State of Algeria: population, history, description. Geography of Algeria: relief, climate, population, minerals Coldest month in Algeria
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 mainland. 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 - Coastal (or Tel Atlas) and Sahara Atlas and intermountain plains. The highest point is Mount Tahat (3003 m.) In the Ahaggar Highlands. The territory of the Sahara is occupied by rocky deserts - hamads and sandy - ergs. The river network is poorly developed (the main river is the Shelif), most of the rivers regularly dry up. Borders with Morocco in the west, 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.
Algerian nature
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 iron ore and oil. Tell Atlas rises above sea level by more than 1830 m and includes the Tlemcen, Big and Small Kabilia and Mejerda massifs.
At medium altitudes, there are shrubs of the Mediterranean type and cork oak forests. At higher elevations, cedar and pine forests but as a result of logging, fires and livestock grazing, many mountainous areas have been transformed into scrub-covered wastelands. 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 is from 760 mm on the coast to 1270 mm on the slopes of Tell Atlas facing the sea and less than 640 mm on its inner slopes.
South part Tell Atlas is a high plateau with an average height of 1070 m. The area is characterized by semi-arid climatic conditions with an annual rainfall of 250–510 mm. In more humid areas, grains and alpha grass (esparto) are cultivated, the fibers of which are used to make ropes, fabrics and high-quality paper. Salt lakes (called shott) and salt marshes are found at lower elevations with a dry climate. Located even further to the south, the Sahara Atlas rises 150 m above the plateau level and then descends to the Sahara by more than 300 m. The highest part of the Sahara Atlas is mountain systems Ksur, Cupid and Uled-Nail. The annual rainfall on the northern slopes is approx. 510 mm, on the south - 200 mm. Thanks to its abundant grass cover, the Sahara Atlas serves as a convenient grazing area.
Statistical indicators of Algeria
(as of 2012)
The rest of the country is occupied by the Sahara Desert. The average elevation 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 The country is Mount Tahat - 2908 m. Most of the Sahara is occupied by rubble and pebble deserts (hamads and regi), and about 1/4 of them are sandy deserts (ergs). It is hot during the day, sometimes the temperature reaches 35 °, but the nights are cool. Precipitation is extremely rare. In the 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 rainfall. Wells dug in dry riverbeds (wadis) serve as sources of water supply; in many places they are used The groundwater coming to the surface through artesian wells and foggar - 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 Atlas (a 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 Eglab (Regibat). They are composed of Archean crystalline rocks, metamorphosed volcanic-detrital and carbonate deposits of the Lower Proterozoic and Riphean-Vendian; in Akhaggar, geosynclinal-orogenic volcanic-sedimentary deposits, Taurirt granites (650-500 Ma) are also widely developed. The platform cover is formed by Riphean-Vendian marine terrigenous-carbonate deposits (especially in the Regibat massif), lagoon-continental and marine deposits of the Paleozoic (thickness 1.2-3.8 km), Triassic sandstones and evaporites, Jurassic-Neogene clays and sandstones.
In the cover of the Sahara plate, there are syneclises (Tindouf, West and East Sahara), separated by uplifts, and the Ugarta zone, which is an aulacogen, the folding of which manifested itself at the end of the Carboniferous. Deposits of uranium, tin, tungsten ores, rare metals and gold in Ahaggar are associated with volcanic rocks and granites of the Riphean-Vendian. In the Tindouf syneclise, among the Paleozoic clay-sandy deposits of the platform cover, the largest deposits of iron ores are located, in the south of Ahaggar there are promising uranium deposits. Anticlines in the sediments of the cover on the northern plunge of the Ahaggara contain unique deposits of oil (Hassi-Mesaud) and gas (Hassi-Rmel).
Evaporites, gypsum-saline clays and red-colored Triassic clastic rocks overlain by marine terrigenous-carbonate deposits and carbonate-terrigenous flysch (Jurassic, Cretaceous, Paleogene) are developed in the Atlas fold region. In the north, the Neogene is represented by marine volcanic-sedimentary, clay-carbonate, 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) displaced from north to south. In the coastal zone, Neogene andesites and granitoids are slightly developed, in the Bolshoi and Malaya Kabiliya massifs, 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 Plateau (Oranskaya Messeta), where the folded Hercynian basement is covered by a thin, weakly deformed cover of the Mesozoic - Cenozoic. In the handfuls terrigenous and volcanogenic-shale rocks of the Paleozoic are exposed, crushed and broken by Hercynian granitoids. To the south of the High Plateau, there is a moderately folded zone of the Sahara 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") striking, as well as submeridional "Red Sea" faults superimposed in the northern part of Algeria on the Tel Atlas nappes. Longitudinal and transverse faults determine the placement of volcanic rocks, 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 different types non-metallic raw materials.
