Country Profile: Algeria

Algeria, the largest country in Africa, is located in Northern Africa along the Mediterranean Sea. The nation has a complex history influenced by various empires and foreign powers, culminating in its independence from France in 1962. The population of approximately 47.7 million is predominantly Arab-Amazigh, reflecting a rich cultural heritage. Algeria's economy is heavily reliant on oil and gas, facing challenges of political instability and insufficient diversification. The government is a presidential republic, with recent reforms in response to public demands for more democratic practices.

Geography

Algeria covers an extensive area of 2,381,740 sq km, making it the largest country in Africa. Its geography is characterized by a significant portion of desert, particularly the Sahara, while the northern region features the Atlas Mountains and a narrow coastal plain. The climate varies from arid to semi-arid, with most of the population concentrated in the northern part along the Mediterranean.

998 km of coastline
80% of the country is desert
Highest point at 2,908 m (Tahat)
Rich in natural resources including petroleum and natural gas
Major aquifers include the Lullemeden-Irhazer and North Western Sahara Aquifers
Frequent natural hazards include earthquakes and droughts

People and Society

Algeria's population is estimated at 47,735,685 in 2025, primarily of Arab-Amazigh descent. The median age is 29.3 years, and the country has a high urbanization rate of 75.3%. Arabic and Tamazight are the official languages, with French widely used.

30.8% of the population is aged 0-14 years
75.3% urban population (2023)
99% Muslim, predominantly Sunni
Literacy rate for females at 74.2% (2019)
Life expectancy is 77.9 years (2024)

Economy

The Algerian economy is primarily driven by the oil and gas sector, contributing significantly to the GDP. However, the country faces economic challenges, including political instability and a lack of diversification. The real GDP is projected at $722.912 billion in 2024, with a growth rate of 3.3%.

11.5% unemployment rate (2024)
13.1% of GDP comes from agriculture (2023)
Exports valued at $59.426 billion (2023)
Import dependency high on goods like wheat and vehicles
40.8% of household consumption is spent on food (2023)

Government

Algeria is a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The current president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, was elected in December 2019. The political landscape has seen significant reforms, but challenges persist in voter engagement and representation.

58 provinces (wilayas)
Latest constitutional amendments were approved in 2020
Legislative body consists of a bicameral Parliament
Universal suffrage at 18 years of age
Expected next presidential election in 2029

Military and Security

The Algerian People's National Army (ANP) oversees military operations, which include land, naval, and air forces. Military expenditure has remained at 8% of GDP since 2023, with a focus on modernizing equipment and enhancing border security due to regional tensions.

Approximate 200,000 active ANP personnel (2025)
Military service is voluntary for men and women, with mandatory service for men at 19 years of age
Active strategies against terrorism and regional instability

Energy

Algeria's energy sector is dominated by fossil fuels, particularly natural gas and petroleum. Electricity access is nearly universal, and fossil fuels account for 98.1% of the total installed electricity capacity.

1.443 million bbl/day of crude oil production (2023)
Natural gas production at 104.896 billion cubic meters (2023)
Electricity consumption reached 85.687 billion kWh (2023)

Environment

Algeria faces several environmental issues, including air pollution, soil erosion, and water scarcity. The government is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these challenges.

17.4% of land is designated for agriculture (2023)
75.3% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
Major environmental concerns include desertification and water pollution

Transportation

Algeria's transportation network includes extensive roadways and rail systems, along with a growing aviation sector. The nation has 95 airports and a significant merchant marine fleet.

4,020 km of railway as of 2019
119 vessels in the merchant marine (2022)
Key ports include Algiers and Oran

Communications

Algeria has a rapidly developing telecommunications sector, with mobile cellular subscriptions surpassing the total population.

54.1 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024)
Internet penetration stands at 77% of the population (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	47,735,685 (2025 est.)
Area	2,381,740 sq km	Largest country in Africa
GDP (PPP)	$722.912 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	11.5% (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	61.843 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	19.62 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	77.9 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate (female)	74.2% (2019 est.)
Electrification (Total Population)	100% (2022 est.)
CO2 Emissions	163.661 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)