Climatic conditions in different parts of Algeria. Climatic conditions of Algeria in different parts of the country

meteoblue weather charts are based on 30 years of weather models available for every point on Earth. They provide useful indicators of typical climate patterns and expected weather conditions(temperature, precipitation, sunny weather or wind). Weather data models have a spatial resolution of about 30 km in diameter and may not reproduce all local weather events such as thunderstorms, local winds or tornadoes.

You can study the climate of any location, such as the Amazon rainforest, West African savannas, Sahara Desert, Siberian tundra or Himalayas.

30 years of hourly historical data for Algeria can be purchased with history+. You will be able to download CSV files for weather parameters such as temperature, wind, cloudiness and precipitation relative to any point on the globe. The last 2 weeks of data for the city of Algiers are available for free evaluation of the package.

Average temperature and precipitation

"Maximum average daily temperature" (solid red line) indicates the maximum average temperature for individual days of the month for Algeria. Likewise, the "Minimum average daily temperature" (solid blue line) indicates the minimum average temperature. Hot days and cold nights (dashed red and blue lines indicate on the average temperature of the hottest day and coldest night of each month for 30 years. When planning your holiday, you will be aware of the average temperature and prepared for both the hottest and coldest days. Default settings do not include speed indicators wind, however you can enable this option using the button on the graph.

The rainfall schedule is useful for seasonal variations, such as the monsoon climate in India or the humid period in Africa.

Cloudy, sunny and precipitation days

The graph indicates the number of sunny, partly cloudy, foggy, and precipitation days. Days when the cloud layer does not exceed 20% are considered sunny; 20-80% cover is considered partly cloudy, and more than 80% is considered completely cloudy. While the weather is mostly cloudy in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert is one of the sunniest places on earth.

Attention: In countries with a tropical climate, such as Malaysia or Indonesia, the forecast for the number of days of precipitation may be overestimated by a factor of two.

Maximum temperatures

The maximum temperature diagram for Algeria displays how many days per month reach certain temperatures. In Dubai, one of the hottest cities on earth, the temperature almost never drops below 40°C in July. You can also see a chart of cold winters in Moscow, which shows that only a few days in a month Maximum temperature barely reaches -10°C.

Precipitation

The precipitation diagram for Algeria shows how many days per month, certain precipitation amounts are reached. In areas with tropical or monsoon climate, the precipitation forecast may be underestimated.

Wind speed

The diagram for Algeria shows the days per month, during which the wind reaches a certain speed. An interesting example is the Tibetan Plateau, where the monsoons produce prolonged strong winds from December to April and calm air flows from June to October.

Wind speed units can be changed in the preferences section (top right corner).

Wind speed rose

The wind rose for Algeria shows how many hours per year the wind blows from the indicated direction. Example - southwest wind: The wind blows from southwest (SW) to northeast (NE). Cape Horn, the southernmost point in South America, is characterized by a characteristic powerful westerly wind, which significantly impedes passage from east to west, especially for sailing ships.

general information

Since 2007, meteoblue has been collecting model meteorological data in its archive. In 2014, we began comparing weather models with historical data going back to 1985, creating a global archive of 30 years of hourly weather data. Weather charts are the first simulated weather data sets available on the Internet. Our weather data history includes data from all parts of the world covering any time period, regardless of the availability of weather stations.

The data is obtained from our global weather model NEMS over a diameter of approximately 30 km. Consequently, they cannot reproduce minor local weather events such as heat domes, cold blasts, thunderstorms and tornadoes. For areas and applications that require a high level of precision (such as energy release, insurance, etc.) we offer models with high resolution with hourly weather data.

License

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Algeria's climate is very diverse due to large sizes countries (Algeria is one of largest countries Africa). It is difficult to clearly identify the places where one type of climate ends and another begins. In some places in the country there may even be several different types climate. The climate of a particular place is determined by the altitude of that place, as well as its position relative to the mountains and plains. The climate of Algeria in its northern part is Mediterranean. In the mountains there is a mountain climate and/or a desert climate. The northeast of the country has a subtropical climate. The southwest has a desert climate, and in some regions of Algeria there is steppe climate. The lowest regions of Algeria are located at an altitude of 40 meters below sea level (in the northeast). The highest point of the country is in the Ahaggar highlands in the southeast (height - 3 km). The Atlas Mountains are located in the northern part of Algeria. This mountain system stops a large number of rain clouds coming from Mediterranean Sea.