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 Tel-Atlas (6-7 points), within its limits - coastal zones(Tenes-Shershel, Oran-Mostaganem and Shelif).
Minerals of Algeria
Oil fields have been discovered and explored in Algeria, natural gas, coal, uranium, iron, manganese, copper, lead, zinc, mercury, antimony, gold, tin, tungsten ores, as well as phosphorites, barite, etc.
In terms of oil reserves, Algeria ranks third in Africa. 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-Mesaud, is located in the Cambrian-Ordovician sandstones. Significant reserves are possessed by the Zarzaitin, Hassi-Tuil, Hassi-el-Agrab, Tin-Fue, Gurd-el-Bagel and other fields. Algeria ranks 1st in Africa in terms of gas reserves. The largest gas field in the Hassi-Rmel lies in the Triassic sandstones; Significant gas reserves have been explored in the Gurd-Hyc, Nezla, Oued-Numer and others fields.
Coal reserves are insignificant, its deposits (Kenadza, Abadla, Mesarif) are concentrated in the sediments of the Upper Carboniferous in the Beshar basin. The coals are fat, caking, medium ash (8-20%), contain 20-35% volatile impurities and 2-3.5% sulfur.
In terms of uranium ore reserves, Algeria ranks 4th in Africa. Hydrothermal vein deposits of uranium ores Timgauin, Tinef and Abankor are explored in Ahaggar (proven reserves are 12 thousand tons, U3O8 content is 20%); In the south of the shield, uranium occurrences are known in the Paleozoic sandstones (Tahaggart).
In terms of iron ore reserves, Algeria is in second place in Africa. In Northern Algeria, metasomatic deposits of iron ores have been explored in the reef limestones of the Aptian (Jebel-Ouenza, Bu-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 have been identified in Algeria - Gara-Jebilet (total reserves of 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 Oued Gettara deposit (total reserves of 1.5 million tons, Fe content 40-50%) in the Beshar region.
Algeria ranks second in Africa in terms of reserves of lead and zinc ores. In Northern Algeria, stratiform, vein (telethermal) and lenticular 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-Yusef, Meslulla, Dzhebel-Ishmul), veins in the sandy-argillaceous rocks of the Cretaceous (Gerruma, Sakamodi) are associated with the diapirs of the evaporoids. Volcanic and plutonic-hydrothermal copper-polymetallic deposits in the Cretaceous - Neogene rocks are associated with Miocene volcanics (Bu-Sufa, Ued-el-Kebir) and granitoids (Bu-Duka, Ashaish, Ain-Barbar, Kef-um-Tebul). Ore occurrences of cuprous sandstones are known in the Cretaceous and Triassic (Ain Sefra, in the west of the Sahara Atlas), Cambrian (Ben-Tajik in Ugart) and Vendian (Khank Nyug Regibat).
Algeria ranks 1st in Africa in terms of mercury reserves (about 4% of global reserves). Deposits of mercury ores were found in the Azzaba region among terrigenous-clastic rocks of the Cretaceous - Paleogene and in the Precambrian shales (Genisha deposits - total reserves in terms of metal 4.5 thousand tons, Hg content 1.16%; Mpa-Cma, respectively 7.7 thousand tons, 3.9%; Ismail - worked out). Algeria ranks second in Africa in terms of antimony ore reserves; they are concentrated in northern Algeria at the Hammam Nbiles telethermal field. In terms of reserves of tungsten ores, Algeria ranks 1st in Africa. Quartz-cassiterite-wolframite greisen-vein bodies of Nakhda (Launi), Tin-Amzi, El-Kapycca, Bashir, Tiftazunin and others associated with the Taurirt granites have been explored in Akhaggar. In northern Algeria, the Belelieta skarn-scheelite deposit is known.
The most significant hydrothermal vein deposits of gold — Tiririn, Tirek, Amesmessa, Tin-Felki, and others — have been explored in the Precambrian crystalline rocks of Ahaggara; exploration and prospecting for gold continues.
In Northern Algeria, the Bou Douau field has been identified.
In terms of phosphorite reserves, Algeria is in 5th place in Africa. In Northern Algeria, deposits of granular phosphorites are confined to clay-carbonate deposits of the Upper Cretaceous - Paleogene. The largest deposits are Jebelonk, El-Kuif, Mzayta (see. Arabian-African phosphorite province).
