Algeria. Economic and geographical location. Algeria geographical location International dialing code

Economic and geographical position of Algeria

This state is located in northern Africa on the Mediterranean coast.

The country's western border runs with Morocco, Western Sahara, and Mauritania.

Its southern neighbors are Mali and Niger, and to the east are Libya and Tunisia. All of Algeria's neighbors are agricultural developing countries.

Algeria has open access to the Mediterranean Sea, and through the Strait of Gibraltar to the Atlantic Ocean.

Rich in natural resources, it has long attracted the attention of Europeans and was occupied by France in the mid-19th century. The war against the French colonialists lasted for seven years and ended in 1962 with the declaration of independence.

The southern part of the country, occupied by the desert, does not have a transport infrastructure, so internal transportation is carried out by air. Almost all major settlements are connected with the capital, the city of Algiers, by regular flights.

Railway lines run only in the northern part of the country between the largest cities.

Domestic transportation of goods - 73% and passengers - 85%, is carried out by road. The roads that are part of the trans-African road network pass through Algeria, and its important part is the Algeria-Lagos Trans-Saharan Highway.

International communications are carried out by air and sea transport.

The agricultural sector of the economy is developing in the north of the country; the main area of ​​commercial agriculture has become the north-west, where soft wheat and wine grapes are grown.

The northeast has mineral resources and, above all, large reserves of iron ore and phosphorites, which is why it initially received a mining specialization.

Various types of agriculture were formed in the Central North - grain farming, subtropical horticulture, early vegetable growing and transhumance. Agricultural raw materials were processed at enterprises in the capital.

Separate mining centers and mineral resource areas began to emerge as a result of the discovery of the largest hydrocarbon reserves in the Algerian Sahara.

In foreign trade turnover, Algeria's share in product exports accounts for more than $50 billion. Imports amount to just over $40 billion.

Among the main trading partners are European countries and the USA. The main export item – 97.6% – is hydrocarbons. Citrus fruits, wine, cork, building materials and other products are also exported.

Imports are dominated by machinery and equipment, consumer goods and food products.

French domination left its mark on the Algerian economy. The country was dominated mainly by the European capitalist sector. And today, French capital maintains its position in the oil and gas industry.

Note 1

In general, the economic and geographical position of the country is quite favorable - a subtropical Mediterranean climate in the north of the country, fertile soils, open access to the sea, the presence of large mineral deposits on the one hand, and on the other - the southern part of Algeria is located in difficult desert conditions, development and development which is complicated by natural conditions.

Natural conditions of Algeria

Due to its length from north to south, the country is located in different climatic zones and different natural zones.

The Sahara occupies 80% of the territory and consists of separate rocky and sandy deserts. The Atlas ranges, located parallel to each other, extend to the north of the country - Tell Atlas and Saharan Atlas. The ridges are separated by high plateaus and deep gorges.

The Atlas Mountains belong to the Alpine mountain formation, so the area is highly seismic. Of the latter, a devastating earthquake occurred in 2003.

In the southeastern part of the Algerian Sahara is the elevated Ahaggar highlands with the country's highest point, Mount Takhat (2906 m). The highlands represent the metamorphic foundation of the Sahara Platform, which came to the surface. The highland is surrounded on all sides by stepped plateaus - Tassilien-Adjer, Tassilien-Ahaggar and the Muidir mountains. The northern part of the Algerian Sahara is located 26 m below sea level, where the salt lake Chott-Melgir was formed.

The Sahara has a great influence on the nature of Northern Algeria, enhancing African specificity and creating differences from other Mediterranean non-African countries.

The size of the country determines the diversity of climatic conditions - in the north of the country the climate is subtropical Mediterranean, and in the south it is tropical desert.

There is no clear boundary between them, and even in one part of the country several different types of climates can be observed - in the mountains it can be mountainous and desert, in the northeast - subtropical, in the southwest desert, and in some regions even steppe.

The Mediterranean coast is characterized by warm and rainy winters, January temperatures are +12 degrees, in the mountains it is cooler and there may even be snow for 2-3 weeks.

The Sahara is characterized by daily temperature fluctuations. At night it can drop below zero, and during the day it can reach +20 degrees. In general, summers are hot and dry.

The smallest amount of precipitation falls in the Sahara - from 0-50 mm per year, the Atlas Mountains receive the maximum amount of precipitation - from 400-1200 mm.

Algerian rivers are temporary watercourses called wadis.

Definition 1

Wadis are dry river beds that fill with water during the rainy season.

They are lost in the desert sands. Rivers flowing in the far north of the country carry their waters to the Mediterranean Sea.

The lakes, which dry up in summer, are covered with a crust of salt, the thickness of which reaches 60 cm. In the regions of the Sahara, where there are underground water reserves, the largest oases appear.

The Mediterranean coast is represented by hard-leaved evergreen trees and shrubs; in the mountains there are forests of cork and holm oak, juniper, Aleppo pine, thuja, and Atlas cedar.

The desert flora is represented mainly by ephemerals and saltworts.

For a long time, people exterminated animals, so the fauna here is very poor. In the mountain forests there are hares, wild boars, and macaques. In the semi-desert and desert zones there are cheetahs, gazelles, antelopes, hyenas, jackals, birds of prey, small rodents, snakes, and lizards. Invertebrates are represented by locusts, scorpions, centipedes, and phalanges.

Note 2

Thus, Algeria is located in an area of ​​high altitude zones, semi-deserts, deserts, hard-leaved evergreen forests and shrubs.

Natural resources of Algeria

To the west of Egypt are the countries of the Maghreb and among them Algeria is the largest and richest country in natural resources.

It ranks first in terms of reserves of natural gas, mercury, and tungsten.

The depths contain iron ore, the reserves of which amount to 5.4 billion tons, non-ferrous metals, and phosphorites.

The country's main wealth is oil, the reserves of which amount to 1.1 billion tons.

Explored mineral resources number more than 30 types, among them such valuable ones as:

• gold,
• Uranus,
• zinc,
• tin.

Coal deposits have been discovered - Kenadza, Abadla, Mezarif, but its reserves are insignificant. Caking coals and ash contain from 8 to 20%, as well as volatile impurities and sulfur.

In terms of mercury reserves, the country is in first place on the African continent; 4% of the world's reserves are concentrated in its depths.

The area occupied by forest resources is about 4.7 million hectares. Large areas of forested areas were destroyed during the War of Independence. Wood is used mainly as fuel and as a building material.

1. Economic and geographical position State in North Africa.
The total area is 2,381,740 km. In the west it borders
with Morocco (border length 1,559 km) and Western
Sahara (42 km), in the south - with Niger (956 km), Mali
(1,376 km), Mauritania (463 km), in the east - with
Libya (982 km) and Tunisia (965 km). Mediterranean
the sea washes Algeria from the north. General
the length of the border is 6,343 km, the length of the coastal
line 998 km. Algeria can be roughly divided into
three geographical zones located with
north to south. Coastal Tel, stretching
along the Left Bank, - fertile and intense
cultivated and sown area; territory
The Atlas mountain system, consisting of the Lesser
Atlas in the north (highest point 2,308 m) and
Great Atlas (maximum height 2,328 m) on
south, between which stretches a vast
plateau, arid and barren. Next in
inland there is a desert zone
Sahara with a few oases,
passing to the south into the Ahaggar mountain range with
the highest point in Algeria - Mount Takhat (2,918
m). The country's hydrography is poor: several rivers
flows into the Mediterranean Sea, while in
in the Sahara zone, only dry
river beds and dry salt lakes.
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2.Flag, coat of arms

The emblem of Algeria is the seal used by the government, which is equivalent to
coats of arms in other states. The modern image of the emblem was adopted after 1976 and
differs from the previous one in the image of a crescent, which is also present on the flag of Algeria
and is a symbol of Islam. The inscription framing the emblem in Arabic reads: People's
Democratic Republic of Algeria
Coat of arms of French Algeria, first coat of arms,
used as official in Algeria (18301962)
The first and last coat of arms of the independent
Algeria
and the last coat of arms of the country (1962-1971)

First emblem
Algeria
(1971-1976)
Second emblem of Algeria 1976
Under the rising sun is depicted
hand of Fatima (daughter of the prophet
Muhammad). Fatima's hand is
traditional symbol of the region.
The rising sun symbolizes the new
era. The remaining symbols refer to
agriculture and industry,
depicting factories around the mountains and buildings,
symbolizing agriculture.
The mountain represents the Atlas Mountains.
The national flag of Algeria consists of two vertical stripes of the same
widths green and white. In the center are a red star and
crescent. The flag was adopted on July 3, 1962. Reminiscent of the Algerian flag
National Liberation Front and, according to some sources, was used
Abdel Kadir in the 19th century. White color symbolizes purity, green color
- the color of Islam. The crescent moon is also an Islamic symbol. Crescent over
closed than other Muslim countries because Algerians believe that more
the long horns of the crescent moon bring happiness. The star of the Algerian flag has two rays
touches the green field
The naval flag is identical to the state flag, with the exception of two
crossed anchors in the upper left corner.