Heat

In lower regions, air temperatures often rise to 40-50 degrees Celsius, and sometimes higher. In higher as well as coastal regions, climatic conditions are much more tolerable. Nevertheless, hot weather- not uncommon between May and October.

Winds

In Algeria, as in its neighboring Libya, sirocco winds can pass. These strong desert winds bring with them large quantities red Saharan sand. During these winds it is almost impossible to be in the open air - because of them almost nothing can be seen and it is difficult to breathe; especially if the air temperature rises to 40-50 degrees Celsius. These winds usually last 2-4 days.

Rains

Rainfall varies in different parts of the country. In internal regions countries, this amount usually does not exceed several tens of millimeters of rain per year, and in some regions there is almost no rain at all. In coastal regions the situation is different. In the eastern coastal regions - between the capital Algiers and the port of Skikda - rainfall amounts to 1,000 millimeters of rain per year, most of which falls in winter.

Snow

It may be hard to believe, but it can snow in Algeria. In higher regions, snow falls regularly in winter, and temperatures below zero are also not uncommon. In some places in these regions you can even practice winter sports. Occasionally, snow falls in regions north of the Lesser Atlas Mountains, which may cause snow to be found along the coast, but this is extremely rare.

Climate of Algeria in different cities of the country

The table below shows the average minimum and maximum air temperatures for different cities in Algeria throughout the year.

Algeria (capital; north of the country, coast)
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Min °C	6	6	7	9	12	16	19	20	18	14	10	7
Max °C	17	17	19	21	24	28	31	32	30	26	21	18
Setif (northeast of the country, mountainous region, altitude - more than 1,000 meters)
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Min °C	2	2	4	7	11	16	19	20	15	11	6	3
Max °C	9	11	14	17	23	29	33	33	27	21	15	10
Tamanrasset (south of the country, Ahaggar highlands, height - more than 1,300 meters)
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Min °C	5	7	11	15	20	23	23	23	21	16	10	6
Max °C	20	22	25	30	34	35	35	35	33	30	25	21
In-Salah (south of the country, center of the Sahara Desert, altitude - about 300 meters)
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Min °C	6	8	11	16	20	26	28	27	25	18	11	7
Max °C	20	23	28	33	37	43	45	43	40	34	26	21
Biskra (south of the country, north of the Sahara, height - about 100 meters)
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Min °C	7	9	11	15	19	24	27	27	23	18	12	8
Max °C	17	19	23	26	31	37	40	40	34	28	22	18

A North African country with a rich cultural heritage, a troubled past and an ever brighter present - Algeria does not enjoy the popularity among tourists that it deserves. The reason for this is precisely the recent past: throughout the 90s of the 20th century, a civil war raged in the country, the echoes of which were heard for another ten years - only in 2011 the state of emergency was lifted.

Naturally, tourists prefer Tunisia or Morocco, which have a quieter reputation and are located next door. But now things have become much better in Algeria - thanks to oil production, the well-being of Algerians has increased, and this has been followed by a strengthening of the political situation, so now tourists in this country are much safer. And there is something to come here for - you can look at the magnificent mountain landscapes, see Sugar, enjoy the warm Mediterranean Sea and much more!

Climate zones of Algeria

Being a vast country, after the division of Sudan, the largest in Africa by area, Algeria lies in three climatic zones: most of it belongs to deserted tropical climate, coast - to Mediterranean subtropics , and between them lies a transition zone.

The coast is characterized by a fairly mild climate, summers are dry and hot, and winters are warm and rainy. Due to dry winds summer heat It can be difficult to endure, sometimes severe droughts occur, but most of the precipitation occurs from November to January. This area is most suitable for tourists.

The transition zone is characterized by a more arid climate, characterized as semi-desert, and temperature changes are greater here. In mountainous areas, snow sometimes falls in winter, albeit not for long - no more than 2-3 weeks. And 70% of the country's territory is covered by the Sahara, there is a very dry climate - no more than 50 mm of precipitation falls per year, and high temperature fluctuations during the day - in the summer day it is usually about 40 ° C, and at night up to 15 ° C. In winter – 20 °C and 0 °C, respectively.

Tourist seasons in Algeria

Summer in Algeria is not easy to endure, but for a tourist from the zone temperate climate it can become a real test: the sea coast is stuffy, in the south there are almost constant hot sirocco blows. But this applies mainly to the months in which the heat reaches its peak - July and August. In winter, Algeria is quite warm, but you can’t swim, and tourists still come here mainly for this.

It should be borne in mind that morals in the country are strict: not only is it forbidden to drink alcohol in public places, but it is even forbidden to kiss or hug in public. Keep in mind, otherwise you may be arrested!