Algeria ranks second in Africa in terms of barite reserves. In Northern Algeria, the vein deposits of Mizab (total reserves of 2.15 million tons, BaSO4 content 90%), Affensu, Bou-Mani, Varsenis and Sidi-Camber were identified, in the Beshar region - the vein fields of Bu-Qais, Abadla, etc. other minerals explored in Algeria large deposit Celestine Beni-Mansur (Northern Algeria), the total reserves of which are 6.1 million tons; deposits of pyrite are known (reserves are small), table salt and etc.
The history of the development of mineral resources. The earliest 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 dishes begins (5-4 millennium BC), from the 2nd millennium BC. - stone for the construction of large burial 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 "Nemur" and "Beni-Saf" near the city of Arzev (Western Algeria), as well as near the cities. Setif, Annaba, Bedjaia; copper mines in the Jebel Ketam mountains. In the department of Constantine (near Madjana, Eastern Algeria), the development of deposits of silver, lead ores, building stone (no later than the 16th century) is also mentioned. Mercury ore was mined near the town 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), an intensive search for minerals began in the country. Industrial exploitation deposits of iron ores (Ain Mokra, Beni Saf, Jebel Wenza, 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), phosphorites (since 1893) was carried out. In 1907, the main coal deposit of Algeria, Kenadza, was discovered, the maximum production at which was carried out during the years of World War II (1939-45).
Mining. general characteristics... The leading mining industry is oil and gas (more than 90% of the value of all products of the mining industry); provides most of the foreign exchange earnings. In 1981, oil and gas accounted for 96% of the country's export value, which amounted to 62 billion Algerian dinars. In the mining industry, the public sector plays a leading role. In the oil and gas industry, the state-owned company Société Nationale pour la Recherche, la Production, le Transport, la Transformation et la Commercialization des Hydrocarbures (SONATRACH) holds a monopoly position. The company took control of oil and gas reserves and production, all main oil and gas pipelines, gas liquefaction and oil refineries.
The total number of personnel employed in the oil and gas industry is about 36 thousand people (1980). The Algerian government promotes the development of the oil and gas industry by merging with foreign capital (up to 49%) while retaining 51% of the shares in SONATRACH. The company conducts production and exploration for oil and gas in the Sahara together with the French companies "Total", "Compagnie Française de Pétrole", "Compagnie de Recherches et d`Activités 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 mining industry of Algeria, the state company SONAREM fully controls the exploration, production, consumption and export of all solid minerals (the total number of employees is 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. Extraction of iron ores and non-ferrous metals is negligible.
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, 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 (below 0 ° C at night, 20 ° C in the daytime). Summers in Algeria are 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 rivers in Algeria are temporary streams (uedas) that are filled during the rainy season. The rivers of the far north of the country 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 they built reservoirs and hydroelectric power plants. The largest river is Sheliff (700 km). The basins of lakes (sebhi) are also filled in the rainy season, and in summer they dry up and are covered with a salt crust up to 60 cm thick. In the Sahara, in areas of 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. Oak, olive, pine and thuja grow in the north of the country. The Sahara Desert contains practically no vegetation, and there are very few oases. The most typical species of animals for the country: jackals, hyenas, antelopes, gazelles, hares are also found.
Population of Algeria
During the era of the French conquest, the population of Algeria was approx. 3 million people. In 1966 it has already reached 11.823 million people, and in 1997 - 29.476 million people. In 1996, the birth rate was 28.5 per 1000 people, and the death rate was 5.9 per 1000 people. Infant mortality (children under one year old) is 48.7 per 1000 newborns. In the mid-1990s, approx. 68% of the population were under the age of 29.
Algeria was originally inhabited by people speaking the Berber languages. These peoples as early as 2000 BC. moved here from the Middle East. Most modern population uses a spoken version in everyday life Arabic... The Arabs settled in Algeria during the Islamic conquests of the 7th and 8th centuries. and nomadic migrations 11-12 centuries. The mixing of two waves of immigrants with an autochthonous population led to the emergence of the so-called Arab-Berber ethnos, in the cultural development of which the Arab element plays 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 about 1/5 of the country's population. The largest concentration of the Berber population is observed in the highlands of Djurdjura to the east of the capital, known as Kabylia. Local residents, Kabila, settled in many cities of the country, but carefully preserve ancient traditions. Other significant groups of the Berber population are represented by tribal unions of the Shawiyya, originating from the mountainous region around Batna, Mzabit, 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 of them had French roots, the ancestors of the rest moved to Algeria from Spain, Italy and Malta. After the proclamation of Algeria's independence in 1962, most Europeans left the country.
