Country Profile: Algeria

Algeria, located in Northern Africa along the Mediterranean Sea, is the largest country in Africa, characterized by vast landscapes of desert and high plateaus. With a population of approximately 47.7 million people, the majority reside in the northern coastal region. The country's economy heavily relies on oil and gas, presenting challenges due to limited diversification and political instability. Governed as a presidential republic, Algeria has seen significant political reforms in recent years, though public discontent remains prevalent among the youth.

Geography

Algeria features a diverse geography, with an area of 2,381,740 square kilometers that includes the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, and a narrow coastline along the Mediterranean. The country shares borders with several nations, including Libya, Mali, and Morocco, and has a mild coastal climate that contrasts with the arid interior.

998 km of coastline along the Mediterranean Sea.
6,734 km of land boundaries with six neighboring countries.
80% of its land area is covered by desert.

People and Society

Algeria's population is predominantly Arab-Amazigh, with 99% belonging to these ethnic groups. The country has a youthful demographic, with a median age of 29.3 years and a significant majority living in urban areas. Arabic and Tamazight are official languages, with French widely spoken as a lingua franca.

75.3% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
30.8% of the population is aged 0-14 years (2025 est.).
99% of the population practices Islam, predominantly Sunni.

Economy

The Algerian economy is primarily driven by oil and gas, accounting for a significant portion of GDP. However, challenges such as a lack of diversification and political instability limit economic growth. The GDP growth rate is projected at 3.3% for 2024, with unemployment remaining high.

$722.912 billion: Real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
11.5%: Unemployment rate projected for 2024.
37.8% of GDP comes from industry, primarily oil and gas (2023).

Government

Algeria operates as a presidential republic, with the President serving as both the head of state and government. The political landscape has evolved, particularly following the resignation of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika in 2019. The current president is Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

58 provinces (wilayas) across the country.
18 years is the minimum voting age for citizens.
National holiday on July 5, celebrating independence from France (1962).

Military and Security

The Algerian People's National Army (ANP) is the primary military force, responsible for both external defense and internal security. The military has played a crucial role in Algeria's political history and continues to be a significant power in governance.

200,000 active military personnel estimated (2025).
8% of GDP allocated to military expenditures in 2024.
The ANP is involved in counterterrorism efforts, particularly regarding threats from groups like AQIM and ISIS.

Energy

Algeria is one of Africa's largest producers of natural gas and oil, with energy resources accounting for a major part of its economy. The country aims to enhance its energy sector while addressing consumption and emissions challenges.

100% electrification rate for the total population (2022).
104.896 billion cubic meters of natural gas produced (2023).
1.443 million barrels per day petroleum production (2023).

Environment

Algeria faces several environmental challenges, including air pollution and desertification, exacerbated by industrial activity and insufficient waste management. The government participates in various international environmental agreements.

75.3% of the population is urban (2023).
17.4% of land is allocated for agriculture (2023).
163.661 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023).

Transportation

Algeria has a well-developed transportation network, including railways, roads, and air transport infrastructure. The country operates several key ports along its coastline, facilitating trade and transportation.

95 airports are operational (2025).
4,020 km of railways contribute to domestic travel (2019).
17 major ports support maritime traffic and trade (2024).

Communications

The communication infrastructure in Algeria is expanding, with significant mobile telephone subscriptions and increasing internet accessibility among the population.

54.1 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
77% of the population uses the internet (2023).
6.93 million fixed telephone lines registered (2024).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	47,735,685 (2025 est.)
Area	2,381,740 sq km
Real GDP (PPP)	$722.912 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	11.5% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	19.62 births/1,000 (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth	77.9 years (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	61.843 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Literacy Rate	74.2% (2019 est.)	Female literacy
Military Expenditure	8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	100% (2022 est.)