3. Political and administrative structure

Algeria is a people's democratic republic. The Constitution of 1989 as amended in 1996 is in force.
Algeria is a centralized state, although local authorities have significant powers over
management of local affairs.
The Constitution establishes a two-tier system of administrative-territorial division: commune
and wilaya (province). Algeria is divided into 48 vilays and 1,541 communes.
The main state institutions of power are the president (the highest executive power),
government (executive branch), bicameral parliament (legislative branch) and
the court is an independent government body.
The President is elected by universal, direct and secret vote for a term of 5 years and can be re-elected once. He
is simultaneously the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Minister of Defense and the head
Supreme Security Council (advisory body).
The government is a collegial executive body subordinate to the president. The president
appoints the head of government and approves ministers.
Parliament consists of two chambers: the lower - the National People's Assembly (NPA) and the upper - the Council
nation (SN). Members of the NNC are elected on the basis of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret
by voting. The right to vote is granted from the age of 18. 2/3 of the Councilors are elected from among the deputies
People's Assemblies of Communes (NSC) and People's Assemblies of Wilayas (NSV) by deputies of these local bodies
authorities by secret ballot. 1/3 is appointed by the president.
The NSC is elected for 5 years, the SN for 6 years. The composition of the SN is updated by 50% every 3 years.
People's Assemblies of communes and People's Assemblies of wilays are elected by general, direct, secret
voting for 5 years. Their main powers are the adoption and implementation of local development plans in
within the framework of national programs. The Chairman of the NSC is also an executive body
communes. The wilayas have an Executive Council headed by a wali (governor) appointed by the president. To him
All chairmen of the NSC in the territory of the wilay are subordinate. Latest parliamentary and local elections
power took place in 2002.
Since 1989, the law on a multi-party system has been in force. There are St. 60 games. Secular parties: Front
national liberation - TNF (founded in 1954), Front of Socialist Forces - FSS (1963),
National Democratic Association - NDO (1997), Association for Culture and Democracy - OKD
(1989). Legal Islamist parties: Movement for National Reform - DPR (1999), Movement
societies for peace - HOME (1991), An-Nahda Movement (1990). All of the parties listed, except
opposition FSS and OKD are members of parliament.

4.Population

Number
population
Number
male population
Number
female population
2011
34 994 937
Human
2011
17 619 789
Human
2011
17 375 148
Human
person on
km2
Population density
2011
Coefficient
urbanization
2010-15
Number
rural population
2010
Expected
duration
life during
birth for
both sexes
Expected
duration
life at birth
men
Expected
duration
life at birth
women
14,7
2,3
34,0
% in year
% of total
number
and population
2011
74.5
years
2011
72.8
years
2011
76.3
years

The indigenous population of the country is Algerians, consisting of Berbers and Arabs. Outwardly, Algerians tend to be
black-haired, with black eyes and an elongated face shape of the Mediterranean type, dark, medium
growth. A large number of Circassians live in this state. Arabs from other countries also live in the country.
countries (60 thousand), French (about 40 thousand), Spaniards (no more than 20 thousand), Italians (10 thousand), Turks (6 thousand), Jews
(5 thousand) and other peoples.
Algeria's population is distributed extremely unevenly. 95% of the total population lives in the north, and
the bulk of it lives in a narrow coastal strip. Kabylia is the most densely populated region, where the density
reaches more than 300 people. per 1 sq. km.
Rural residents make up the majority of the country's population. They lead a nomadic, semi-sedentary, sedentary lifestyle
life. The sedentary part of the population lives near mining centers and oases. Nomadic pastoralists
chose the High Plateau, the Sahara and the Saharan Atlas. In rural areas, the population of Algeria lives according to
old tradition - several families of different generations live together under one roof.
The second largest population is occupied by the Kabyles (18%) - this is the indigenous Berber population of Algeria. They
were pushed back by the conquerors to the northeast of the country. This allowed them to preserve their customs and culture
and your native language. Women do not cover their faces, wear bright colored dresses and are very sociable. All
They are engaged in crafts: women make pottery, and men make jewelry from enamel and silver.
A special ethnic group consists of the Mo-Zabits (25 thousand). They have lived in the Mzab region for more than 9 centuries.
Men are engaged in trade and cultivate date palms, and women are forbidden to leave the oasis.
The Sahara is home to Tuareg nomads who transport goods across the Sahara. The small population is not
about 1.6 million people are involved in agriculture. This number consists of artisans, traders,
workers, office workers, many of them are engaged in construction.

5. Cities

There are about 200 cities in Algeria
10 largest cities
Algeria - 2,160,000
Oran - 680,000
Constantine - 465,000
Batna - 293,000
Djelfa - 250,000
Setif - 232,000
Biskra - 208,000
Annaba - 207,000
Sidi Bel Abbes - 196,000
Tebessa - 193,000
Algiers is the capital and largest city of Algeria.
The name of the city comes from "al-Jazair", which
translated from Arabic means “islands”, so
as before there were 4 islands near the city,
which became part of the mainland. Population
2.9 million people Geographical coordinates:
36°47′ N. w. 3°04′ E. d
It is located on the Mediterranean Sea.
The modern part of the city extends along
coast, the ancient part of the city climbs
steep hill - about 140 meters above level
seas

6. Minerals

Algeria occupies a leading position in
continent by valuable reserves
mineral raw materials. Here
such useful ones are obtained
fossils, like oil, natural
gas, phosphates, iron ore, zinc,
coal, mercury and other ore raw materials.
Iron ore mining in Algeria
carried out in such metas as
Beni-Safe, Wenza and Zakkara. IN
Xixou and Bechara area
Bituminous coal is being mined.
Other important useful
minerals mined in
Algeria, are lead, zinc and
phosphates.
The main deposits of natural
gas is concentrated in the area
Hassi-Rmel, and the main oil
deposits are located in
Hassi-Mesaude, Hassi-Rmele,
Ejele, south of Hassi Mesaoud and in
Illizi Valley.

7.Nature

The country's territory includes two main geological regions. The first of them is platform, on which it is located
the famous Sahara Desert, which occupies almost 80% of the entire country. The second is folded, formed during
formation of the so-called Alpine folding.
The vast territory occupied by the Sahara Desert includes a number of sandy and rocky deserts, and in the southeastern
The side is formed by the Akhagar highland, where the highest point of the country is located - the city of Takhat (2096 meters). It is curious that the northern
part of Algeria is 26 meters below sea level and there is a shallow salt lake, which Algerians call
Schott-Melgir.
Since the age of the main mountains of Algeria - the Atlas - is relatively young, this predetermined the seismic nature of the territory
countries. Destructive earthquakes are common here, one of which, for example, occurred in 2003.
Rivers of Algeria, so-called oueds are temporary watercourses, some of which flow into the Mediterranean Sea, and the rest,
used for irrigation and water supply, they are lost in the endless sands of the desert. In summer, these rivers, like lakes, dry up, however
where there are sufficiently large reserves of groundwater, relatively comfortable conditions for the life of people and animals are located
oases.
And although the vegetation of the country, most of which is located on the territory of a lifeless desert, is quite poor,
On the Mediterranean coast the situation looks much better - there is a huge mass of evergreen trees and
bushes. In the forests of the Atlas Mountains grow holm and cork oaks, juniper, thuja, Aleppo pine, cedar and others.
tree species.
The fauna, like the plant world, is also quite poor and has been largely exterminated. In the Sahara you can meet cheetahs, hyenas,
jackals, foxes, birds of prey, snakes, turtles, etc. Hares and wild boars are still found in the Atlas Mountains, as well as representatives
monkeys - macaques.