Most of the population of Algeria is Sunni Muslim (Maliki and Hanafi). A number of followers of the Ibadi sect live in the Mzab Valley, Ouargle and Algeria. The state religion of the country is Islam. The country has approx. 150 thousand Christians, mostly Catholics, and about 1 thousand adherents of Judaism. The official language is Arabic, but it is still ubiquitous French... Some Berber tribes who speak Tamakhak and Tamazirt have acquired their writing. Several books have already been published in the Tamazirt dialect in Algeria.
About 3/4 of the population is concentrated in the foothills of 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.
The climate of Algeria is very diverse due to large sizes countries (Algeria is one of the largest countries in Africa). It is difficult to unambiguously identify the places where one type of climate ends and another begins. In some places of the country, several different types climate. The climate of a particular place is determined by the height of this place, as well as its position relative to the mountains and plains. The climate of Algeria in its northern part is Mediterranean. The mountains have a mountainous climate and / or desert. In the north-east of the country - subtropical climate... In the southwest there is a desert climate, and in some regions of Algeria there is steppe climate... The lowest regions of Algeria are located 40 meters below sea level (in the northeast). The most high point the country is located 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 the Mediterranean Sea.
Heat
In lower regions, the air temperature often rises to 40-50 degrees Celsius, and sometimes even higher. In higher as well as coastal regions, climatic conditions are much more bearable. Nevertheless, hot weather- not uncommon between May and October.
Winds
In Algeria, as in neighboring Libya, sirocco winds can pass. These strong desert winds bring with them large quantities of red Saharan sand. During these winds, it is almost impossible to be outdoors - because of them, almost nothing is visible, and it is difficult to breathe; especially if at the same time the air temperature rises to 40-50 degrees Celsius. These winds usually last 2-4 days.
Rains
Precipitation varies in different places country. In the interior regions of the country, 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. The situation is different in the coastal regions. In the eastern coastal regions - between the capital Algeria and the port of Skikda - there is 1,000 millimeters of rain per year, most of which occurs in winter.
Snow
Believe it or not, it can snow in Algeria. In higher regions, snow regularly falls in winter, and temperatures below freezing are also not uncommon here. In some places in these regions it is even possible to practice winter sports. Sometimes it snows in regions north of the Lesser Atlas Mountains, which is why snow can be found on 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 | June | 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 (north-east of the country, mountainous region, height - over 1,000 meters) | ||||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | 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 | June | 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, height - about 300 meters) | ||||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | 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 | June | 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 |
It belongs to the states of the Mediterranean basin, and also has access to the sea in the north. Official name- Algerian People's Democratic Republic.
It shares borders with the following states: Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Libya and Tunisia. The capital of the country is the eponymous
History of Algeria
The history of the state began in the 10th century BC, when the Phoenician tribes settled on these lands for the first time. For a long time, the territory belonged to the Roman, then the Byzantine Empire. In the 16th century, Algeria became a province of the Ottoman unification. And in the 19th century it was a part of France as its colony. And only in 1962 Algeria (Africa) becomes an independent state.
The name comes from the word "el-jazair" - "islands". More than 80% of the entire territory of the state falls on the most great desert planets - the Sahara. In the southeast, the Ahaggar Highlands are located, and the highest point of the country, the city of Takhat (2,906 m), is also located here. In the north, it is surrounded by one of the few mountain systems in Africa - the Atlas Mountains.
Climate
A description of Algeria should start with weather conditions... The country is located in two climatic zones: subtropical Mediterranean type and tropical desert. The latter is unfavorable for the population to live here. Therefore, the overwhelming majority of the country's inhabitants (about 93%) settled on the northern coast. Winter is mild, rainy, without frosty temperatures. Average t ° January + 12 ° С. Summers are hot and dry. In desert areas, the air temperature depends on the time of day. The difference between daytime and nighttime can reach more than 20 ° C. Even snow falls on the tops of the mountains.
Algeria is a country with a dry climate. Annual precipitation does not exceed 100-150 mm. There are no rivers with a constant flow here. Only in the rainy season can dry channels be filled with water. The only one large river Algeria - Sheliff, 700 km long. It flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The river is used for irrigation of agricultural land; hydroelectric power plants have been built on it. Solitary oases can be found in the Sahara. They arise in those places where groundwater rises close to the surface.
Vegetable world
The flora of the country also differs due to the peculiarities of the relief and climate. In the north of the country, the Mediterranean type of vegetation dominates. This is what makes Algeria different. The population of the state is proud of the fact that it grows on the territory of their homeland. Here you can find everywhere low trees and dense shrubs: olive tree, pistachio, juniper, sandarak. Deciduous trees also grow. The flora of the Sahara is very poor. It is represented by only two types: ephemera and hodgepodge.