High season

It begins fully in May, when the water warms up to a sufficient temperature for swimming. Many believe that it lasts until the end of October, but we would be wary of the idea of ​​traveling to Algeria in the two summer months of July and August, for the reasons already stated above. You need to prepare for the fact that it will be hot here, really hot, and if you want to go on an excursion to the Sahara, it is better to come during the transition months - in March-April or November.

Low season

It primarily includes three winter months, when the weather in the north is not exactly cold, but unremarkable - an average of 12 °C. And this is the case when to go to low season We really wouldn’t recommend visiting the country: there’s nothing to do on the coast except to explore cultural heritage(even if it is quite extensive), it will also be difficult in the Sahara and you will need to stock up on warm clothes because of the cold at night. If you set out to go to Algeria not in high season, then it's better to wait spring months, or the onset of the “velvet season” in late autumn.

Notable places in Algeria

From Algeria rich story- V different time been here Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Turks. And each of these civilizations left its own legacy, including architectural - there will be something to see both in ancient ruins and in those cities in which people still live.

You can get around the country by hitchhiking, it is widely practiced here, and it is not customary to charge money for a ride. At the same time, the roads are busy, even the highways passing through the desert.

And the first place that most tourists will see will be the capital, also called Algeria and widely spread out on the coast. In the West, this city in the Middle Ages was nicknamed in the French manner “la blanche”, that is, white, and in the east it was called “Bakhja”, which means “cheerful”. This is truly a vast metropolis with a population of almost three million, which offers many attractions for tourists. The main one is the Kasbah - the heart of Algeria, Old city-fortress. The whole of it is one large architectural monument, on the narrow streets of which you can feel the breath of antiquity.

There are also many beautiful mosques, of which the tomb can be distinguished Sidd Abddrakhmana And Jami al-Jadeed mosque, combining many styles, from Byzantine to Andalusian. Worth a visit and Notre-Dame d'African- Cathedral of Our Lady of Africa. You can cross the entire city by cable car, enjoying excellent views.

Another noteworthy one ancient city – Constantine , founded by the Phoenicians, but then renamed in honor of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and retaining this name. City for a long time served as one of the centers of civilization throughout North Africa(and even now remains one of the largest in Algeria), and many old buildings are still preserved in it. Here you can explore the old city, which has a two-thousand-year history and is surrounded by impressive walls, numerous Roman buildings, including the ruins of an aqueduct.

F There is a grand canyon, called the Failure of Constantine - it looks unusual. The canyon consists of three tiers and is filled with caves, some of which are very interesting to explore.

Among the heritage of antiquity, it is also worth visiting the ruins of cities such as the Roman Timgad and Djemila, the Phoenician Tipaza or the Arab Kala Beni Hammad - Algeria is unique in that here you can find ancient cities of various civilizations.

The desert occupies most of the territory, and many people go not to the sea, but to the Sahara. In addition to the opportunity to see the famous desert with your own eyes, there is something to do in it, such as off-road racing. And you shouldn’t assume that the desert is completely deserted: it has inhabited oases, for example, favorite with tourists Tamanrasset.

It is worth remembering that traveling around Algeria is still quite dangerous, in some places there are still underground organizations from the times of civil war. This should be taken into account - when choosing a route, ask in advance how safe it is.

Weather in Algeria by month

December-March

Winter in North Africa has practically nothing in common with that typical for a temperate climate: you definitely won’t freeze your nose here, because average temperature during these months it is 15 °C, practically unchanged from month to month. Of course, you can’t swim, but it’s still quite warm. But to the locals, the weather seems very cold, and they dress in warm clothes, so that the rare tourists among them are immediately visible. The weather becomes rainier and more changeable - this period ends in February, when it becomes dry again. Unlike the coastal regions of the country, even frosts are possible in its interior, and sometimes snow falls in the mountainous areas.

April May

In April it gets warmer rapidly, and in the second half the sea sometimes warms up enough to make swimming comfortable. At the same time, there is no heat yet, and the end of April - the first half of May is one of the best periods of time to go to Algeria. Unless you need to choose the season well, because sometimes it can be colder and the sea does not have time to warm up - therefore, if you decide to plan your vacation in advance, it is better to schedule it for the end of May, or even June.

Not worth doing to an Algerian expensive gifts, he may take it as an insult. Another thing is a small token of attention, like a keychain.

