Algeria is one of the most interesting countries on the continent however it is rarely visited by tourists. Check out these 8 interesting facts that will definitely make you want to visit.
1. Largest Country in Africa
At 2,381,741 square kilometers (919,595 square miles) Algeria is the largest country in Africa, and the 10 th largest country in the world. 90% of the country is comprised of the Sahara Desert in the south, meaning the population density is very low.
2. Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded in Africa
During a heatwave in 2018, the hottest temperature officially recorded in Africa was 51.3° C (124.3°F) in Ouargla, Algeria. Ouargla is a city in the Sahara Desert. It should be noted that hotter temperatures were recorded elsewhere in North Africa during the 1930s, however the information recorded is not necessarily reliable and comes from a colonial period with weather stations that were likely not accurate.
3. Home to One of the Oldest Civilizations
In Southern Algeria, there is evidence of two different prehistoric human settlements dating back 2.4 and 1.8 million years! These sites, Ain Boucherit and Ain Hanech, contain stone tools and animal fossils that show evidence of early human hunting practices. Algeria is also home to some of the world’s oldest rock art. Carvings and paintings found in Tassili n’Ajjer date back to 6,000 BC.
4. Ancient Roman Civilizations Lived Here
The Roman history in Africa is often forgotten, which means amazing uncrowded ruins for tourists in Algeria. Algeria is home to many ancient Roman sites. The largest and most impressive sites are Timgad and Djemila. These UNESCO World Heritage sites are sprawling and well-preserved. Tipaza, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also a popular site for foreign and local tourists alike. While the ruins aren’t as well preserved as Timgad and Djemila, Tipaza is situated on the Mediterranean and has become a lush green park. You’ll see people picnicking and enjoying the sunshine whilst lounging on 2500 year old columns.
5. Algerians Struggled for Independence
Although many Algerians speak French, and you can see the French influence in the capital, Algiers, and other large coastal cities, Algerians have a very difficult history with their colonizers (as you would imagine). For over 100 years, Algeria was under French control. The occupation, which lasted from 1830-1962, was one of the longest and most violent in modern history and native Algerians were surpressed. The war for independence waged for 8 hard years, and an estimated 400,000 to 1.5 million Algerians died. Algeria frequently demands a formal apology from France but has yet to receive it.
6. Home of Raï Music
Algeria is the birthplace of Raï music. Raï originated in the 1920s as an art form of rebellion and had meaningful lyrics about economic inequality, social justice, corruption, substance use, and of course, love. It blends traditional Algerian folk music with sounds of French cabaret, African drum rhythms, and Spanish flamenco. Originally, it was performed with flutes, guitars, and drums, but as time went on, keyboards, synthesizers, and electric guitar sounds were added. Although early Raï was performed by female singers, called cheikas, most of the popular artists from the last few decades have been male.
7. Albert Camus Was Born and Wrote Many of His Works Here
The famous French-Algerian author of works such as The Stranger, The Fall, and The Myth of Sisyphus, was born in 1913 in a small coastal town in the East of the country. He remained in Algeria for 32 years, before moving to Paris in 1945. Now while he was from Algeria, the country’s relationship with him is complicated. First of all, while he supported political rights for Arabs, he was staunchly opposed to Algeria’s independence. It is also important to note the distinction between French-Algerians, and ethnic Algerians. However, many Algerians are happy to claim Camus as part of Algeria’s literary history.
8. The Country is Named After It’s Capital
Many might think that “Algiers” came from “Algeria,” but interestingly enough the capital city was named first. The name “Algiers” comes from the Arabic word “Al-Jaza’ir” which means “the islands” and refers to a small collection of islands that used to exist off the coast.
Algeria is a fascinating and beautiful country to visit. If you’re planning a trip to Algeria, check out our Destination Guide here ! We also run group tours to Algeria - click through our dates and itineraries here to learn more! Need help planning a trip or getting a visa for. Algeria? Send us an email at [email protected].
