Algeria, officially the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, is located in Northwest Africa and covers a total area of around 2.38 million square kilometres. Thus, Algeria’s land area is seven times larger than Germany.
Around 33 million people live in the country, with about three million of them residing in Algiers, the country’s capital. The population of Algeria consists of Arabs and Berbers. Sunni Islam is the state religion in Algeria. Christians, on the other hand, form the religious minority at around three percent. The official languages in Algeria include Arabic and Tamazight. French is also widely spoken.
Algeria’s Sights
One of Algeria’s most popular holiday regions is its 1,200-kilometre-long Mediterranean coastline. This region is home to the majority of Algeria’s population, and thus there are numerous sights in Algeria, particularly in the villages and towns along the Mediterranean coast, such as the Arabic old town of Algiers. In this city, the modern business district contrasts with the grand oriental buildings, such as the numerous mosques and Turkish palaces.
There are also several sights in Algeria’s highlands. These include, for example, the ancient imperial city of Tlemcen with its great mosque, the Mansourah fortress or the historic ramparts. In eastern Algeria lies Constantine, the country’s oldest inhabited city. Here, visitors can explore the Ahmed Bey Palace and the El-Kebir Mosque. The Algerian Sahara is barely habitable, yet this region is considered one of the most impressive parts of the country. As a result, there are numerous accommodations in the Sahara’s oases, which are particularly popular in the winter months.
Location and Climate of Algeria
Algeria shares land borders with Morocco to the west, Mali and Mauritania to the southwest, Niger to the southeast, Tunisia to the northeast and Libya to the east. To the north, the country is bordered by the 1,200-kilometre-long Mediterranean coast. Algeria’s land area can be divided into the northern Atlas Mountains, the southern Ahaggar Massif and the Sahara.
Overall, Algeria’s climate is considered subtropical. In the north of the country, a pleasant Mediterranean climate prevails. Summers in this region are dry and hot, while winters are mild and wet. Temperatures in the Mediterranean and Atlas Mountain regions range from around 12 degrees in January to an average of 25 degrees in the summer months. In the south of the country, a continental climate with large temperature fluctuations prevails. In August, temperatures reach around 30 degrees, while in January they are just above freezing. In the Sahara, the climate is hot and dry year-round. Daily temperature fluctuations are around 20 degrees. However, the climate in the Sahara’s oases is pleasant during the winter months.
Entry and Arrival
Algeria is easily accessible by air, as the country has several international airports. These include, for example, those in Algiers, Annaba and Moufdi Zakaria. The plane is also the most reliable means of transport within Algeria, and the country can be explored by air from many locations. In addition, there are ferry connections in major port cities such as Algiers, Oran, Annaba, Arzew and Skikda.
To enter Algeria, a valid passport and a paid visa are required. This visa must be applied for at least two weeks before entry. It is issued by the Algerian Embassy in Berlin and the Algerian Consulate General in Bonn.