June

This month it will be guaranteed to be warm – or rather even hot. But not yet as much as in the following summer months, and with a certain amount of patience you can even go on an excursion to the Sahara (but it’s still better to do it in spring or autumn). And the sea in June is good - it’s already quite warm, but the hot winds have not yet gained strength. It becomes warm not only during the day, but also until the night.

July August

The dry climate makes it easier to tolerate the heat, and yet, going to the months when the Algerian sun burns most mercilessly requires a truly strong spirit. If you are determined to relax in truly sultry conditions and do not accept half measures, well, this is the time for you. It is better for the rest to wait a little, as well as for those who suffer from heart and lung diseases - in this heat they will feel bad.

September October

Even though autumn formally begins, in fact September in Algeria is even warmer than June - but colder than July and August, which makes the holiday much more pleasant, especially since even the nights are still warm. And even in October it’s still quite possible to swim - it’s beautiful the Velvet season. But not always: in other years, in the second half of the month it starts to rain often, and it gets colder faster.

November

Even if this did not happen in October, it will certainly happen in November - the weather is often cloudy and, although it is still quite warm, the high season ends due to unstable weather. The sea is cooling, the hotels are emptying, preparations for the next season begin.

Weather in cities and resorts by month

Algeria

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, °C	17	17	19	21	24	28	31	32	30	26	21	18
Average minimum, °C	6	6	7	9	12	16	19	20	18	14	10	7

Describe the country of Algeria according to the following plan: 1. What maps should be used to describe the country. 2. In what part of the mainland is it located?

a country? What is the name of its capital?

3. Features of the relief ( general character surfaces, major landforms and elevation distribution). Mineral resources of the country.

5. Large rivers and lakes.

6. Natural areas and their main features.

7. Peoples inhabiting the country. Their main activities.

Describe North America according to plan: 1. In what part of the continent is the country located? What is the name of its capital? 2. Features of the relief (general nature of the surface

features, main landforms and elevation distribution). Mineral resources of the country. 4. Climatic conditions in different parts of the country( climatic zones, average temperatures in July and January, annual precipitation). Differences by territory and by season. 5. Large rivers and lakes. 6. Natural areas and their main features 7. Peoples inhabiting the country. Their main activities

1. What maps should be used when describing a country? 2. In what part of the continent is the country located? What is the name of its capital? 3. Please help the country of Libya to sort out the features of the relief point by point. 2. In what part of the continent is the country located? What is the name of its capital? 3. Relief features

(general character of the surface, main forms of relief and distribution of heights). Mineral resources of the country. 4. Climatic conditions in different parts of the country (climatic zones, average temperatures in July and January, annual precipitation). Differences by territory and by season. 5. Large rivers and lakes. 6. Natural areas and their main features. 7. Peoples inhabiting the country. Their main activities

Is the country located on the mainland? What is the name of its capital?

3. Features of the relief (general character of the surface, main forms of relief and distribution of heights.) Mineral resources of the country.

4. Climatic conditions in different parts of the country (climatic zones, average temperatures in July and January, annual precipitation). Differences by territory and by season.

5.Large rivers and lakes.

6.Natural areas and their main features.

7. Peoples inhabiting the country. Their main occupations.

Algeria is located in northern Africa. One of the largest countries on the continent. The total area of ​​the country is 2,381,740 km2. The length of the coastline is 998 km.

One of the largest and developed countries Africa, located in the north of the continent. The country's territory occupies the central part of the Atlas mountain system and the north of the Sahara Desert. The relief of northern Algeria is represented by two main ridges - the Coastal (or Tel Atlas) and the Saharan Atlas and intermontane plains. Highest point- Mount Takhat (3003 m) in the Ahaggar highlands. The territory of the Sahara is occupied by rocky deserts - hamads and sandy ones - ergs. The river network is poorly developed (the main river is Shelif), most of the rivers regularly dry up. It borders with Morocco in the west, with Tunisia and Libya in the east, with Niger, Mali, Mauritania in the south. From the north it is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Algeria belongs to the countries of the Maghreb ("Arab West"). The total area of ​​Algeria is 2381.7 thousand square meters. km.

Nature of Algeria

The Tell Atlas mountain range running in the north along the coast is cut through by a few bays and plains. The lowlands around the cities of Algiers and Oran are densely populated. Small bays are used for fishing, export of iron ore and oil. Tell Atlas rises more than 1830 m above sea level and includes the Tlemcen, Greater and Lesser Kabylia and Mejerda massifs.