10. 8.Economy

The basis of Algeria's economy is gas and oil. They provide 30% of GDP, 60% of the state budget revenues, 95%
export earnings. Algeria ranks 8th in the world in gas reserves and 4th in the world in gas exports. By
Algeria's oil reserves rank 15th in the world and 11th in its exports. The Algerian authorities are making efforts to
diversifying the economy and attracting foreign and domestic investment in other sectors. Structural
changes in the economy, such as the development of the banking sector and infrastructure construction, are slow,
partly due to corruption and bureaucracy.
GDP per capita in 2012 was $8.7 thousand (91st place in the world). Below the poverty level - 17% of the population.
Unemployment - 15.8% (in 2008). The average salary in 2009 was (in US dollars) $510.
Spheres of employment of workers - in the civil service 32%, in trade 14.6%, in agriculture 14%, in
industry 13.4%, construction and utilities 10%, other 16% (in 2003).
Industry (62% of GDP in 2008) - oil and gas production, light industry, mining,
energy, petrochemical, food.
Agriculture (8% of GDP in 2008) - wheat, barley, oats, grapes, olives, citrus fruits, fruits; getting divorced
sheep, cows.
Export ($78.2 billion in 2008) - oil, gas, petroleum products 97%.
Main buyers - USA 23.9%, Italy 15.5%, Spain 11.4%, France 8%, Netherlands 7.8%, Canada
6,8 %.
Imports ($39.2 billion in 2008) - industrial products, food, consumer goods.
The main suppliers are France 16.5%, Italy 11%, China 10.3%, Spain 7.4%, Germany 6.1%, USA 5.5%.
The total length of product pipelines for the transportation of natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, gas
condensate and crude oil 15.7 thousand km.
The internal network of gas pipelines has a total length of 8.4 thousand km. The gas pipeline is operational
Transmed (Algeria-Tunisia-Italy) with a length of 2.6 thousand km (including 550 km in Algeria) and
Maghreb-Europe (Algeria, Morocco, Spain) - 1365 km.
The total length of oil pipelines (5.9 thousand km) allows pumping 84 million tons of oil to the coast annually.
Main oil pipelines: Haud el-Hamra-Arzew, Haud el-Hamra-Bejaya, In-Amenas-Sehira (Tunisia), Haud el-Hamra-Mesdar-Skikda.

11. Structure of the Algerian economy

12. 9. Contribution to world culture

Algerian culture
The culture of Algeria has evolved over many centuries and centuries. In it
The cultures of many countries and tribes are closely connected. First Berber culture, later
Byzantine tribes, then very closely intertwined with the Arab era in which
Algerians lived, and later Turkish rule played an important role in development. AND
Finally, culture took a lot of new things from the culture of the European state of France.
Having reached our time, all these cultures intertwined together and became one
culture of the Algerian state. But some components of culture have retained their
pristine appearance. This mainly concerns the Berber culture, which
has retained some of its traditions. France has had a positive impact on
development of the intelligentsia in Algeria, literature written in French
became part of the national literature. The culture of Algerian villages is very dense
modern and historical traditions are connected. The villages were practically preserved
authentically Berber culture. Agricultural implements have not undergone
changes since the era of Arab rule, sickle hoe, wooden fork remained in
in their original form, they use camels as draft power. At home in the villages
located in small clusters. There are also nomadic people left today
Berber tribes who live in tents covered with goat skins.
The national dress of rural residents looks like this: women cover their heads,
the face was open, the veils with which the head was covered were very bright.
Women's clothing is wide trousers and shirts, men wear national
clothes but often combine them with European decoration. Women in the city
cover half of the face, its lower part and use white blankets for
heads, combine clothes with European achievements such as shoes and dresses.
Women walking at the same time look like the embodiment of the union of cultures
different generations, one with a covered face and a covered head and walking next to
a young representative of Algeria dressed according to all the canons of European fashion.
.

13.

Science in Algeria is at one of the highest levels Algerian
university, has been recognized as a university that may appear
in the list of the best universities. It fully corresponds
world standards of science and education. Many scientists
universities have made a great contribution to the development of science and research
Algerian culture.
Education system
Like all branches of culture and art, which are very interesting,
multifaceted, the education system is also not without demand for it
studying. In modern Algeria, the education system is similar to
French, since it is known that France entered the
territory of the country and having occupied its territory stopped at
for many years, introducing changes and innovations into all areas of life
including education. Educational institutions existed back in
times of Arab and Turkish rule. But with the arrival of
territory of France, during the time of their national movements
had to be closed, those that continued to work were under strict
leadership of the French authorities. The literate population was
a tiny part of Algerian society. Only upon receipt
independence, Algeria began to rise to higher levels
education. Education received the status of compulsory. Were
changes have been made on the part of national culture. Initial
the school provides seven years of education and study for children from
age six, followed by lyceums and colleges. Education
takes place in primary school in French and Arabic, then
Training takes place only in the official language of Algeria, Arabic.
Students receive professional knowledge in special colleges
or in the technical departments of the lyceum. The first one was opened in 1879
Algiers University. This university offers specialties in
various fields, economics, law, medicine, all are taught
humanitarian subjects. Also, this university employs the best
specialists and luminaries of science in Algeria. The university has good
base in the training of specialists, carried out on the basis of the university
all kinds of research in the fields of psychology, the study
diseases at the Department of Medicine

14. Information in the media

1. Until recently, Algeria was the second largest country in Africa, but due to the division of Sudan into North and
Southern - cheers comrades! Algeria is the largest country in Africa! In addition, it ranks 11th in the world in size
among other countries.
2. 80% of the country is occupied by Her Majesty the Sahara Desert.
3. Algeria has the longest coastline among the Maghreb countries - 988 km.
4. Wax was imported into medieval France from Algeria.
5. The Arabs say: Maghreb is a bird whose right wing is Tunisia, the left wing is Morocco, and the body of the bird is Algeria.
6. In Algeria there is a natural lake filled with ink that can be used for writing.
7. Algeria is a unique country in terms of its climatic characteristics and nature; there is a desert, mountains, lakes, and
sea, and various forests. In Algeria in summer it can reach +50 (Sahara), and in winter it snows in some cities.
8. Algerians kiss only an even number of times when they meet, most often 2 or 4.
9. The famous designer Yves Saint Laurent was born in Algeria.
10. The word "Algeria" means "islands".
11. Scientists in Algeria have found that this is suitable for high-quality water purification from unnatural dyes.
an affordable product, like an orange. Or rather, its crusts.
12. Algiers (capital) is a staircase city, as it is located on the hills, and there are many, many small and large ones everywhere
stairs
13. The indigenous inhabitants of Algeria are peoples who speak Berber dialects, and the Arabs are just conquerors.
14. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Algeria was a country of corsairs (pirates), the most famous of whom, Barbarossa, was the ruler
Algeria.
15. Algerian men love women in the body, so previously a girl upon reaching marriageable age was sent to
special houses for fattening.
16. Algerians speak a mixture of Arabic and French; most Arabs do not understand the Berber language.
17. Algeria has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
18. Algerians love and eat baguettes in incredible quantities (a legacy of French colonial times).
19. White sand truffles grow in Algeria. These mushrooms are considered relict mushrooms of the great African desert
Sugars. Mushrooms taste amazing!

Algeria is located in northern Africa. One of the largest countries on the continent. The total area of ​​the country is 2,381,740 km2. The length of the coastline is 998 km.

One of the largest and most developed countries in Africa, located in the north of the continent. The country's territory occupies the central part of the Atlas mountain system and the north of the Sahara Desert. The relief of northern Algeria is represented by two main ridges - the Coastal (or Tel Atlas) and the Saharan Atlas and intermontane plains. The highest point is Mount Takhat (3003 m) in the Ahaggar highlands. The territory of the Sahara is occupied by rocky deserts - hamads and sandy ones - ergs. The river network is poorly developed (the main river is Shelif), most of the rivers regularly dry up. It borders with Morocco in the west, with Tunisia and Libya in the east, with Niger, Mali, Mauritania in the south. From the north it is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Algeria belongs to the countries of the Maghreb ("Arab West"). The total area of ​​Algeria is 2381.7 thousand square meters. km.

Nature of Algeria

The Tell Atlas mountain range running in the north along the coast is cut through by a few bays and plains. The lowlands around the cities of Algiers and Oran are densely populated. Small bays are used for fishing, export of iron ore and oil. Tell Atlas rises more than 1830 m above sea level and includes the Tlemcen, Greater and Lesser Kabylia and Mejerda massifs.

At mid-altitudes there are Mediterranean-type shrubs and cork oak forests. At higher elevations, cedar and pine forests once grew, but as a result of deforestation, fires and livestock grazing, many mountainous areas have turned into shrub-covered wasteland. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and warm, rainy winters. In winter, snow covers only the highest peaks. The range of average annual precipitation amounts is from 760 mm on the coast to 1270 mm on the seaward slopes of Tell Atlas and less than 640 mm on its internal slopes.

The southern part of Tell Atlas is a high plateau with an average height of 1070 m. This area is characterized by semi-arid climatic conditions with annual precipitation of 250–510 mm. In more humid areas, cereals and alpha grass (esparto) are cultivated, the fibers of which are used to make ropes, fabrics and high-quality paper. Salt lakes (called chotts) and salt marshes occur at lower elevations with a dry climate. Located even further to the south, the Saharan Atlas rises to a height of 150 m above the plateau level and then descends towards the Sahara by more than 300 m. The most elevated part of the Saharan Atlas is the Ksur, Amur and Ouled-Nail mountain systems. The annual precipitation on the northern slopes is approx. 510 mm, in the south – 200 mm. Thanks to its abundant grass cover, the Saharan Atlas serves as a convenient grazing area for livestock.

