Everything you need to know about Algeria: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Algeria: Home of the Berber Speaking People
Algeria or Algiers or Algerie is located in Northern Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on the north, Morocco, Western Sahara and Mauritania on the west, Mali and Niger in the south, and Libya and Tunisia in the east.
After decades of bloody conflict involving many militant groups a new civilian regime has been founded in Algeria. This newly founded government has to handle the devastated land where almost the whole infrastructure was ruined by internal disputes. With the help from international welfare agencies like UNO, WHO, UNESCO etc. Algerian government set up infrastructures that provide opportunities for working class. Various developed countries in the field of petroleum and natural gas extraction also set up their industries to tap the huge amount of non- renewable resources of Algeria. The trickle down effect of this enhances the national income and livelihood of the Algerians. Though economic reforms have started in Algeria yet internal disputes and insecurities remain the prime issues for the government of Algeria.
Algeria Profile and Overview of Facts and Figures:
Geographical Information on Algeria:
Algeria is the largest country of the Mediterranean Sea, the second largest on the African continent bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia.
Algeria lies in the Torrid Climatic Zone of the Earth. In this Torrid Zone even in winters the midday desert temperatures can be very hot. After sunset the clear and dry air permits rapid loss of heat, and the nights are cool to chilly. Enormous fluctuations in daily temperature are recorded. Mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast that is drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau. Sirocco is a hot, dust-laden wind, which is common in summer throughout the nation.
Culture, Cuisine and Tradition of Algeria:
The people that once colonized, traded, and visited this place influence Algerian culture. French, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and African cultures have noticeable influences. Algerian culture has been strongly influenced by its main religion Islam. The tenets of Islam can be seen in practices and life style of people. The heterogeneity of Algeria can be seen from the languages spoken that include Arabic, French and Berber.
Algeria's unique cultural mix is especially recognizable in its food. Dishes like Mechoui a charcoal roasted lamb, Kefta a spicy meatball, Brochettes spicy kabobs in French bread, and Hairira, a soup served at Ramada. These dishes found in other countries but variations in cooking and spices have given Algeria its own version of the dishes.
Algerian cuisine is a blend of Berber, Arab, Turkish and French cuisines. The boiled vegetable dishes originate from the Berbers, while the pastries and spices can be traced to the Turks. Beverages and sweets are distinctly French; most of the main courses have Mediterranean flavors. Couscous , a steamed preparation, is Algeria's national dish. While extremely strong coffee is popular in Algeria, tea with a hint of mint is the popular drink among locals.
Tourist Attraction of Algeria:
There are various beautiful tourist destinations in Algeria. The country is separated into two halves by the Atlas Mountains. The Mediterranean beaches are the favourite destination for tourists. The variety of landscape composition from deep sea to deadly desert of Algeria allure tourist to experience the harsh beauty of nature. Some of the finest Roman ruins in the world, old Arabic cities remain the center of attraction and most visited destination among tourists.
Major Sight-seeing Places in Algeria include:
Washington, May 16 (ANI): An al Qaeda-linked militant cell had planned to carry out suicide attacks on the French and US embassies in Egypt.
Havana, May 15 (IANS) Boxers from 15 countries and regions, including Cuba, will compete in the 43rd Giraldo Cordova Cardin International Boxing Tournament to be held here June 4-9 at Ramon Fonst Arena.
Rio de Janeiro, May 14 (IANS) England's Howard Webb has been named by FIFA as one of 10 referees who will officiate at the Confederations Cup in Brazil next month.
Algiers, May 5 (IANS) Algerian security services have arrested a suspected Al Qaeda-linked militant carrying an explosive belt in Chlef province, a media report said.
Moscow, May 3 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Ukraine has been designated the world's top violator of intellectual property rights in a new report by US Trade Representative (USTR). India and Pakistan are also in the list.
London, Apr. 29 (ANI): Diplomats have warned of growing Islamist violence against western targets in Libya as blowback from the war in Mali, following last week's attack on the French embassy in Tripoli.
Algiers, April 18 (IANS) Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed, on a two-day visit to energy-rich Algeria, discussed the possibility of India signing contracts for supply of oil and natural gas with the north African nation as well as a possible joint venture for manufacture of fertiliser.