At mid-altitudes there are Mediterranean-type shrubs and cork oak forests. At higher elevations, cedar and pine forests, but as a result of deforestation, fires and livestock grazing, many mountainous areas have turned into bush-covered wasteland. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and warm, rainy winters. In winter, snow covers only the highest peaks. The range of average annual precipitation amounts is from 760 mm on the coast to 1270 mm on the seaward slopes of Tell Atlas and less than 640 mm on its internal slopes.

The southern part of Tell Atlas is a high plateau with an average height of 1070 m. This area is characterized by semi-arid climatic conditions with annual precipitation of 250–510 mm. In more humid areas, cereals and alpha grass (esparto) are cultivated, the fibers of which are used to make ropes, fabrics and high-quality paper. Salt lakes (called chotts) and salt marshes occur at lower elevations with a dry climate. Located even further south, the Saharan Atlas rises to a height of 150 m above the plateau level and then descends towards the Sahara by more than 300 m. The most elevated part of the Saharan Atlas is mountain systems Ksur, Amur and Ouled-Nail. The annual rainfall on the northern slopes is approx. 510 mm, in the south - 200 mm. Thanks to its abundant grass cover, the Saharan Atlas serves as a convenient grazing area for livestock.

Statistical indicators of Algeria
(as of 2012)

The rest of the country is occupied by the Sahara Desert. The average altitude in the Sahara is approx. 460 m. In the area of ​​the Ahaggar (Hoggar) massif near the southern border of Algeria there is highest peak country Mount Takhat - 2908 m. Most of the Sahara is occupied by gravelly and pebble deserts (hamads and regis), and approximately 1/4 of the part is sandy deserts (ergs). The day is hot, sometimes the temperature reaches 35°, but the nights are cool. Precipitation is extremely rare. In oases, under conditions of constant irrigation, the date palm grows. In Algeria, only a few rivers have a constant flow; the rest are fed by precipitation. Sources of water supply are wells dug in dry river beds (wadis), in many places underground water is used, coming to the surface through artesian wells and foggara - horizontal tunnels dug at a slight slope.

Geological structure of Algeria

In the territory of Algeria, there are regions of different geological structure and metallogeny - the Sahara (part of the ancient African platform) and the Atlas (sector of the Mediterranean geosynclinal belt), separated by the South Atlas fault. In the south of the Sahara region, the Ahaggar (Hoggar) shield stands out, in the southwest - El-Eghlab (Regibat). They are composed of Archean crystalline rocks, metamorphosed volcanic-clastic and carbonate deposits of the Lower Proterozoic and Riphean-Vendian; In Ahaggar, geosynclinal-orogenic volcanic-sedimentary deposits and Taurirt granites (650-500 million years) are also widely developed. The platform cover is formed by marine terrigenous-carbonate sediments of the Riphean-Vendian (especially in the Regibat massif), lagoonal-continental and marine sediments of the Paleozoic (thickness 1.2-3.8 km), sandstones and evaporites of the Triassic, clays and sandstones of the Jurassic - Neogene.

In the cover of the Sahara Plate there are syneclises (Tindouf, Western and Eastern Sahara), separated by uplifts, and the Ugarta zone, which is an aulacogen, the folding of which appeared at the end of the Carboniferous. Riphean-Vendian volcanics and granites are associated with deposits of uranium, tin, tungsten, rare metals and gold ores in Ahaggar. In the Tindouf syneclise, among the Paleozoic clay-sand deposits of the platform cover, the largest deposits are localized iron ores, in the south of Ahaggar there are promising uranium deposits. Anticlines in the sediments of the cover on the northern plunging of Ahaggar contain unique deposits of oil (Hassi-Mesaoud) and gas (Hassi-Rmel).

In the folded Atlas region, evaporites, gypsum-salt-bearing clays and red clastic rocks of the Triassic are developed, overlain by marine terrigenous-carbonate sediments and carbonate-terrigenous flysch (Jurassic, Cretaceous, Paleogene). In the north, the Neogene is represented by marine volcanic-sedimentary, clayey-carbonate sediments, in the south - by continental sediments.