Statistical indicators of Algeria
(as of 2012)

The rest of the country is occupied by the Sahara Desert. The average altitude in the Sahara is approx. 460 m. In the area of ​​the Ahaggar (Hoggar) massif near the southern border of Algeria there is the highest peak of the country, Mount Takhat - 2908 m. Most of the Sahara is occupied by gravelly and pebble deserts (hamads and regis), and approximately 1/4 of the part is sandy deserts (ergs) . The day is hot, sometimes the temperature reaches 35°, but the nights are cool. Precipitation is extremely rare. In oases, under conditions of constant irrigation, the date palm grows. In Algeria, only a few rivers have a constant flow; the rest are fed by precipitation. Sources of water supply are wells dug in dry river beds (wadis), and in many places underground water is used, coming to the surface through artesian wells and foggaras - horizontal tunnels dug at a slight slope.

Geological structure of Algeria

In the territory of Algeria, there are regions of different geological structure and metallogeny - the Sahara (part of the ancient African platform) and the Atlas (sector of the Mediterranean geosynclinal belt), separated by the South Atlas fault. In the south of the Sahara region, the Ahaggar (Hoggar) shield stands out, in the southwest - El-Eghlab (Regibat). They are composed of Archean crystalline rocks, metamorphosed volcanic-clastic and carbonate deposits of the Lower Proterozoic and Riphean-Vendian; In Ahaggar, geosynclinal-orogenic volcanic-sedimentary deposits and Taurirt granites (650-500 million years) are also widely developed. The platform cover is formed by marine terrigenous-carbonate sediments of the Riphean-Vendian (especially in the Regibat massif), lagoonal-continental and marine sediments of the Paleozoic (thickness 1.2-3.8 km), sandstones and evaporites of the Triassic, clays and sandstones of the Jurassic - Neogene.

In the cover of the Saharan plate there are syneclises (Tindouf, Western and Eastern Sahara), separated by uplifts, and the Ugarta zone, which is an aulacogen, the folding of which appeared at the end of the Carboniferous. Riphean-Vendian volcanics and granites are associated with deposits of uranium, tin, tungsten, rare metals and gold ores in Ahaggar. In the Tindouf syneclise, among the Paleozoic clay-sand deposits of the platform cover, the largest iron ore deposits are localized, and in the south of Ahaggar there are promising uranium deposits. Anticlines in the sediments of the cover on the northern plunging of Ahaggar contain unique deposits of oil (Hassi-Mesaoud) and gas (Hassi-Rmel).

In the folded Atlas region, evaporites, gypsum-salt-bearing clays and red clastic rocks of the Triassic are developed, overlain by marine terrigenous-carbonate sediments and carbonate-terrigenous flysch (Jurassic, Cretaceous, Paleogene). In the north, the Neogene is represented by marine volcanic-sedimentary, clayey-carbonate sediments, in the south - by continental sediments.

In Tel Atlas, folded rocks of the Mesozoic-Cenozoic (up to and including the Middle Miocene) form a series of tectonic nappes (nappes) moving from north to south. In the coastal zone, Neogene andesites and granitoids are slightly developed, in the Greater and Lesser Kabylia massifs - Precambrian metamorphic rocks and Paleozoic shales that protrude to the surface. To the south of Tel Atlas there is a platform block of the High Plateaus (Oran Meseta), where the folded Hercynian basement is covered by a thin, slightly deformed Mesozoic-Cenozoic cover. In the handfuls, terrigenous and volcanic-shale rocks of the Paleozoic are exposed, crushed and intruded by Hercynian granitoids. South of the High Plateaus there is a moderately folded zone of the Saharan Atlas, formed at the site of the Mesozoic trough. In general, the Atlas region is dominated by near-latitudinal folds and faults of eastern and northeastern (or “Atlas”) strike, as well as submeridional “Red Sea” faults superimposed in the northern part of Algeria on the Tel Atlas overhangs. Longitudinal and transverse faults determine the placement of volcanics, evaporite diapirs and the most important ore-bearing zones with deposits of ferrous and non-ferrous metals in the Atlas region. In Northern Algeria, deposits of iron, zinc, lead, copper, antimony, mercury and various types of non-metallic raw materials are associated with Mesozoic-Cenozoic rocks.

The territory of Algeria is characterized by high seismicity, which is associated with movement along faults and ridges in various zones of Northern Algeria. The most seismic is Tel Atlas (6-7 points), within its boundaries there are coastal zones (Tenes-Chershel, Oran-Mostaganem and Shelif).

Minerals of Algeria

In Algeria, deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, uranium ores, iron, manganese, copper, lead, zinc, mercury, antimony, gold, tin, tungsten, as well as phosphorites, barite, etc. have been discovered and explored.

Algeria ranks third in Africa in terms of oil reserves. On the territory of Algeria, 183 oil and gas fields are known, confined to the Algerian-Libyan oil and gas basin; Most of the deposits are located in the northeast of the Sahara region. The largest oil field, Hassi Mesaoud, is localized in Cambrian-Ordovician sandstones. The fields of Zarzaitin, Hassi-Tuile, Hassi-el-Agreb, Tin-Foue, Gourd-el-Bagel, etc. have significant reserves. Algeria ranks first in Africa in terms of gas reserves. The largest gas field, Hassi-Rmel, lies in Triassic sandstones; significant gas reserves have been explored in the Gurd-Hyc, Nezla, Oued-Numer and other fields.

Coal reserves are insignificant; its deposits (Kenadza, Abadla, Mezarif) are concentrated in the Upper Carboniferous sediments in the Beshar basin. The coals are fatty, caking, medium ash (8-20%), contain 20-35% volatile impurities and 2-3.5% sulfur.

Algeria ranks 4th in Africa in terms of uranium ore reserves. Hydrothermal vein deposits of uranium ores Timgauin, Tinef and Abankor have been explored in Ahaggar (proven reserves 12 thousand tons, U3O8 content 20%); in the south of the shield, uranium occurrences are known in Paleozoic sandstones (Tahaggart).

Algeria ranks second in Africa in terms of iron ore reserves. In Northern Algeria, metasomatic iron ore deposits have been explored in Aptian reef limestones (Jebel Ouenza, Bou Khadra), the total reserves of which are over 100 million tons, the Fe content is 40-56%. In the Tindouf syneclise, the largest Devonian sedimentary deposits of oolitic iron ores in Algeria were discovered - Gara-Dzhebilet (total reserves 2 billion tons, Fe content 50-57%) and Mesheri-Abdelaziz (2 billion tons, 50-55%). The reserves of manganese ores are insignificant; they are confined to the volcanic-hydrothermal deposit of Oued Guettara (total reserves 1.5 million tons, Fe content 40-50%) in the Bechar region.

Algeria ranks second in Africa in terms of lead and zinc ore reserves. In Northern Algeria, stratiform, vein (telethermal) and lens-shaped vein (hydrothermal) deposits of polymetallic ores are developed. Stratiform deposits of lead and zinc ores are located in carbonate deposits of the Jurassic (El-Abed, Deglen), Cretaceous (Kerzet-Yousef, Meslulla, Jebel Ishmul), veins in sandy-clayey rocks of the Cretaceous (Gerruma, Sakamody) are associated with diapirs of Triassic evaporites. Volcanogenic and plutonogenic-hydrothermal copper-polymetallic deposits in Cretaceous-Neogene rocks are associated with Miocene volcanics (Bu Sufa, Oued el-Kebir) and granitoids (Bu Douka, Ashaysh, Ain Barbar, Kef um Tebul). Ore occurrences of cuprous sandstones are known in Cretaceous and Triassic deposits (Ain Sefra, in the western Saharan Atlas), Cambrian (Ben Tajik in Ugarta) and Vendian (Khanq in the south of Regibat).

Algeria ranks 1st in Africa in terms of mercury reserves (about 4% of global reserves). Deposits of mercury ores were identified in the Azzab region among the terrigenous-clastic rocks of the Cretaceous - Paleogene and in Precambrian shales (Genish deposits - total reserves in terms of metal 4.5 thousand tons, Hg content 1.16%; Mpa-Cma, respectively, 7.7 thousand t, 3.9%; Ismail - worked out). Algeria ranks second in Africa in terms of antimony ore reserves; they are concentrated in Northern Algeria at the Khammam-Nbails telethermal field. Algeria ranks first in Africa in terms of tungsten ore reserves. In Ahaggar, quartz-cassiterite-wolframite-greisen-vein bodies Nahda (Launi), Tin-Amzi, ​​El-Kapycca, Bashir, Tiftazunin and others, associated with Taurirt granites, have been explored. In Northern Algeria, the Belelieta skarn-scheelite deposit is known.

The most significant hydrothermal vein gold deposits - Tiririn, Tirek, Amesmessa, Tin-Felki, etc. - were explored in the Precambrian crystalline rocks of Ahaggar; exploration and search for gold continues.

The Bou-Douau deposit has been discovered in Northern Algeria.