New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Monday inaugurated a course on parliamentary processes and procedures to be attended by 14 officials from seven Arabic-speaking countries.
Lima, April 10 (IANS/EFE) The Camisea consortium, which is producing natural gas from Peru's largest fields, said it paid $168.3 million in royalties to the government in the first quarter of this year.
London, Apr. 3 (ANI): Late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's daughter has been granted asylum in Oman after she was thrown out of her Algerian safe-house because she repeatedly set it on fire in fits of anger.
New Delhi, April 2 (IANS) In early March, suspected Chinese hackers breached the computers of India's top military organisation, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in what was touted to be amongst the biggest such security breaches in the country's history.
Oran (Algeria), March 31 (IANS) Egypt Under-20 football team snatched the 2013 African Youth Championship (AYC) title at the Ahmed Zabana Stadium here after edging past Ghana 5-4 on penalties.
Moscow, March 15 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia's foreign ministry has warned the Arab League that its recent decision to give Syria's seat to the opposition National Council would legalise arms supplies to terrorists.
Abu Dhabi, March 12 (IANS) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Algeria have signed an agreement defining security cooperation.
Abu Dhabi, March 12 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Algeria Monday signed an agreement defining security cooperation on combating all types of crimes and exchanging information and expertise on human trafficking, narcotics and illegal trade, particularly in arms and ammunition.
New Delhi, March 11 (IANS) An exhibition depicting the evolution of Urdu calligraphy - one of the most ornate alphabet writings - from the confines of fine print into a high art form was inaugurated at the Jamia Millia Islamia by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in the presence of the ambassador of Saudi Arabia in India, Saud Mohammed Al-Sati.
Algiers, March 6 (IANS/WAM) Abu Dhabi crown prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and held talks on enhancing bilateral relations.
Geneva, March 5 (IANS) There was a rare annual increase of nearly one percentage point in the global average number of women members of parliament (MPs) in 2012, Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) said in a statement released here ahead of international women's day.
New Delhi, Feb 24 (IANS) It's time India turned its attention to the countries of Northwest Africa and Indian companies explored and expanded their operations to the Maghreb region, its envoys based here say.
Nairobi, Feb 20 (IANS) Kenya's football federation confirmed that the search of a successor to the departed Frenchman Henri Michel was over with four candidates short-listed and the final choice is expected to be announced Wednesday.
Abu Dhabi, Feb 19 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Algeria have held talks on strengthening bilateral relations to serve the interests of the two countries and their citizens.
New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS) At 7 in the evening in Casablanca, Morocco's fabled city, the streets become empty as everyone is watching their favourite Indian soap on television. It is a sign of the influence of India's soft power on a country and region with which it has enjoyed civilisational links.
Rome, Feb 14 (IANS/AKI) Italy's former premier Silvio Berlusconi Thursday drew criticism from the country's magistrates and centre-left politicians over his remarks defending bribery.
London, Feb 14 (ANI): A British lawmaker has admitted for the first time that a 'primitive understanding' of the Islamic world caused some of the problems faced by the west in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Dubai, Feb 10 (IANS/WAM) The UAE has banned the import of animal products from three countries -- Algeria, Bulgaria and Lebanon.
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) The Maghreb region in northwest Africa contributes 20 percent of the African continent's GDP and can prove a strong economic partner for India with its reserves of bydrocarbons and metals and also for tourism, said envoys of the region here Friday.
Moscow, Feb 3 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The Brazilian defence ministry intends to discuss purchasing air defence systems from Russia during talks with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev later this month, the ministry said Sunday.
Tunis, Feb 3 (IANS) The Tunisia Football Federation will replace head coach Sami Trabelsi after the national team failed to qualify for the quarterfinals of the African Nations Cup.
London, Feb 1 (IANS) The Al Qaeda has vowed a series of terror strikes against Britain over London's involvement in a French-led operation against Islamist rebels in Mali.
Washington, Feb. 1 (ANI): Senior U.S. intelligence officials have confirmed that al-Qaeda affiliate in North Africa is aspiring to strike more U.S. and other western targets in Mali.