In Tel Atlas, folded rocks of the Mesozoic-Cenozoic (up to and including the Middle Miocene) form a series of tectonic nappes (nappes) moving from north to south. In the coastal zone, andesites and granitoids of the Neogene are insignificantly developed, in the massifs of Greater and Lesser Kabylia - Precambrian metamorphic rocks and Paleozoic shales, which protrude to the surface. To the south of Tel Atlas there is a platform block of the High Plateaus (Oran Meseta), where the folded Hercynian basement is covered by a thin, slightly deformed Mesozoic-Cenozoic cover. In the handfuls, terrigenous and volcanic-shale rocks of the Paleozoic are exposed, crushed and intruded by Hercynian granitoids. South of the High Plateaus there is a moderately folded zone of the Saharan Atlas, formed at the site of the Mesozoic trough. In general, the Atlas region is dominated by near-latitudinal folds and faults of eastern and northeastern (or “Atlas”) strike, as well as submeridional “Red Sea” faults superimposed in the northern part of Algeria on the Tel Atlas overhangs. Longitudinal and transverse faults determine the placement of volcanics, evaporite diapirs and the most important ore-bearing zones with deposits of ferrous and non-ferrous metals in the Atlas region. In Northern Algeria, deposits of iron, zinc, lead, copper, antimony, mercury and various types of non-metallic raw materials are associated with Mesozoic-Cenozoic rocks.

The territory of Algeria is characterized by high seismicity, which is associated with movement along faults and ridges in various zones of Northern Algeria. The most seismic is Tel Atlas (6-7 points), within its boundaries there are coastal zones (Tenes-Chershel, Oran-Mostaganem and Shelif).

Minerals of Algeria

Oil fields have been discovered and explored in Algeria, natural gas, coal, uranium ores, iron, manganese, copper, lead, zinc, mercury, antimony, gold, tin, tungsten, as well as phosphorites, barite, etc.

Algeria ranks third in Africa in terms of oil reserves. On the territory of Algeria, 183 oil and gas fields are known, confined to the Algerian-Libyan oil and gas basin; Most of the deposits are located in the northeast of the Sahara region. The largest oil field, Hassi Mesaoud, is localized in Cambrian-Ordovician sandstones. The fields of Zarzaitin, Hassi-Tuile, Hassi-el-Agreb, Tin-Foue, Gourd-el-Bagel, etc. have significant reserves. Algeria ranks first in Africa in terms of gas reserves. The largest gas field, Hassi-Rmel, lies in Triassic sandstones; significant gas reserves have been explored in the Gurd-Hyc, Nezla, Oued-Numer and other fields.

Coal reserves are insignificant; its deposits (Kenadza, Abadla, Mezarif) are concentrated in the Upper Carboniferous sediments in the Beshar basin. The coals are fatty, caking, medium ash (8-20%), contain 20-35% volatile impurities and 2-3.5% sulfur.

Algeria ranks 4th in Africa in terms of uranium ore reserves. Hydrothermal vein deposits of uranium ores Timgauin, Tinef and Abankor have been explored in Ahaggar (proven reserves 12 thousand tons, U3O8 content 20%); in the south of the shield, uranium occurrences are known in Paleozoic sandstones (Tahaggart).

Algeria ranks second in Africa in terms of iron ore reserves. In Northern Algeria, metasomatic iron ore deposits have been explored in Aptian reef limestones (Jebel Ouenza, Bou Khadra), the total reserves of which are over 100 million tons, the Fe content is 40-56%. In the Tindouf syneclise, the largest Devonian sedimentary deposits of oolitic iron ores in Algeria were discovered - Gara-Dzhebilet (total reserves 2 billion tons, Fe content 50-57%) and Mesheri-Abdelaziz (2 billion tons, 50-55%). The reserves of manganese ores are insignificant; they are confined to the volcanic-hydrothermal deposit of Oued Guettara (total reserves 1.5 million tons, Fe content 40-50%) in the Bechar region.

Algeria ranks second in Africa in terms of lead and zinc ore reserves. In Northern Algeria, stratiform, vein (telethermal) and lens-shaped vein (hydrothermal) deposits of polymetallic ores are developed. Stratiform deposits of lead and zinc ores are located in carbonate deposits of the Jurassic (El-Abed, Deglen), Cretaceous (Kerzet-Yousef, Meslulla, Jebel Ishmul), veins in sandy-clayey rocks of the Cretaceous (Gerruma, Sakamody) are associated with diapirs of Triassic evaporites. Volcanogenic and plutonogenic-hydrothermal copper-polymetallic deposits in Cretaceous-Neogene rocks are associated with Miocene volcanics (Bu Sufa, Oued el-Kebir) and granitoids (Bu Douka, Ashaysh, Ain Barbar, Kef um Tebul). Ore occurrences of cuprous sandstones are known in Cretaceous and Triassic deposits (Ain Sefra, in the western Saharan Atlas), Cambrian (Ben Tajik in Ugarta) and Vendian (Khanq in the south of Regibat).