Algeria ranks 5th in Africa in terms of phosphorite reserves. In Northern Algeria, deposits of granular phosphorites are confined to clay-carbonate deposits of the Upper Cretaceous - Paleogene. The largest deposits are Dzhebelyonk, El-Quif, Mzaita (see Arabian-African phosphorite province).

Algeria ranks second in Africa in terms of barite reserves. In Northern Algeria, the Mizab vein deposits (total reserves 2.15 million tons, BaSO4 content 90%), Affensou, Bou Mani, Varsenis and Sidi Kamber have been identified, in the Bechar region - the Bou Kais, Abadla and other vein fields. other minerals in Algeria, a large deposit of celestine Beni-Mansour (Northern Algeria) has been explored, the total reserves of which are 6.1 million tons; known deposits of pyrites (reserves are small), table salt, etc.

History of the development of mineral resources. The oldest evidence of the use of stone for making tools was found in Ternifin and dates back to the Lower Paleolithic (about 700 thousand years ago). From the Neolithic era, the extraction of clays for the manufacture of ceramic utensils began (5-4th millennium BC), from the 2nd millennium BC. - stone for the construction of large funeral structures - dolmens. Information about the developed mining and metallurgical production in the Middle Ages is given in the works of Arab scientists and travelers al-Yakubi (9th century), al-Bakri (11th century), al-Qazwini (13th century), etc. The main mining centers were concentrated in the north - iron ore mines "Nemours" and "Beni-Saf" near the city of Arzev (Western Algeria), as well as near the cities. Setif, Annaba, Bejaia; copper mines in the Jebel Ketama mountains. In the department of Constantine (near Majana, Eastern Algeria), the development of deposits of silver, lead ores, and building stone (no later than the 16th century) is also mentioned. Mercury ore was mined near the city of Arzev. In the 10th century, salt mines were located on the Jebel el-Melkh hill ("Mountain of Salt").

After the colonization of Algeria (1830), intensive searches for minerals began in the country. Industrial exploitation of iron ore deposits (Ain Mokra, Beni Saf, Jebel Ouenza, Mokti el-Hadid) has been carried out since the 50-60s. 19th century, at the same time intensive development of deposits of lead, zinc and copper ores (Muzaya, Oued Merja, Tizi Ntaga), and phosphorites (since 1893) was carried out. In 1907, the main coal deposit of Algeria, Kenadza, was discovered, the maximum production of which was carried out during the Second World War 1939-45.

Mining. General characteristics. The leading branch of the mining industry is oil and gas production (more than 90% of the value of all products of the mining industry); provides the majority of foreign exchange earnings. In 1981, oil and gas accounted for 96% of the value of the country's exports, which amounted to 62 billion Algerian dinars. In the mining industry, the public sector plays a leading role. In the oil and gas industry, a monopoly position is occupied by the state company "Société Nationale pour la Recherche, la Production, le Transport, la Transformation et la Commercialization des Hydrocarbures" ("SONATRACH"). The company has taken control of oil and gas reserves and production, all main oil and gas pipelines, gas liquefaction and oil refining plants.

The total number of personnel employed in the oil and gas industry is about 36 thousand people (1980). The Algerian government is promoting the development of the oil and gas industry by merging with foreign capital (up to 49%) while retaining 51% of the shares with SONATRACH. The company carries out production, as well as exploration for oil and gas, in the Sahara together with the French companies "Total", "Compagnie Française de Pétrole", "Compagnie de Recherches et d'Activities Pétrolières", US companies (Getty Oil Co.), Spain ("Hispanoil"), Germany ("Deminex"), Poland ("Copex") and Brazil ("Petrobras"). After the nationalization of mines and quarries (1966) in the Algerian mining industry, the state company "SONAREM" completely controls the exploration, production, consumption and export of all solid minerals (total number of employees about 14 thousand people, 1980). The company includes 30 mines and quarries and conducts exploration in Northern Algeria and the Sahara. Algeria is one of the leading producers of mercury. The extraction of iron ores and non-ferrous metals is insignificant.

Climate of Algeria

The climate of Algeria is subtropical Mediterranean in the north and tropical desert in the Sahara. Winter on the coast is warm and rainy (12°C in January), in the mountains it is cool (there is snow for 2-3 weeks), in the Sahara it depends on the time of day (at night below 0°C, during the day 20°C). Summer in Algeria is hot and dry. Annual precipitation ranges from 0-50 mm in the Sahara to 400-1200 mm in the Atlas Mountains.

Water resources of Algeria

All Algerian rivers are temporary watercourses (oueds) that fill during the rainy season. The rivers of the far north of the country flow into the Mediterranean Sea, the rest are lost in the sands of the Sahara. They are used for irrigation and water supply, for which reservoirs and hydroelectric power stations are built on them. The largest river is Sheliff (700 km). Lake basins (sebkhas) also fill up during the rainy season, and in the summer they dry out and become covered with a salt crust up to 60 cm thick. In the Sahara, in areas with large reserves of groundwater, the largest oases are located.

Flora and fauna of Algeria

Algeria has a poor flora. In some places in the mountains there are cork oak forests, semi-desert and desert vegetation. In the north of the country, oak, olive, pine and thuja grow. The Sahara Desert contains virtually no vegetation, and there are very few oases. The most typical animal species for the country are jackals, hyenas, antelopes, gazelles, and hares are also found.

Population of Algeria

At the time of the French conquest, the population of Algeria was approx. 3 million people. In 1966 it already reached 11.823 million people, and in 1997 – 29.476 million people. In 1996, the birth rate was 28.5 per 1,000 people and the death rate was 5.9 per 1,000 people. Infant mortality (children under one year old) is 48.7 per 1000 newborns. In the mid-1990s, approx. 68% of the population was under 29 years of age.

Algeria was originally inhabited by peoples speaking Berber languages. These peoples back in 2000 BC. moved here from the Middle East. The majority of the modern population uses a colloquial version of Arabic in everyday life. Arabs settled in Algeria during the Islamic conquests of the 7th and 8th centuries. and nomadic migrations of the 11th–12th centuries. The mixing of two waves of settlers with the autochthonous population led to the emergence of the so-called Arab-Berber ethnic group, in the cultural development of which the Arab element played a dominant role.

As the main ethnic subgroup of Algerian society, the Berbers play an important role in the life of the country. During the Roman and Arab conquests of North Africa, many Berbers moved from the coast to the highlands. Berbers make up approximately 1/5 of the country's population. The largest concentration of the Berber population is found in the mountainous area of ​​Djurjura, east of the capital, known as Kabylia. The local residents, the Kabyles, have settled in many cities of the country, but carefully preserve ancient traditions. Other significant groups of the Berber population are represented by the Shawiya tribal alliances, originating from the mountainous region around Batna, the Mzabita, settled in the oases of Northern Sahara, and the Tuareg nomads living in the far south in the Ahaggar region.

After the conquest of Algeria by France in the 19th century. the size of the European part of the population increased, and by 1960 approx. 1 million Europeans. Most had French roots, the ancestors of the rest moved to Algeria from Spain, Italy and Malta. After Algeria declared independence in 1962, most Europeans left the country.

Most of the Algerian population are Sunni Muslims (Malikis and Hanafis). A number of followers of the Ibadi sect live in the Mzab Valley, Ouargla and Algiers. The state religion of the country is Islam. There are approx. 150 thousand Christians, mostly Catholics, and approximately 1 thousand adherents of Judaism. The official language is Arabic, but French is still widely spoken. Some Berber tribes speaking Tamahak and Tamazirt acquired their own written language. Several books have already been published in the Tamazirt dialect in Algeria.

About 3/4 of the population is concentrated in the foothills of the Tell Atlas, approximately 1.5 million people live in the highlands and less than one million in the Sahara Desert. The highest density is observed near the capital and in the Kabylia region.

Economic and geographical characteristics of Algeria

1. Introduction 3

2. Natural conditions 5

3. Geography of population 8

4. Geography of industry 9

5. Geography of agriculture 11

6. Geography of transport 14

7. External economic relations 15

8. Conclusion 16

9. References 17

1. Introduction

Algeria (named after the city of Algeria, from the Arabic al-Jezair - islands), (Arabic - Al-Jumhuriyah al-Jezairiyah Democracy al-Shaabiya) -

- a state in North Africa, located in the western part of the Mediterranean basin, where important world routes pass between the Atlantic and the Middle East, Europe and African countries. Borders: in the west with Morocco and Western Sahara, in the southwest with Mauritania and Mali, in the southeast with Niger, in the east with Libya and Tunisia. From the north, the territory is washed by the Mediterranean Sea. Area 2381700 sq. km. Population 29.3 million people. (1998). The capital is the city. Algeria (3 million inhabitants). Large cities of Oran (700 thousand people), Constantine (600), Annaba (400). Arabs make up 80%, Berbers - 19% (Kabiles, Chauyas, Tuaregs), the rest - 1%.