Animal world
The fauna is also scarce. In addition to the natural decrease in the number of individuals, there is also the problem of the extermination of some species of animals. In mountain forest areas, you can meet hares and wild boars. Animal world The Sahara is typical for the desert area: hyenas, jackals, gazelles, antelopes, cheetahs, foxes.
Minerals
Algeria, whose population receives wages due to external sales, it has the largest deposits of oil and gas. It is they who make up the overwhelming part of the country's economy. This state is at the forefront of the export of these minerals.
Population
According to the latest census, there are over 40 million people in Algeria. More than half of the population is urban dwellers. Ethnically, the overwhelming majority of residents are Arabs (83%). Mostly they live in a country like Algeria. Population this state also represented by Berbers - almost 17%. Less than 1% are representatives of other nationalities. Official language states - Arabic. But French is also common. Algeria is a Muslim country. 99% of the population is Muslim here.
State characteristics
According to the state structure, Algeria is a republic. The president is at the head of the country. The legislative body is the parliament, which consists of two chambers - the Senate and the People's Assembly. All government bodies are elected by voting for a 5-year term.
By administrative division, this country is divided into regions (vilayets). Algeria is divided into 48 vilayets. They, in turn, are subdivided into districts, and the latter into communes. In addition to where the population is about 3 million people (as of 2011), major cities are: Oran, Skikda, Annaba, Constantine.
Cultural heritage and tourism
There are many interesting sights in the country that have survived since the domination of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires here. Locals honor their culture and carefully guard historical monuments... Algeria, whose population is quite hospitable, is an ideal place for tourists, so a vacation in this territory will be unforgettable. There are many hotels and inns here, they pamper with their pricing policy. However, you should pay attention to temperature regime state, because you can easily "walk up" a cold caused by the peculiarities of the local climate.
Climate of Algeria. In Algeria 3 climatic zones can be distinguished:
- coastal - Mediterranean humid climate with pressure drops, average January temperature 7 - 10 ° С, July 35-40 ° С;
- medium - significant temperature drops: in summer up to 35 ° С, in winter up to -5 ° С;
- southern, which includes the Sahara Desert - dry winds often entail sandstorms.
In Northern Algeria the climate is subtropical, Mediterranean with warm rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The average January temperature on the coast is 12 ° C, on the intermontane plains - 5 ° C, and in July 25 ° C. Summer heat is difficult to endure due to arid winds. Severe droughts are common. A significant part of precipitation falls in November - January. In winter, in mountainous areas, snow lasts up to 10-20 days or more.
In the transition zone to Algerian Sahara the climate is more arid, the average July temperature rises above 30 ° C, precipitation - 200-400 mm per year. In the Sahara, the climate is desert, very dry with only 50 mm of precipitation per year, and sometimes there is no rain at all. Summer daytime temperatures are 40 ° C and above, at night - 20 ° C, and in winter during the day - about 20 ° C, at night it drops to 0 ° and below.
The most suitable for relaxation will be the shores Mediterranean Sea... It is here that the sunniest weather is and there are comfortable and beautiful beaches. Winters in this place are warm and rainy, the air temperature is about 12 degrees even in January.
What should I wear?
What kind of clothes must be taken with you when going to Algeria? Clothes for walking should be chosen with extreme care, about open and bright outfits should be hammered, make sure that there are no copies of coins on the clothes - this wardrobe item in Algeria unacceptable. For them, this is an insult and sacrilege.
Women should put aside their revealing outfits, short skirts, tight-fitting clothes and blouses with a deep neckline for a while. Try not to be out in the sun for a long time, as the temperature is quite high and it is very easy to get sunstroke, so do not be outdoors without a headgear.
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Algeria is a state in North Africa in the western part of the Mediterranean basin, the largest African state in terms of territory. Algeria borders Morocco in the west, Mauritania and Mali in the southwest, Niger in the southeast, and Libya and Tunisia in the east. Most of the country's territory lies in the Sahara Desert. The capital is the city 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, iron ore and oil export. Tell Atlas rises above sea level by more than 1830 m and includes the Tlemcen, Big and Small Kabilia and Mejerda massifs.