Algeria ranks 1st in Africa in terms of mercury reserves (about 4% of global reserves). Deposits of mercury ores were identified in the Azzab region among the terrigenous-clastic rocks of the Cretaceous - Paleogene and in Precambrian shales (Genish deposits - total reserves in terms of metal 4.5 thousand tons, Hg content 1.16%; Mpa-Cma, respectively, 7.7 thousand t, 3.9%; Ismail - worked out). Algeria ranks second in Africa in terms of antimony ore reserves; they are concentrated in Northern Algeria at the Khammam-Nbails telethermal field. Algeria ranks first in Africa in terms of tungsten ore reserves. In Ahaggar, quartz-cassiterite-wolframite-greisen-vein bodies Nahda (Launi), Tin-Amzi, ​​El-Kapycca, Bashir, Tiftazunin and others, associated with Taurirt granites, have been explored. In Northern Algeria, the Belelieta skarn-scheelite deposit is known.

The most significant hydrothermal vein gold deposits - Tiririn, Tirek, Amesmessa, Tin-Felki, etc. - were explored in the Precambrian crystalline rocks of Ahaggar; exploration and search for gold continues.

The Bou-Douau deposit has been discovered in Northern Algeria.

Algeria ranks 5th in Africa in terms of phosphorite reserves. In Northern Algeria, deposits of granular phosphorites are confined to clay-carbonate deposits of the Upper Cretaceous - Paleogene. The largest deposits are Dzhebelyonk, El-Quif, Mzaita (see Arabian-African phosphorite province).

Algeria ranks second in Africa in terms of barite reserves. In Northern Algeria, the Mizab vein deposits (total reserves 2.15 million tons, BaSO4 content 90%), Affensou, Bou Mani, Varsenis and Sidi Kamber have been identified, in the Bechar region - the Bou Kais, Abadla and other vein fields. other minerals in Algeria, a large deposit of celestine Beni-Mansour (Northern Algeria) has been explored, the total reserves of which are 6.1 million tons; known deposits of pyrites (reserves are small), table salt and etc.

History of development mineral resources. The oldest evidence of the use of stone for making tools was found in Ternifin and dates back to the Lower Paleolithic (about 700 thousand years ago). From the Neolithic era, the extraction of clays for the manufacture of ceramic utensils began (5-4th millennium BC), from the 2nd millennium BC. - stone for the construction of large funeral structures - dolmens. Information about the developed mining and metallurgical production in the Middle Ages is given in the works of Arab scientists and travelers al-Yakubi (9th century), al-Bakri (11th century), al-Qazwini (13th century), etc. The main mining centers were concentrated in the north - iron ore mines "Nemours" and "Beni-Saf" near the city of Arzev (Western Algeria), as well as near the cities. Setif, Annaba, Bejaia; copper mines in the Jebel Ketama mountains. In the department of Constantine (near Majana, Eastern Algeria), the development of deposits of silver, lead ores, and building stone (no later than the 16th century) is also mentioned. Mercury ore was mined near the city of Arzev. In the 10th century, salt mines were located on the Jebel el-Melkh hill ("Mountain of Salt").

After the colonization of Algeria (1830), intensive searches for minerals began in the country. Industrial operation iron ore deposits (Ain Mokra, Beni Saf, Jebel Ouenza, Mokti el-Hadid) has been carried out since the 50-60s. 19th century, at the same time intensive development of deposits of lead, zinc and copper ores (Muzaya, Oued Merja, Tizi Ntaga), and phosphorites (since 1893) was carried out. In 1907, the main coal deposit of Algeria, Kenadza, was discovered, the maximum production of which was carried out during the Second World War 1939-45.

Mining. general characteristics. The leading branch of the mining industry is oil and gas production (more than 90% of the value of all products of the mining industry); provides the majority of foreign exchange earnings. In 1981, oil and gas accounted for 96% of the value of the country's exports, which amounted to 62 billion Algerian dinars. In the mining industry, the public sector plays a leading role. In the oil and gas industry, a monopoly position is occupied by the state company "Société Nationale pour la Recherche, la Production, le Transport, la Transformation et la Commercialization des Hydrocarbures" ("SONATRACH"). The company has taken control of oil and gas reserves and production, all main oil and gas pipelines, gas liquefaction and oil refining plants.

