Algeria

Algeria is the largest country in Africa, known for its vast Sahara landscapes, Mediterranean coastline, and diverse cultural history.

Flag
Country Code ISO2	DZ
Country Code ISO3	DZA
Country Code Numeric	012
Capital	Algiers
Currency	Algerian Dinar
Currency Code	DZD
Internet TLD	.dz
Calling Code	+213
Time Zone	UTC +01:00
Driving Side	Right
Area (sq. kms)	2,381,741
Demonym	Algerian
Official Language	Arabic, Tamazight
Largest City	Algiers
Date Format	DD/MM/YYYY

History

Algeria’s history stretches back to ancient times when it was inhabited by Berber (Amazigh) tribes, the indigenous people of North Africa. The region later came under the influence of the Carthaginian Empire and was subsequently incorporated into the Roman Empire, where it became an important center of trade and agriculture. After the decline of Rome, Algeria experienced periods of rule by the Vandals and the Byzantine Empire before the arrival of Islam in the 7th century, which profoundly shaped its culture, language, and identity.

From the 16th century, Algeria became part of the Ottoman Empire, functioning with a degree of autonomy under local rulers. In 1830, France invaded and colonized Algeria, leading to over a century of French rule marked by economic exploitation and social inequality. Resistance movements grew over time, culminating in the Algerian War of Independence, a major anti-colonial struggle that resulted in independence in 1962.

Following independence, Algeria established a socialist-oriented government and later transitioned toward a more diversified political system. The country experienced internal conflict during the 1990s but has since worked toward stability while maintaining its role as a key political and economic power in North Africa.