The majority of Algeria's population are Sunni Muslims (Malikis and Hanafis). A number of followers of the Ibadi sect live in the Mzab Valley, Ouargla and Algiers. The state religion of the country is Islam. There are approx. 150 thousand Christians, mostly Catholics, and approximately 1 thousand adherents of Judaism. The official language is Arabic, but French is still widely spoken. Some Berber tribes speaking Tamahak and Tamazirt acquired their own written language. Several books have already been published in the Tamazirt dialect in Algeria. About 3/4 of the population is concentrated in the foothills of the Tell Atlas, approximately 1.5 million people live in the highlands and less than one million in the Sahara Desert. The highest density is observed near the capital and in the Kabylia region. The length of the railways is 4.2 thousand square meters. km., length of roads is 102 thousand km. Main ports: Bejaia, Arzew, Algiers, Anaba, Oran. Export - oil, liquefied gas, petroleum products, as well as iron ore, tobacco, wine, vegetables and fruits. The main foreign trade partners are France, Germany, Italy, Japan. The monetary unit is the Algerian dinar. Geographical position

Algeria occupies the central part of the Atlas mountain region and 1/4 of the Sahara Desert.
The territory of the country is 2381.7 thousand square meters. km.
The climate of Northern Algeria is subtropical. The average temperature in January is 5 - 12C, in July 25C. Precipitation is 400 - 1200 mm per year. The central and southern parts of the country are occupied by the Sahara Desert, where average daily temperature fluctuations reach 30 C. The climate of the Sahara is tropical, desert (less than 50 mm of precipitation per year).
Cork oak forests (in the mountains), semi-desert and desert vegetation.

Form of government -

Republic

Administrative division - 48 wilayas (provinces)

Head of State - President

Legislature - Unicameral National People's Assembly

The country is a developing country, a key subgroup.

2.Nature

Algeria occupies the central part of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Washed by the Mediterranean Sea. The coastal part lies in the northern subtropical zone, the rest of the territory lies in the tropical zone of the Northern Hemisphere.

The shores are mostly high, rocky, with narrow beaches. There are no bays protruding deeply into the land along the entire coast; the number of large bays is insignificant (Oranskaya, Algierskaya, Bejaia, Annaba).

Relief. Northern Algeria is represented by folded ridges, massifs and intermountain plains of the Atlas Mountains system. Within Algeria are the largest ridges of the Atlas - Tel Atlas and the Saharan Atlas, the Varsenis massifs (Sidi Amar, 1985 m), B. Kabylia and M. Kabylia (altitudes up to 1200 m), Hodna, Ores (Shelia, 2328 m ). The mountains are cut through by deep river gorges and divided into separate dome-shaped smaller massifs. Large intermountain plains and plateaus (the so-called high plateaus) in the central parts are occupied by large salt lakes - sebkhas.

The Algerian Sahara occupies the central part of the world's largest desert region, the Sahara. Its relief is dominated by plateaus about 500 m high. In the northeast there is a large lowland filled with sands and a basin of the salt lake Schott-Melgir (26 m below sea level). To the south-east extensive volcanic the Ahaggar highlands with the Atakor massif (Takhat, 3003 m - the highest peak of Algeria), surrounded by a system of stepped plateaus (Tademait, Tassilin-Ajer, Muidir, etc.). Within Algeria there are large sandy deserts with high dune ridges (Great Western Erg, Great Eastern Erg, Igidi, Shesh ergs, etc.) and rocky deserts (Tanez Ruft in the south).

Geological structure and minerals. The territory of Algeria within the Atlas Mountains belongs to the Mediterranean geosynclinal fold belt, and in the Sahara region to the ancient African platform. There are large deposits of oil and natural gas (Hassi-Mesaoud, etc.), which constitute the main wealth of Algeria. The Atlas contains known deposits of iron (Maghreb), copper, lead and zinc ores, phosphorites, mercury, antimony, barite, kieselguhr, coal, etc.

Climate. Northern Algeria has a subtropical, Mediterranean climate with warm, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Wed. the temperature in January on the coast is 12°C, on the intermountain plains 5°C, in July 25°C. The absolute maximum temperature is above 40°C everywhere. Severe droughts are frequent. The bulk of precipitation falls in November - January (in Tel Atlas 400 - 800 mm, in the Kabyle massifs up to 1200 mm or more per year). In winter, in mountain regions, snow remains on the peaks for up to 10-20 days or more. In the transition zone to the Algerian Sahara, the climate is more arid, semi-desert (average July temperature above 30°C, precipitation 200-400 mm per year). In the Sahara, the climate is desert, extremely dry (less than 50 mm of precipitation per year, in some years there is no rain at all). Daily temperature fluctuations reach 30°C (in summer during the day 40°C and above, at night 20°C, in winter during the day about 20°C, at night it drops to 0° and below). Dry winds often cause sandstorms.

Inland waters. All rivers of Algeria belong to the oued type. The Oueds of Northern Algeria are close to rivers of the Mediterranean type with a predominance of rain-fed water. Only in the coastal zone does the runoff of the oueds flow into the Mediterranean Sea. The rest of Algeria is a closed basin of internal drainage. Water flows in Mediterranean ouedas range from 0-2 m3. per second in the summer, up to 1000 cubic meters per second or more during floods after rains. Short but severe floods are frequent. The largest oued is Shelif (700 km), the remaining oueds rarely exceed 100 km in length (El-Hamman, Isser, Summam, El-Kebir, etc.). Dams, reservoirs and hydroelectric power stations have been built in the oueds of Northern Algeria. The waters of the oueds are used for irrigation (over 100 thousand hectares). Most salt lakes (sabkhs) lie in intermountain basins (Chott el-Shergi, Chott el-Khodna, Zakhrez-Shergi, Zakhrez-Gharbi, etc.) or depressions (Chott-Melgir). The Sahara has large reserves of groundwater, especially in the northern part, where the largest oases are located (Tidikelt, Touggourt, El Golea).

Soils. In Northern Algeria, the zonal soil type is brown (carbonate and leached in Tel Atlas, gray-brown in semi-desert areas). Altitudinal zonation is manifested in variants of brown and brown forest soils. In the foothills there are arrays of salt marshes around them. The Sahara is dominated by gravelly soils of subtropical deserts and drifting and semi-fixed sands.

Vegetation. On the coast the vegetation is of the Mediterranean type with dry hard-leaved forests and shrubs. In the mountains there is a well-defined altitudinal zone: up to 800-1000 m there is a belt of evergreen dry-loving thickets of bushes and low-growing trees (maquis), mostly cultivated (olive tree, pistachio, etc.), above - forests of cork and evergreen (holm) oak and deciduous species, from 1200 to 1500 m - the Aleppo pine belt, from 1500 to 2000 m - junipers and thuja, above 2000 m there are cedar forests. South of Tel Atlas, the vegetation becomes semi-desert with a predominance of cereals and wormwood. The vegetation cover is severely degraded. Only isolated tracts of forests have survived. In the Sahara - saltworts, ephemeral plants on the sands after short spring rains, cereals (Saharan gorse, ephedra, drin), shrubs - types of acacia, jujube.

Animal world. Large mammals (lions, leopards, gazelles, etc.) and birds (ostriches, cormorants) have been severely exterminated. Among the mammals preserved in Northern Algeria are the Barbary macaque (mago), the hare, and the rabbit; in the North of the Algerian Sahara - hyena, genet, jackal, fennec fox; gazelles and antelopes are rare. There are many small rodents (jerboas, etc.), bats, and birds of prey. There are a lot of reptiles (lizards, monitor lizards, more than 20 species of snakes, turtles) and insects (locusts are especially harmful), as well as phalanges, scorpions, and ticks.

3. Geography of population

Type 2 of reproduction - demographic explosion. The birth rate is 35-40 per 1000 people in 1 year. Mortality rate is 5-10 per 1000 people in 1 year. The natural increase is more than 30. The composition of the population is predominantly male. Average life expectancy: men - 67, women - 69.

The main population of the country is Algerians, making up more than 98% of the total population. They consist of Arabs and Berbers, who are very close to them in language and culture.

Most of the indigenous population speaks the Algerian dialect of Arabic (81.5%). Dialects of the Berber language spoken. 17.9%, preserved mainly among the Berber population of the mountainous regions of the country and some oases of the Algerian Sahara (Kabiles, Chaouyas, Tuaregs). French is also widely spoken among the population of large cities (0.4% speak it). By religion, Arabs and Berbers are Sunni Muslims.

Over 4% of the population lives abroad, mainly in France and Belgium. After 1962, as a result of the massive departure of the French from Algeria, their number decreased from 1 million people. (1960) to 68.4 thousand (1966).