At medium altitudes, there are shrubs of the Mediterranean type and cork oak forests. At higher elevations, cedar and pine forests once grew, but as a result of felling, fires and cattle grazing, many mountainous areas have turned into a wasteland covered with bushes. 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 is from 760 mm on the coast to 1270 mm on the slopes of Tell Atlas facing the sea and less than 640 mm on its inner slopes. The southern part of Tell Atlas is a high plateau with an average height of 1070 m. This region is characterized by semi-arid climatic conditions with an annual rainfall of 250-510 mm. In more humid areas, grains and alpha grass (esparto) are cultivated, the fibers of which are used to make ropes, fabrics and high-quality paper. Salt lakes (called shott) and salt marshes are found at lower elevations with a dry climate. Located even further to the south, the Sahara Atlas rises to a height of 150 m above the plateau level and then descends to the Sahara by more than 300 m. The highest part of the Sahara Atlas is the Ksur, Amur and Uled-Nail mountain systems. Thanks to the abundant grass cover
The Sahara Atlas serves as a convenient grazing area. The rest of the country is occupied by the Sahara Desert. The average elevation in the Sahara is approx. 460 m.In the area of the Ahaggar (Hoggar) massif near the southern border of Algeria is the highest peak of the country, Mount Tahat - 2908 m.Most of the Sahara is occupied by rubble and pebble deserts (hamads and regi), and about 1/4 of them are sandy deserts (ergs) ... It is hot during the day, sometimes the temperature reaches 35 °, but the nights are cool. Precipitation is extremely rare. In the 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 rainfall. The sources of water supply are wells dug in dry river beds (wadis); in many places, groundwater is used, which flows to the surface through artesian wells and foggar - horizontal tunnels dug at a slight slope.
Climate and weather
Due to the fact that one part of the country is washed by the sea, and the second, a large one, is located in an entirely desert area, the climate of Algeria in its Mediterranean part is referred to as subtropical, and in the desert - to tropical.
V winter months in various parts of the country there is different temperature... If it rains constantly on the coast and the thermometer stays in the region of +12 ... + 13 C, then in the mountains, where there is always snow for several weeks a year, it can drop below zero. As for the Sahara, here the range is winter temperatures has a colossal spread. If at night the temperature in the desert drops below zero, then during the day it reaches +20 C and above.
Summer in Algeria, as in almost all of Africa, is very hot and dry. In the desert, dust storms are common at this time. From the deserted part of the country to the coastal part, stifling dry winds - sirocco now and then penetrate. The annual rainfall in the Sahara is negligible - from 0 to 50 mm. However, in the Atlas Mountains, annual precipitation is already up to 400-1200 mm. Note that the most heat in Algeria registered in Tindouf +57.4 C.
The best time to travel to Algeria is autumn months, when heatwave begins to subside.
Official language
State language - Arabic
Religion
The majority of those living in Algeria are Sunni Muslims (Hanafis and Maliki). A small number of worshipers of the Ibadi sect settled in the Mzab Valley, Algeria and Ouargle. The state religion of the state is Islam. In addition, about 150 thousand Christians live in this country, most of them are Catholics, and about one thousand are adherents of Judaism.
Emergency phones in Algeria
Phone upon occurrence emergencies: +213-770-100-127
Consular Section: (8-10-213-21) 92-1512; 92-31-39; 92-26-14
24-hour emergency telephone number: 8-10-213-770-100-127
Consulate General in Annaba
Address: 1, Boulevard Fellah Rachid, Annaba, Algerie
Phone: (8-10-213-38) 86-8507, 86-4261
Emergency phone: + 213-661-32-19-32
Police - 17
Medical assistance - 14
Medicine in the country is paid and not very much good level... Tourists traveling to Algeria are advised to have an international insurance certificate with them.
Fire brigade - 14
Embassy of Russia in Algeria
Chemin du Prince d'Annam, El-Biar, Alger, Algerie
Phone: (8-10-2132) 92-3139, 92-3184, 78-2614
Fax: (8-10-2132) 92-2882
Website: www.mid.ru
Time in Albania
It lags behind Moscow by -2 hours in winter and in summer by -3 hours. There is no daylight saving time. Universal coordinated UTC time + 1
Visa
A visa is required to enter the country
Currency of Algeria
Currency: Algerian dinar international code DZD
Banknote denomination: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 dinars
Coins: 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 centimes
1 dinar = 100 centimes
Bank of Algeria www.bank-of-algeria.dz
1000 Algerian dinars (can be exchanged at the border), US dollars or euros (changing another currency for dinars is problematic), and the bills must not be old, not torn or dirty, otherwise they simply will not be accepted.
Customs regulations
Import of foreign currency is not limited (declaration is required). Upon entry, a convertible currency is exchanged, equivalent to 1,000 Algerian dinars. Export of foreign currency is allowed. When importing pets, you must present a veterinary certificate with a note on vaccinations.