London, Feb. 1 (ANI): Al-Qaeda has vowed to carry out a series of 'lone wolf' terror strikes against Britain over the country's involvement in Mali.
Algiers, Jan 31 (IANS) David Cameron Thursday wrapped up his two-day visit to Algeria, the first by a British prime minister since 1962, and headed for Tripoli on a surprise visit to Libya, Xinhua reported.
London, Jan 31 (IANS) Around 25 percent of all cigarettes smoked in Britain are counterfeit or illicit foreign imports and contain arsenic, rat droppings, mould and lead, a media report said.
London, Jan 30 (IANS) British Prime Minister David Cameron will ask Algeria to let secret service MI6 hunt down Al Qaeda terrorist Mokhtar Belmokhtar responsible for the hostage crisis in which six Britons were killed.
London, Jan. 30 (ANI): Britain could become 'bogged down' in a Vietnam-style conflict in Mali for years, MPs and military experts in the UK have warned.
Moscow, Jan 29 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Two-thirds of the world's nations lack the tools to counter corruption in their defence sectors, says a survey by anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International.
Cape Town, Jan 27 (IANS) Cote d'Ivoire dimmed Tunisia's hopes of advancing in the 2013 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) after a thumping 3-0 victory.
Budapest, Jan 26 (IANS) The Budapest-Bamako rally got off to a shaky start from here amid warnings from authorities that drivers were heading to a war zone.
Washington, Jan. 25 (ANI): Days after the deadly hostage crisis in Algeria, several European governments have warned of an 'imminent threat' to Westerners in neighboring Libya and urged their citizens to leave the eastern city of Benghazi.
Abu Dhabi, Jan 23 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has held talks over its relations with Portugal and Alegria and ways to strengthen these with the two nations.
Tunis, Jan 23 (IANS) Tunisia's Carthage Eagles defeated Algeria 1-0 in their first match in Group D in the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa.
Abu Dhabi, Jan 22 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has condemned in the strongest terms, the terrorist attack which targeted the In Amenas gas plant in Algeria and left over 37 hostages dead.
Moscow, Jan 22 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia sold a record $15.16 billion worth of weaponry in 2012 to countries including India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Venezuela and in the Middle East, a federal military agency has said.
London, Jan. 21 (ANI): Most of the weapons that were used by al Qaeda-linked militants to storm a gas facility in southeastern Algeria came from Libya.
London, Jan. 21 (ANI): British Prime Minister David Cameron has warned that the country is facing a battle against Islamic extremism in North Africa and the Sahara that could last for decades.
Algiers, Jan 20 (IANS) The Algerian Special Forces have discovered 25 bodies in the gas field facility attacked by militants in Tiguentourine in southern the country, a media report said Sunday.
Washington, Jan.20 (ANI): The United States is reconsidering military role and assistance in Africa in view of the recent terror attacks on American citizens in North African countries like Mali and Algeria.
Beijing, Jan. 20 (Xinhua-ANI): Algerian army's final rescue operation in the gas field of Tiguentourine freed four foreign hostages on Saturday, including a Norwegian and a Camerounian, a security source told Xinhua.
Washington, Jan. 20 (Xinhua-ANI): U.S. President Barack Obama has condemned the terrorist attack in Algeria leading to the deaths of 23 hostages, calling it another reminder of the threat posed by al-Qaeda and other violent extremist groups in North Africa.
London, Jan 19 (IANS) Eleven hostage-takers were killed as Algerian troops launched a final raid Saturday on a gas plant where foreign workers were being held captive, BBC reported Saturday.
Algiers, Jan 19 (IANS) As many as 31 workers, including 19 foreign nationals, who were taken hostage by an armed group in a gas field in Algeria, have been killed since the beginning of the Algerian army's rescue operation, Xinhua reported Saturday.
Washington, Jan 19 (IANS) One American worker was killed at a natural gas complex in Algeria where Al Qaeda-linked militants held more than 130 foreign workers hostage, the US State Department said.
London, Jan 18 (IANS) British Prime Minister David Cameron Friday condemned the "brutal and savage" crisis where several Britons were taken hostage by an Al Qaeda-linked group in Algeria.