The total number of personnel employed in the oil and gas industry is about 36 thousand people (1980). The Algerian government is promoting the development of the oil and gas industry by merging with foreign capital (up to 49%) while retaining 51% of the shares with SONATRACH. The company carries out production, as well as exploration for oil and gas, in the Sahara together with the French companies "Total", "Compagnie Française de Pétrole", "Compagnie de Recherches et d'Activities Pétrolières", US companies (Getty Oil Co.), Spain ("Hispanoil"), Germany ("Deminex"), Poland ("Copex") and Brazil ("Petrobras"). After the nationalization of mines and quarries (1966) in the Algerian mining industry, the state company "SONAREM" completely controls the exploration, production, consumption and export of all solid minerals (total number of employees about 14 thousand people, 1980). The company includes 30 mines and quarries and conducts exploration in Northern Algeria and the Sahara. Algeria is one of the leading producers of mercury. The extraction of iron ores and non-ferrous metals is insignificant.

Climate of Algeria

The climate of Algeria is subtropical Mediterranean in the north and tropical desert in the Sahara. Winter on the coast is warm and rainy (12°C in January), in the mountains it is cool (there is snow for 2-3 weeks), in the Sahara it depends on the time of day (at night below 0°C, during the day 20°C). Summer in Algeria is hot and dry. Annual precipitation ranges from 0-50 mm in the Sahara to 400-1200 mm in the Atlas Mountains.

Water resources of Algeria

All Algerian rivers are temporary watercourses (oueds) that fill during the rainy season. Rivers far north countries flow into the Mediterranean Sea, the rest are lost in the sands of the Sahara. They are used for irrigation and water supply, for which reservoirs and hydroelectric power stations are built on them. Largest river- Sheliff (700 km). Lake basins (sebkhas) also fill up during the rainy season, and in the summer they dry out and become covered with a salt crust up to 60 cm thick. In the Sahara, in areas with large reserves of groundwater, the largest oases are located.

Flora and fauna of Algeria

Poor in Algeria vegetable world. In some places in the mountains there are cork oak forests, semi-desert and desert vegetation. In the north of the country, oak, olive, pine and thuja grow. The Sahara Desert contains virtually no vegetation, and there are very few oases. The most typical animal species for the country are jackals, hyenas, antelopes, gazelles, and hares are also found.

Population of Algeria

At the time of the French conquest, the population of Algeria was approx. 3 million people. In 1966 it already reached 11.823 million people, and in 1997 – 29.476 million people. In 1996, the birth rate was 28.5 per 1,000 people and the death rate was 5.9 per 1,000 people. Infant mortality (children under one year old) is 48.7 per 1000 newborns. In the mid-1990s, approx. 68% of the population was under 29 years of age.

Algeria was originally inhabited by peoples speaking Berber languages. These peoples back in 2000 BC. moved here from the Middle East. Most modern population uses the colloquial version in everyday life Arabic. Arabs settled in Algeria during the Islamic conquests of the 7th and 8th centuries. and nomadic migrations of the 11th–12th centuries. The mixing of two waves of settlers with the autochthonous population led to the emergence of the so-called Arab-Berber ethnic group, in the cultural development of which the Arab element played a dominant role.

As the main ethnic subgroup of Algerian society, the Berbers play important role in the life of the country. During the Roman and Arab conquests of North Africa, many Berbers moved from the coast to the highlands. Berbers make up approximately 1/5 of the country's population. The largest concentration of the Berber population is found in the mountainous area of ​​Djurjura, east of the capital, known as Kabylia. The local residents, the Kabyles, have settled in many cities of the country, but carefully preserve ancient traditions. Other significant groups of the Berber population are represented by the Shawiya tribal alliances, originating from the mountainous region around Batna, the Mzabita, settled in the oases of Northern Sahara, and the Tuareg nomads living in the far south in the Ahaggar region.

After the conquest of Algeria by France in the 19th century. The size of the European part of the population increased, and by 1960 approx. 1 million Europeans. Most had French roots, the ancestors of the rest moved to Algeria from Spain, Italy and Malta. After Algeria declared independence in 1962, most Europeans left the country.

Most of the Algerian population are Sunni Muslims (Malikis and Hanafis). A number of followers of the Ibadite sect live in the Mzab Valley, Ouargla and Algiers. The state religion of the country is Islam. There are approx. 150 thousand Christians, mostly Catholics, and approximately 1 thousand adherents of Judaism. The official language is Arabic, but French is still widely spoken. Some Berber tribes speaking Tamahak and Tamazirt acquired their own written language. Several books have already been published in the Tamazirt dialect in Algeria.

About 3/4 of the population is concentrated in the foothills of the Tell Atlas, approximately 1.5 million people live in the highlands and less than one million in the Sahara Desert. The highest density is observed near the capital and in the Kabylia region.