Local fines and bans
Drinking alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited in public places
It is forbidden to photograph women wearing black headscarves
Banned same-sex communication, a fine of up to 2,000 Algerian dinars (about 780 rubles) and a prison term of up to 2 years
It is forbidden to pay in foreign currency on the territory of Algeria (although in some hotels they can accept dollars for services)
It is forbidden to enter the Sahara region without the accompaniment of a local official guide
Unexpected prohibitions
Women are forbidden to smoke on the streets of Algeria (while it is possible in various rooms, for example, in a cafe or in a car)
Safety of tourists in Aleira
The main danger for tourists in Algeria is terrorism. The most dangerous areas in this regard are the north and south of the country, so trips to the southeastern provinces of Tamanrasset, Jane and Illizi are not recommended. Also try to stay away from large crowds, stay out of town after dark, and use reasonable safety precautions. Only visit excursions in organized groups with a guide.
Pickpocketing is another nuisance that can lie in wait for you in Algeria. Do not carry with you large sums money and expensive items, do not show cash in public, watch your belongings carefully.
Do not wear too revealing, bright clothes. Also, images or decoration of clothes in the form of coins should be avoided, since for the Algerians this is an insult and sacrilege (the Prophet Muhammad was a merchant).
Do not go into the desert without a guide. Firstly, it is dangerous in itself, and secondly, it is prohibited by law.
Never drink tap water. Use only bottled water for drinking and washing fruits and vegetables.
Transport of Algeria
Public transport in Algeria:
Public transport in Algeria is represented by buses, trains, trams and metro (both in the capital). In the north of the country, buses are common, and in the south, they are replaced by jeeps and pickups. The bus fare is 5 dinars (about 2 rubles). You can get from the capital by bus to any other city (the price will be at the rate of 1 dinar (about 40 kopecks) per kilometer). The tram in Algeria has been partially launched recently and only in the capital. On this moment the working section has 13 stations and is 8 kilometers long.
Algerian Metro
A fairly young form of transport, it was opened in 2011, and so far only consists of one line. The metro operates from 5 am to 11 pm. Approximate fare is 50 dinars (20 rubles) for 10 stations. Algerian railways are represented only in the north of the country, and trains run only between major cities. By train you can reach southern Tamansrasset, as well as Oran, Konstantinin and Annabu.
Car rental in Algeria
It is mandatory to have an international driving license and a minimum experience of 1 year. The approximate rental cost is $ 50 (1600 rubles) per day.
Taxi in Algeria
Quite a popular form of transport. You can catch a taxi on the street, you can call it by phone. It is imperative to discuss the fare and route with the driver before the trip. The approximate cost is 30 dinars (12 rubles) per kilometer.
Opening hours of institutions
Supermarkets and department stores:
Shops are open from Saturday to Thursday from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 18.00. Supermarkets close later.
7 days a week: Some shops are open daily.
Banks: Sunday to Thursday from 9.00 to 15.30.
Buy alcohol: Alcohol is available in high-end restaurants and hotels, as well as specialty stores. Alcoholic drinks are only available until 21:00. Better to buy alcohol at Algeria airport. In smaller towns, buying alcohol can be difficult.
Nightlife: In Algeria, there are a large number of various cafes, restaurants, baths and other entertainment establishments, however, for them, the Ministry of Commerce of Algeria has imposed a time limit on the opening hours. Now they are required to close after 23 hours. However, in hotels the clubs work after 23.00.
KITCHEN
Traditional Algerian cuisine is very diverse. Various meat dishes are popular here, such as khubizet with cheese and spinach, usually served hot. Algerians are very fond of turta with meat, which we would call pies. Among the local population, there are a lot of adherents of potatoes baked in white sauce, as a rule, served on the table with many delicious hot spices and sauces.
From fish dishes, mainly used here sea fish, but there are dishes, the main component of which is River fish... Fish in Algeria is steamed, fried, baked using various sauces, stuffed, seasoned, etc. The most popular fish dish is the so-called. couscous.
From salads, Algerians prefer cucumbers with cream, peppers with olive oil, a salad of fried peppers and tomatoes, anchovies with garlic, etc. Soups include semolina soup called mdeshta, a soup made from shrimp or chicken cooked with vegetables. For dessert in Algeria, chocolate cakes are served, as well as cakes made of flour, popularly called "bride's fingers".
Algeria has been cultivated since time immemorial different varieties the grapes from which the wine is made. Algerians value a variety of table wines - rosé and red.
Tips: In restaurants, the cost of service is usually automatically included in the bill. But if you liked the service, you can give a small amount (about 10%) right into your hands, no one will mind. In a taxi, you can round up the amount.