Algiers, Jan 18 (IANS) Around 650 hostages detained by an armed group at a gas field in Algeria have been freed, the official APS news agency reported Friday.
London, Jan. 18 (ANI): An attack by Algeria's military to free dozens of foreign hostages held by Islamist gunmen at a gas plant is reportedly over.
London, Jan 17 (IANS) Algerian army helicopters Thursday fired at a petroleum facility where over 40 Western hostages were being held, leaving at least 34 hostages and 15 kidnappers dead, media reports said.
London, Jan 17 (IANS) British Foreign Secretary William Hague said it was unclear how many Britons were being held captive after armed Islamists attacked a gas field in Algeria and killed a British worker.
Beijing, Jan. 17 (Xinhua-ANI): The United States on Wednesday condemned the attack on British Petroleum (BP) personnel and facilities in Algeria, saying American citizens are among the hostages.
Washington, Jan 17 (IANS) The US Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta, has pledged to "take all necessary steps" to rescue American hostages taken by terrorists who took over a natural gas plant in Algeria, Xinhua reported.
Algiers, Jan 16 (IANS) A Briton and a Norwegian were killed Wednesday in an attack targeting an oil facility in Algeria's central province of Illizi, the official APS news agency reported.
London, Jan 16 (IANS) At least eight people including British, Norwegian and Japanese nationals were kidnapped Wednesday by suspected Al Qaeda militants from a British Petroleum (BP) natural gas field in Algeria, media reports said.
Moscow, Jan 13 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev Sunday congratulated journalists on their professional day, praising their contribution to the exercise of citizens' fundamental democratic rights and freedoms.
Islamabad, Jan 11 (IANS) The European Commission (EC) will provide 42 million euro (around $55 million) in humanitarian aid to Pakistan this year, a media report said Friday.
New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) The external affairs ministry Tuesday asked Delhi Police for details of four foreigners arrested -- later released -- for allegedly passing lewd comments at a woman here.
Algiers, Jan 6 (IANS/WAM) Algeria and Turkey have decided to extend their natural gas agreement for another 10 years starting from 2014.
Moscow, Jan 6 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A cargo plane carrying 1.5 ton of gold from Ghana to Dubai has been held at Istanbul airport for four days due to missing documents, a media report said Sunday.
New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) Arabs are groping for new models of governance in the wake of uprisings that began in 2010 that led to regime changes in some countries, an international expert has suggested.
New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) Arabs do not have the "democratic DNA" like the Europeans and North Americans but they are groping for new models of governance, an international expert suggested.
Nairobi, Jan 2 (IANS) Having dominated the women's volleyball scene in Africa for over two decades, Kenya are seeking the chance to extend their reign by qualifying for the 2014 world championships.
Tripoli, Dec. 19 (ANI): Libya's decision to shut its desert frontiers is a 'tall order' for its fledgling army, which is ill-equipped to seal largely uninhabited Saharan wastes stretching more than 4,000 kilometers.
Tripoli, Dec. 19 (ANI): Libya's decision to shut its desert frontiers is a 'tall order' for its fledgling army, which is ill-equipped to seal largely uninhabited Saharan wastes stretching more than 4,000 kilometers.
Moscow, Dec 16 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A total of 341 journalists were killed or reported missing in Russia over the 20 years since the break-up of the Soviet Union, media reports said.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 14 (IANS) Egg production in India is likely to surge from the current level of about 7,500 crore to about 9,500 crore by 2015, an industry body said Friday.
Algeria, Dec 12 (IANS/EFE) Two Algerian air force pilots died when their planes collided during a training exercise, the defence ministry said Tuesday.
Algiers, Dec 11 (IANS) Two military pilots were killed in Algeria when their MiG fighter planes collided mid-air, the Algerian defence ministry said Tuesday.
London, Dec 11 (ANI): A United Nations meeting has set Britain, the United States and other Western countries against Arab States and Russia in a diplomatic battle over a new Internet regulation proposal, which many believe could restrict the freedom of cyberspace.
Amritsar, Dec 5 (IANS) All 950 Pakistani delegates, whose names were recommended for the seventh edition of Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX), which starts here Dec 6, have been issued visas.
