Fact 1: Algeria, the African Giant
You probably didn't know this, but Algeria is the largest country in Africa and the 10th largest in the world by total land area. After Sudan divided into two nations in 2011, Algeria became Africa’s largest country, stretching over 2.38 million square kilometers!
Fact 2: Mystery of the Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert in the world, accounts for an astonishing 85% of Algeria's total land. This vast desert is larger than the combined area of the next 20 largest countries, including the USA, and endows Algeria with a unique natural wonder.
Fact 3: The History Runs Deep
Algeria is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites range from ancient Roman ruins like Djemila and Timgad, to the M'Zab Valley, a labyrinthine-like traditional human habitat created in the 10th century.
Fact 4: Land of Languages
While Arabic is the official language of Algeria, French is also widely spoken. In fact, Algeria has one of the largest Francophone populations in the world. However, its linguistic heritage is rich and diverse, with Berber, a group of languages in the Afroasiatic family, also being widely spoken and recognized as a national language.
Fact 5: Cultural Crossroads
Due to its location and vast history, Algeria has a unique culture that is a blend of Arab, African, and Mediterranean traditions. The fusion of these cultural influences can be seen in its architecture, music, food, and way of life.
Fact 6: Diverse Flora and Fauna
Despite most of the country being desert, Algeria's flora and fauna are incredibly diverse. There are over 100 species of mammals, 350 bird species, and close to 200 reptile species. The country is also home to unique species like Fennec Foxes and Barbary Macaques.
Fact 7: Well-read Nation
Algeria is a well-read nation. The country’s literacy rate is over 80%, one of the highest in Africa. Its most famous writer, Albert Camus, won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1957.
Fact 8: A Country of Minerals
Algeria has significant oil and gas reserves and is one of the world's largest exporters of natural gas. It's also a major player in the phosphate market with the third-largest phosphate reserves in the world.
Fact 9: Couscous is King
Couscous is the national dish of Algeria, and it's a meal that is not only delicious but also steeped in tradition. This much-loved food is often served with meat, vegetables, and spicy sauces.
Fact 10: The Pioneers of Abstract Art
Interestingly, the people of Algeria's Amazigh culture were pioneers of abstract art. This is demonstrated by their ancient form of geometric tattoos and decorations on pottery and rock carvings dating back up to 8,000 years.
Fact 11: A Maze of Marketplaces
The Casbah, a historic neighborhood in Algiers, is a labyrinth of staircases, narrow lanes, palaces, mosques, and marketplaces. Known as a medina, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with historic and cultural experiences.
Fact 12: Bee-Eater's Paradise
Ornithologists will be entranced by Algeria's diverse birdlife, particularly the European Bee-Eater, which is the country's national bird. This colorful bird is known for its ability to catch and neutralize bees and other flying insects.
Fact 13: Algerian Hollywood
Algeria has a strong connection to Hollywood. The country has been the backdrop for numerous films, including "The Battle of Algiers" and most notably, "Star Wars". Some scenes from the epic space opera were filmed in the stunning Algerian desert.
Fact 14: Warm African Hospitality
Hospitality in Algeria is not just a cultural requirement but a way of life. Algerians are known for their warmth and friendliness, a fact often overshadowed by the country's political unrest.
Fact 15: Home to Historical Figures
Algeria was the birthplace of many historical figures, including Saint Augustine, an early Christian theologian and philosopher, and as mentioned earlier, Nobel laureate Albert Camus.
Fact 16: The Land of Beautiful Coastlines
Algeria features more than 990 miles of coastline along the Mediterranean sea, featuring beautiful beaches and picturesque landscapes that attract tourists from all around the world.
Fact 17: Blue Tongued Lizards
In the Sahara Desert, you can find the amazing Blue-tongued Lizard, a reptile which literally has a blue tongue! Its vibrant colored tongue is used to scare off predators and alert other lizards of potential danger.
Fact 18: Algerian Tea Tradition
Tea is a cornerstone of Algerian hospitality and culture, with guests commonly being offered mint tea upon arrival. The locals take immense pride in their tea-making traditions, serving it in beautiful, ornate glasses.
Fact 19: Largest Oasis in the World
Algeria is home to the world's largest oasis, the Sahara El Eued. With over 200,000 date palm trees and numerous springs, this oasis produces the most dates and cereals in the entire Sahara region.
Fact 20: Watermelon Capital
Algeria is one of the largest producers of watermelons in the world. This juicy fruit, perfect for the Algerian heat, represents 17% of Algeria's agricultural production, and is a favorite during hot summers.