Algeria landmarks
Algeria's old town (museums)
The capital of Algeria - the city of the same name, at first glance, surprises with a mixture of faces. Here Arabs, representatives of African tribes, Europeans mix into a kaleidoscope of striking diversity. The city has been known since the days of ancient Rome, who founded a trading port here. Later, Algeria became a colony of Spain and trade was further developed. The port has always been filled with such valuable goods as olives, oil, honey, all kinds of fruits. This attracted merchants from all over the world. The city was also owned by Turkish sea pirates, who called it Al-Jazair. For about 150 years, the French were the masters of Algeria. All these stages of development could not but affect the architecture of the city. The city is famous for the fact that it was here that famous impressionists wrote their great paintings: Monet Degas, Renoir and Delacroix. Great Goncourt believed Algeria the best city in the world for artists. The vast majority of the city's buildings belong to the Muslim culture. In Algeria, on central square Martyrs were trafficked in slaves and their execution. Here, the famous Cervantes was once sold into slavery, who was then kept in prison for another 5 years. Algeria is designed in such a way that from any of its lanes you can see a stunning panorama of the sea coast. Travelers approaching the port immediately notice the shiny domes. This is the Cathedral of Notre Dame d'Afric with a majestic bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, preserved from 1840. All tourists who would like to find themselves in the Middle Ages and feel the spirit of that time, go to the ancient city of Algeria - Kasbah. It is he who is considered the heart of the Algerian capital. It dates back to the 15th century. There are no squares in this amazing city, no trees grow here. Just an intricate maze of incredibly narrow streets. The houses are close to each other at an angle, which provides them with rich shade, even on the hottest days.
Tassilin-Anghera (nature)
The unusual landscape of Tassilin-Angers, similar to the lunar surface, prehistoric caves with unique drawings and engravings, of which there are about 15 thousand, invariably attract tourists visiting Algeria. From these drawings, one can trace not only the evolution of man in the great Sahara desert from the 60th century BC, but also the climate changes that took place, the migration of animals.
Fort Santa Cruz(architecture)
V ancient city Oran has preserved two remarkable sights - the citadel, preserved from the 18th century, and the Great Mosque, built in the 17th century.
Valley of Mzab
The attention of modern architects around the world is attracted by the Mzab valley, where the cities created in the 10th century are perfectly preserved. All tourists in these cities do not leave the feeling of stopping time, thanks to the atmosphere of that time, which the ancient cities are filled with. All buildings and infrastructure are ideal for strong and friendly families.
Dzhemila city - You can see the buildings built in the ancient Roman style by visiting the wonderful Algerian city of Dzhemila, which is located in the mountains at an altitude of 900 meters.
Ancient capital of Hammadid - Tourists visiting the ancient capital of Hammadid can get acquainted with the architectural features of the fortifications that were created in Muslim cities. The city of Kala-Beni-Hammad was created in 1007, destroyed by invaders in 1152, but the largest mosque in the country has survived, which has 8 rows of seats, 13 naves and prayer rooms.
Timgad City - A huge square and two perpendicular streets is the city of Timgad. This is the style of Roman architecture applied to the establishment of the military colony of the Emperor Trajan in the first century AD.
Tipasa - The city of Tipasa was one of the main trade points of the Mediterranean region. It was later conquered by the Romans and converted into a military base that was used to conquer the Mauritanian kingdoms. Here you can see a large number of buildings that have survived from the period of the ancient Romans, Christians, and the Byzantine period. Of particular interest are the mausoleum of the kings of Mauritania and Kbor er Rumia
Tourists preferring beach vacation, more and more attention is paid to Algeria, which will be able to compete with other resort countries in Africa, such as Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. Special attention given to Morocco, the country that broke all records in 2007. Algeria has historical and cultural sights, exoticism - more and more attracts tourists from Europe. Algeria has all the prerequisites: beaches, sea, historical monuments, antique sights. The main one is the climate, sunny days, warm sea. So far, tourism in Algeria is slowed down due to an insufficient number of hotels and because of issues related to visas. By 2015, it is planned to open 36 new hotels, new resorts are being built on the beaches. So far, there are few five-star hotels, but construction companies are investing more and more in the development of tourism in Algeria. More and more attention is paid to the development of the infrastructure of the Algerian resort areas. More on the beaches beach entertainment: riding on scooters, bananas, surfing, scuba diving, boat trips, yachts. Is developing catering business. Large quantity travel agencies offer travel the greatest desert Sahara. Sanatoriums are being opened in Algeria. Private sector offers a wide variety of leisure activities. National cuisine is developing. Algeria will soon be one of the developed tourist countries. After all, there are all the prerequisites here.
Phrases that may come in handy