Algiers, Nov 19 (IANS) A senior leader of the Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has been killed by Algerian forces in the southern province of Bejaia, Xinhua reported.
London, Nov 15 (ANI): A new juice shop has been opened in the UK that bears a striking resemblance to Facebook's logo.
Tunis, Nov. 8 (Xinhua-ANI): A daughter of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Aisha, has requested a Tunisian lawyer's help in suing NATO for her father's death, Tunisian Shems FM reported Thursday.
Moscow, Oct 20 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Two missiles fired from a Pantsir-S short-range air defence system shot down a cruise missile during tests at a practice range in northern Russia Friday, the defence ministry said.
Islamabad, Sept 23 (ANI): An editorial in a Pakistani daily has said it is the Al-Qaeda, and not India, the U.S. or Israel, which is working through the bribe-taking Taliban to plan the destruction of the nation.
Washington, Sept. 21 (ANI): The United States has issued a new travel advisory, asking its citizens to delay all non-essential travel to Pakistan.
Accra (Ghana), Sep 6 (IANS) Ghana moved one place up from the 32nd to the 31st position on the September edition of the FIFA world rankings, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced here.
Moscow, Aug 18 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia hopes that Lakhdar Brahimi, the new UN-Arab League representative for Syria, will follow Kofi Annan's peace plan, the Geneva accords and UN Security Council resolutions.
Beijing, August 18 (Xinhua-ANI): China welcomes the appointment of Lakhadar Brahimi, a veteran Algerian diplomat, as the joint special representative of the United Nations and the Arab League for Syria to replace Kofi Annan, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry said here on Saturday.
London, Aug 9 (IANS) The latest meda's tally of the 2012 London Olympics here Thursday.
New Delhi, Aug 9 (IANS) India has taken part in a ministerial conference convened by Iran, Damascus' staunchest ally, that seeks to push an 'indigenous solution' to the Syrian crisis.
London, Aug 9 (IANS) The following is the latest medal standings of the 2012 London Games here Thursday.
London, Aug 8 (IANS) Chinese hurdles star Liu Xiang suffered a first-round exit from the Olympics for the second straight time, but his fellow countrymen made history by beating their previous medal tally at the mega event, barring the 2008 home edition.
London, Aug 8 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Algeria's Taoufik Makhloufi won gold in the men's 1,500 metres Tuesday, a day after having his disqualification from the event revoked.
London, Aug 2 (IANS) Defending champions Brazil were stunned by South Korea in straight sets, while another title favourite United States stayed unbeaten in the women's volleyball tournament of the London Olympics.
London, July 30 (IANS) China harvested a second win and made a firm step to the quarterfinals in women's volleyball of the Olympic Games by outplaying Turkey 3-1 here Monday.
London, July 28 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia's women's volleyball team beat Britain in straight sets in their opening Olympic group stage match here Saturday.
New Delhi, July 27 (IANS) The 12th Osian's Cinefan Film Festival, kicked off here Friday with a tribute to the late actor Rajesh Khanna. A short film chronicling the career of Bollywood's first superstar, who passed away July 18, was played at the opening ceremony of the 10-day cine extravanganza.
London, July 18 (ANI): Islamic extremists in northern Mali are facing a growing uprising from local residents as they impose the strict Sharia law and seek to destroy the local culture in the northern region of the African country.art of the vast area of the country, near Timbuktu, which is under the control of Islamic groups, youths have been taking to the streets to protest against rebel control.
Beijing, July 11 (IANS) Again, a Chinese star player was injured. And again, a disappointing fifth finish in the 2012 women's volleyball World Grand Prix Finals, the most important competition before the London Olympic Games.
Kolkata, July 6 (IANS) Emari, the Indian personal and healthcare consumer products company, will open two manufacturing plants, one each in Bangladesh and Egypt, in the current financial year, expanding its international footprint.
London, June 21 (ANI): UK's Home Secretary Theresa May has been accused of 'unacceptable and regrettable behaviour' by a judge.
Algiers, June 16 (IANS/AKI) An Algerian rap singer will release an album of songs, calling on his country to reopen the border with neighbouring Morocco that was closed after a guerrilla attack in 1994.
