
Ghardaia, Guelma, Illizi, Jijel, Khenchela, Laghouat,
Mascara, Medea, Mila, Mostaganem, M’Sila, Naama,
Oran, Ouargla, Oum el Bouaghi, Relizane, Saida, Setif,
Sidi Bel Abbes, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tamanghasset,
Tebessa, Tiaret, Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou,
Tlemcen
Independence:
5 July 1962 (from France)
National holiday:
Revolution Day, 1 November (1954)
Currency:
Algerian dinar (DZD)
Exchange rates:
Algerian dinars per US dollar - 72.647 (2006), 73.276
(2005), 72.061 (2004), 77.395 (2003), 79.682 (2002)

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