ALGERIA
Algeria a democratic nation with desert attraction where human habitation is scattered in the hostile terrain catches the flight of imagination of many as read in the depictions of childhood stories. That is one reason many tourists compel to visit the land for first hand experience of the mind set testing in reality.
GEOGRAPHY
The Algerian Republic is second largest African country is located in the northern Africa facing the Mediterranean and bordered by Morocco 1,559 km Western Sahara 42 km, southerly Mauritania 463 km, Mali 1,376 km, and Niger 956 km, easterly Tunisia 965 km, and Libya 982 km.
The largest area of this big North African country is occupied by the Sahara Desert a vast wasteland of sand and rock. To the north rise the Atlas Mountains while the south is dominated by the isolated volcanic range known as Hoggar. Many shallow depressions contain salt lakes known as Chotts.
Mostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow, discontinuous coastal plain
Only the narrow coastal belt and the oases are suitable for farming. The traditional crops are cereals, sugar, beet, citrus fruit, olives, dates, figs, tobacco, and grapes. Fishing is quite important to the economy; the chief hauls are sardines, mackerel, herring, and tuna.
The economy depends on oil and natural gas which amounts to 90% of its export. Other important natural resources include iron, lead, and zinc ores. The food processing industry is the second largest after mining.
Roads and railways are connected within the coastal area but there are also roads crossing the Sahara and connecting Algeria with Mali, and Niger.
Major cities are Oran a busy business hub and a port; an educational center in North West region. North-easterly city is Constantine. Arab, Greek and French influence is engraved in Constantine history. Its bestowed location on top of a mountain at 800ft provides protection from intruders naturally. Below is Rhumel River. Taghit draws travelers who come to the country to be specifically here in the desert town with oasis. Desert tourism brings in a lot of business. Another oasis town Tamanrasset once on the route of Sahara Trade path still attracts tourism specifically for desert experience.
Highest elevation is Tahat at 3,003 m in the volcanic range of Hoggar. The deepest point is at Chott Melrhir at -40m.
Chief rivers-there are few rivers in the north otherwise there are only wadis.
Monsoon is a risky season with the possibility of earthquakes in mountains, mudslides and floods according to topology.
THE CAPITAL
The Capital city is situated in the Bay of Algiers midway between Tunisia and Morocco; it is called Algiers. It is a vital port on strategic location. The city is called by other names like El-Bahdia, Alger la Blanche; it is because the buildings here are given pearly white exterior finish. It gives it an ornamental look pleasing to the eye.
Tourists stroll around and admire the monument of martyrs shaped as a replica of three palm leaves, in the middle of the city. It is dedicated in 1982 to those who laid down their life for the liberty of the country. 1858 church Notre Dame d’Afrique is held sacred and tourists reach the place via cable car. There are many mosques like the most ancient El Kebir, El Diedid and Ketchaoua; many visit to say there prayers here.
CLIMATE
Subtropical Mediterranean in the north, dry and hot in the south and on the shore region; winters are damp but sultry. In plateau the winters are chilly but summers blazing.
POPULATION
National population is that of Arabs, and Berbers; Negroes in the south and a small percentage of Europeans; some Algerians live abroad mostly in France.
Religion faith in practice by majority is Islamic; a minority of Christian and Jewish faith.
The language recognized by the government is Arabic. Locals also make use of French and Berber language.
Economic transaction is done by Algerian Dinar.
HISTORY
It is estimated on basis of cave paintings in the region that it was inhabited in 8000 BC. In the 9th century the interior land was occupied by Berbers tribe. In the 2nd century this tribe was in control of this territory in an organized way. In the later part of the 7th century Arabs ruled the area and a vast percentage of the Berbers embraced Islamic culture. Even then they were an under privileged section of the society. Till this time the natives had experienced the domination of Carthaginians, Romans, Vadals, and the Arabs. The French won over this region in 1830 and ruled for the next 132 years. It was only in 1962 that it became an independent country.
TOURISM
Among the distinctive topology the desert is a crowd puller among travelers; they want to see the beauty of dunes, golden sands oasis camels and traditional apparels of the natives. At the time of annual desert festivals amidst the desert the number of tourists swell up beyond imagination. Sahah a puny village in the center of desert is an experience of life time even though the water is not of good taste tourists spend their time here happily. The gorges at Arak are also a major attraction. To see sand caves beneath the sands visit Lllizi in the south east region. Camping facilities are also available here. The temperature varies between 20-40 degrees in Sahara.
The national parks are habitat of rare breed of Barbary red deer, Seal Monk, Kabylie Nuthatch, and gull Audouin. Nestled in Tassili n Ajjer Mountain in south east region is National park with the same name; it is now a World Heritage site. Some unknown and unseen flora is visible here. The long list of parks is classified as marine specific coastal national parks such as El Kala Park, gouraya, and Taza; the mountain region has Theniet El Had, Djurdjura, Chrea, and Belezma to name some of the popular ones.
The sports enthusiasts visit Ben Abdelmalek Stadium at Constantine without fail. The football association of the country owns the place. Constantine is also known as the city of bridges. The marvelous Gantaret el Hibal Bridge is stuns the spectator by is suspension and sturdiness. The Gustave Mercier museum exhibits past and modern artifacts. The alternatives to sight seeing in this city are unlimited; there is Ben Badis Mosque, Emir Abdel Kader Mosque, Ahmed Bey palace, Antonian Roman ruins, and cashah.
In Oran Oasr el Bey castle, mosques, church, museums, and Front de mer for view capturing are all there for tourists’ outings. The beaches and the accompanying water related activities make this town more enduring for the tourists.
ACCOMMODATION
Being an important tourist destination the country has fully equipped with amenities hotels with luxury and basic facilities. The economy hotels are very popular between light backpacker travelers. In the desert camping living is possible. Advance booking is advised to all.
FOOD
The of the land shows influence of the different dynasties which ruled the country over the centuries such as the Europeans, and the Arabs. From Arabs and Turks the natives learnt and modified it to prepare shakhshukha, barraniyya and skewed recipes. Europeans added soups, salads, and desserts to their diet. The Turk dish Saksuka is very popular here. The sea food is also cooked in a variety of ways. Most tourists relish the food of the land.
MUSIC
As you dine or camp in the desert enjoy the music from reed flute accompanied by drums. The beats compel you to be on your feet to shake and twist with the rhythm.
Visit the land by taking a flight and move with ease within by trains, buses taxis or hitching; a camel is also not a bad idea. Enjoy your holidays!
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