The population is distributed by territory. extremely uneven. Northern Algeria is home to more than 95% of the country's total population, with the bulk of it concentrated in a narrow coastal strip. Kabylia is the most densely populated region, where the density reaches more than 300 people. per 1 sq. km, with an average density in the country of 12.3 people. per 1 sq. km. In the Algerian Sahara the density is less than 1 person. per 1 sq. km. Rural residents, who make up the majority of the country's population, lead a sedentary, semi-sedentary or nomadic lifestyle. In the western and central parts of Northern Algeria, a sedentary population predominates, mainly engaged in crop farming. Semi-nomads and pastoral nomads inhabit the so-called High Plateaus, the Saharan Atlas and the Sahara. The settled population of the desert is the inhabitants of oases and mining centers. Demographic growth 2.6%,

4.Geography of industry

Industry. The mining and energy industries account for over 1/3 of the country's gross industrial output. The leading among these industries is oil and gas production. In the northern and eastern regions of the Sahara there are the main Algerian oil and natural gas fields of world importance, discovered after World War II (oil reserves are estimated at about 1 billion tons, gas reserves - 3000 billion cubic meters). Annual oil production is about 60 million tons. Oil is transported through pipelines to Mediterranean ports, from where it is exported mainly to France (70% of all oil). Part of the oil goes to refineries in Algiers and El Harrash, approximately half of the petroleum products are exported.

Natural gas production also became important - 3,288 million cubic meters. m in 1968; 43 billion cubic meters m - in 1997. 3 fields are exploited - Hassi-Rmel (provides about 9/10 of all gas production), In-Amenas and Hassi-Mesaoud (along with oil). The pipeline carries methane to the coast, where most of it is liquefied at the Arzew plant and exported mainly to England and France. The use of natural gases within the country is expanding; The cities of Algiers, Oran, Mostaganem and others have been gasified.

Mining operations are concentrated in northern Algeria. Among them, the first place is occupied by the extraction of iron ore, which is mainly exported. The main mines are Huenza (over 50% of all production), Bu-Kadra. The extraction of lead-zinc ores is important. They are being developed in the Oued Zunder and Oued Abed deposits, as well as in small quantities in Sidi Kamber and Varsenis. Phosphorite production has decreased due to the development of the El-Quif deposit. A new large deposit has been explored - Jebel Onk, which has been put into operation. There is minor mining of coal (in the city of Kenadza, in the northwestern Algerian Sahara), copper ore (in Ain Barbar near the city of Annaba, 4.6 thousand tons per year), as well as iron pyrites, barite, antimony, kieselguhr. The largest deposits of iron ore in the Maghreb (Gara-Dzhebilet, near Tindouf) and a large deposit of mercury (in Northern Algeria) have been explored. Electricity production is 1.2-1.3 billion kWh, including about 780 million kWh at thermal power plants (the most important thermal power plants are in the cities of Algeria, Annaba, Oran, Bechar).

The main branches of the manufacturing industry: food processing (about 1/2 of all products), metalworking, textiles and clothing, oil refining, chemical and leather and footwear, cement (small and partly medium-sized enterprises predominate). Distilleries and canneries, tobacco factories, grain processing and olive oil production enterprises are located in almost all cities of Northern Algeria. The textile industry, including handicraft carpet production, is located in the cities. Algeria, Oran, Annaba, Tlemcen. The metalworking industry is represented by small mechanical and repair shops, car-building and pipe-rolling plants, etc. Its main center is the city of Algeria (assembly plants of cars and trucks); in the city of El-Harrash - tractor assembly plants. In Annaba, with the assistance of the USSR and other countries, a metallurgical plant was built (in 1968, the first stage of the plant with a capacity of 400 thousand tons of steel per year was put into operation). The chemical industry is developing: factories for the production of superphosphate, sulfuric acid, copper sulfate, cellulose, etc.—in Algeria, Oran and Annaba. A large plant for nitrogen fertilizers and ammonia was built in 1969 in the city of Arzev. Cement plants (with a total capacity of about 1 million tons annually) are located in the cities. Algeria and Oran. Algeria received a variety of economic, scientific and technical assistance from the USSR, which provided large loans and supplied the latest equipment for the enterprises under construction; The Institute of Oil and Gas was organized and operates in Boumerdes (near the capital), donated along with the technical school to the people of Algeria.

5. Geography of agriculture

Agriculture is the industry that employs the bulk of the Algerian population. Agricultural land, including forest land, is occupied. 44.2 million hectares, or about 1/5 of the entire territory, of which 7-10 million hectares (depending on climatic conditions) are cultivated lands (almost all in Northern Algeria). At the first stage of the agrarian reform (1962-64), the lands of European colonists were expropriated and collective farms headed by self-government committees were created on them. The self-governing sector in 1966 consisted of 2,200 households with a total area of ​​2,400 thousand hectares, including 30% of households with sizes exceeding 1-2 thousand hectares each. They are located on the most fertile lands, and half of them are in the plains of the North-West (wilaya of Oran, Mostaganem, Tiaret). The share of this sector accounts for 24% of all arable land, 65% of land with fruit plantations, 60% of all crop production, 5% of livestock. The old peasant sector covers 650 thousand farmers, of which 600 thousand farmers have less than 10 hectares of land each, including 350 thousand farmers with less than 2 hectares.

In 1988, agrarian reform was carried out. State farms were dissolved. On their basis, 22 thousand small cooperatives were formed. Part of the land was transferred to peasants.

Agriculture provides about 3/4 of all agricultural production. Algerian products. The main place (over 4/5) in the sown areas is occupied by grain crops. Rainfed farming dominates in Algeria; irrigated land does not exceed 250-300 thousand hectares. Durum wheat is cultivated mainly in the interior regions of Tel, soft wheat - in the north-west. The grain yield in small farms on average does not exceed (except for rice) 3-8 c/ha. Algeria is forced to systematically import grain (2300 - 3000 thousand centners per year). Farms in the socialized sector produce approximately 1/3 of the total harvest of wheat, barley and oats and about 2/3 of corn, sorghum and rice.

Of particular importance are viticulture and winemaking, which gave in the 50s. about 1/3 of all gross output and 1/2 of Algerian exports (by value). The main vineyards are in the north-west. Algeria (in the area of ​​Oran more than 1/2 of their total area).

Most of the wine is exported to France. After 1962, France noticeably reduced purchases of wine from Algeria, which acutely affected the situation of viticulture in the country. Wine exported amounts to 1.7 million hl.

The production of citrus fruits also plays a significant role, especially oranges (in the Mitija plain, in the Shelifa valley), most of which are exported to European countries.

The olive tree has long been cultivated, especially in Kabylia (about 2/5 of the total olive harvest); olive oil (on average about 20 thousand tons per year) is consumed mainly within the country. The date palm is cultivated in the oases of the Sahara. On the coast, near large cities, the cultivation of early vegetables (approx. 6 million centners per year), tomatoes, artichokes, carrots, and potatoes, sold in European markets, is developed. The socialized sector accounts for approximately 92% of the total citrus crop, 34% of olives, 8% of dates and 45% of vegetables. Of the industrial crops, tobacco is grown, mainly in Mitija and Kabylia, which is mostly exported (about 10 thousand tons per year).

Livestock farming is extensive; it produces almost 1/4 of all agricultural production. products, but in the interior, on high plains and plateaus, especially in the Sahara, it often serves as the main and even the only source of subsistence for semi-nomads and nomads. The population of the mountainous and coastal regions of northern Algeria is characterized by transhumance or mountain-pastoral cattle breeding in combination with agriculture. The number of cattle is 1.5 million heads, sheep - 15 million heads.

Forestry and fisheries. Forests and shrubs (total area 3 million hectares) are preserved mainly in the Tel Atlas Mountains. Cork oak tracts are of major economic importance (harvesting 300-600 thousand centners of cork raw materials per year - 3rd place in the world). The bulk of raw materials are processed at state-owned enterprises and exported. In semi-desert regions (wilaya Tiaret, Saida, Medea), the collection and primary processing of alpha grass (total area of ​​about 4 million hectares) is important. Alpha raw materials (90-100 thousand tons annually - 1st place in the world) are used mainly for the production of the best grades of paper, cellulose, and wicker products.

Fishing (mainly sardines, herring, anchovies) is poorly developed (average catch is about 20 thousand tons per year). Measures are being taken to increase marine fishing and fishing ports are being reconstructed (Beni Saf, Oran, Tenes, Cherchel, etc.).

Number of livestock (thousand heads)

Sheep, goats, cattle, and camels are raised.

Structure of land in use (thousand hectares)

6. Geography of transport

An important role is played by railways, the total length of which is 4.2 thousand km, including the norms. track 2.6 thousand km; Main railway highway between the city of Oujda (Morocco) and the city of Gardimau (Western Tunisia) through the cities. Oran, Algeria and Constantine are connected by the most important economic centers of the North. Algeria. From Ch. The main lines extend to the north, to seaports, and to the south, to mining developments and oases of the north. Sugars. Total cargo turnover is 960-980 million t-km.

The length of the road network is 50.2 thousand km. The main highway runs along the coast, from which highways branch off in the northern and southern directions. After 1962, the Adrar - Bechar (720 km), Bechar - Tindouf (900 km), In Amenas - Ghadames highways were built.

Pipeline transport has been developed (the total length of oil pipelines is about 3 thousand km, gas pipelines are more than 1000 km). There are large oil pipelines: In-Amenas-Sehira (Tunisia), Hassi-Mesaoud - Bejaia, Hassi-Mesaoud - Arzev, Beni-Mansour - Algeria and the gas pipelines Hassi-Rmel - Arzev, Mesdar - Skikda (700 km) and gas pipeline Hassi-Rmel - Skikda.

Sea transport provides almost all foreign trade transportation. Based on the size of cargo turnover, the following ports (thousand tons) are distinguished: Bejaia - 15.3, Arzev - 9.1, Algeria - 4.4, Annaba - 19.2, Oran - 1.8.

Air transport is developing rapidly. There are 65 airfields in the country, 31 of which are civilian. Airports of international importance are located near the cities. Algiers (Dar el Beida), Annaba and Oran (La Senia).

7.External economic relations

The volume of foreign trade of countries is $5-25 billion.

Export - 100% (fuel).

Import: Machinery and equipment, food, agricultural raw materials, chemical products, etc.

Until 1962, the total volume of foreign trade turnover accounted for more than half of Algeria's gross national product. After establishing political independence, Algeria follows the path of overcoming one-sided dependence on foreign markets and capital, strengthening the state monopoly in external relations. In 1967, the state controlled 90% of exports and 75% of imports. Until 1962, France, England, Germany, Italy, Morocco and Tunisia accounted for 90% of all Algerian foreign trade turnover, including 80% to France. In the 60s this share is declining as a result of strengthening trade ties with socialist and developing countries. In 1965, France's share of Algerian imports was 70% and of exports 76%. The main export goods to the countries listed above are: oil (approx. 2/3 of the total value of Algerian exports), wine (15%), fruits and vegetables (12%), iron ore (3%), tobacco, paper. Algeria imports industrial equipment, food products (especially grain, milk, meat), as well as light industry products (synthetic fabrics, textiles) and metals (the import of the latter has been placed under strict control since 1967).

Algeria concluded agreements on economic cooperation, including financial assistance, with the USSR, China, Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria. Czechoslovakia, UAR, Kuwait. There are agreements with France, England, the USA, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Development Fund.

Currently, foreign trade with EU countries accounts for more than 60%, the USA - 17%. Foreign trade turnover amounts to 22.6 billion dollars (1997). Export: oil and oil products - 51.7 million tons (1997); natural gas - 43 billion cubic meters. m; wine, citrus fruits, cork, building materials.

In November 1996, the Maghreb - Spain gas pipeline was put into operation. In 1997, 4 billion cubic meters of gas were supplied to Spain. m, to Portugal - 400 million cubic meters. m.

Algeria’s financial position is determined by oil and gas revenues (up to 98% of foreign exchange earnings and about 66% of the State budget revenues. Algeria’s gold and foreign exchange reserves are more than 9 billion dollars.

In recent years, for objective reasons, Algeria's financial situation has worsened, and external debt has increased significantly (34 billion in 1997). As a result of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, the Paris and London Clubs, an agreement was reached on the re-echeloning of most of the debt.

Increasing financial and economic difficulties have led to rising inflation, prices, and a deterioration in the lives of the population (over 2.5 million are unemployed, mostly young people. More than 1 million Algerians work in Western Europe. The wealth stratification of society is deepening.

Algeria is a country with an ancient history of wars of conquest and colonization by both African and Eurasian states. The main influence was the Arabs, who instilled their culture, language, and religion (Islam). Berbers - descendants of the historically indigenous population - Libyans, constitute an absolute minority.

The formation of Algeria as a state was facilitated by its favorable geographical location - important world routes between the Atlantic and the Middle East, Europe and African countries pass here.

The ANDR is a parliamentary presidential republic with very broad powers of the president.

Algeria is a fairly developed state economically and culturally. The standard of living of the population is relatively high, supported by subsidies from the state, mainly due to the export of oil, gas, etc. Free education and medical care. Much attention is paid to education.

The ANDR is a state characterized by political instability, in containing which the army plays a major role. The main factor in political instability is the struggle for power, both between and within political movements. The main troublemakers in political life are the FIS and Hamas. They constitute the main opposition to the state course (building socialism, establishing a presidential regime, a one-party system, etc.). One of the main factors used by the opposition is unemployment, economic difficulties, etc. Instead of a constitution, they put forward Sharia laws - the Koran. The main methods of struggle of extremist Islamic organizations are international and domestic terrorism.

The economic base of Algeria is natural resources (oil, gas, ores, etc.) and nationalized foreign possessions, firms, companies, banks, property, etc.

In recent years, the Algerian economy has seen a transition from a planned to a market economy; allowed to buy land from the state fund, unprofitable cooperatives; most of the trade passed into private hands.

There are still problems in healthcare: the fight against infectious and environmental diseases, as well as in veterinary medicine - the fight against animal diseases, including those dangerous to humans.

LITERATURE:

Asia and Africa today. Journal No. 9, pp. 19-21. M., 1996.

Africa. General review. North Africa. In the book: Countries and Peoples. Popular scientific geographical and ethnographic publication in 20 volumes. M., “Thought”. 1982. pp. 251-291.

Great Soviet Encyclopedia. In 30 volumes. 3rd edition. Volume 1. M., “Soviet Encyclopedia”, 1969. P. 422-434.

Countries of the world today. Volume 3. Africa. Algeria. M., 1999.

Countries of the world. Directory. Ed. I.S. Ivanova. M., “Republic”. 1999. pp. 13-15.

Echo of the planet. Magazine No. 3 M., 1997.

Echo of the planet. Magazine No. 4 M., 1998. P. 11.

Geographical location Algeria is one of the largest countries in Africa, since the country's area is about 2.4 million sq. km, and its length from north to south is almost 2000 km!. This state is located in the northwest of the continent. In the north it is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, the length of the coastline is 998 km. Algeria borders Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania in the west, Libya and Tunisia in the east, Niger in the southeast and Mali in the southwest. The capital, Algiers, is located in the north of the country.

Relief of the country Due to its large extent from north to south, Northern Algeria is distinguished, which includes the northern part of the Atlas Mountains and the adjacent coastal plain and the Algerian Sahara, in the southeast of which is the raised Ahaggar highland, where the highest point of Algeria is located - Mount Tahhat, the height of which It is 2906 meters! The highlands are surrounded on all sides by stepped plateaus and the Muidir Mountains.

The Atlas Mountains amaze with their beauty! The ridges of these mountains, rising high, end in sharp peaks and steep cliffs. They are separated by high plateaus and massifs, alternating with intermountain plains and cut by deep gorges. These mountains were formed into the Alpine fold, which is why earthquakes still occur here, the last of which was in 2003. The southern slopes of the mountains are the transition from the Mediterranean to the Sahara.

The majority (about 90%) of the country is occupied by the rocky and sandy deserts of the Sahara. The north of the Algerian Sahara lies 26 meters below sea level! Here Algerians are engaged in livestock farming, leading a nomadic lifestyle and raising sheep, goats, and camels. Agriculture is possible only in oases where the population grows date palms, the fruits of which - dates - replace bread and potatoes. Crops and fruit trees can be grown under the dense canopy of these palm trees.

Climatic conditions The climate of Northern Algeria is typically Mediterranean with an average annual temperature of + 16 degrees and an average annual precipitation of 200 to 1200 mm. The vegetation here is represented by hard-leaved evergreen forests and shrubs. The Atlas Mountains are home to forests of holm and cork oak, Aleppo pine, juniper, thuja, Atlas cedar and deciduous trees. However, the natural vegetation of these places has been greatly damaged by human activity. The mountain slopes were previously covered with cedar and pine forests, but as a result of logging, fires and grazing, they turned into a wasteland covered with bushes! Middle altitudes are characterized by shrubs and cork oak forests. The climate of the Sahara is tropical desert with an average annual precipitation of less than 50 mm and daily air temperature fluctuations of about 30 degrees! The vegetation is represented mainly by saltworts and ephemerals.

Minerals Algeria is one of the most mineral-rich countries in Africa. Oil is produced in the east of the country, and oil and natural gas are produced in the northern desert part. Polymetallic ores occur in the Atlas Mountains. The country has large reserves of phosphorites, iron and manganese as well as lead and copper ores, mercury, and antimony. In connection with their development, modern settlements arose even in the desert, in which miners and mineral exploration workers live. Roads have been laid between major cities, oil pipelines, oil refining and metal smelting plants are being built.

Fauna The fauna of Algeria is poor and almost exterminated by humans. In the Atlas forests, hares, wild boars and macaques are preserved, and in the Sahara - cheetahs, jackals, hyenas, fennec foxes, gazelles, addax antelopes, birds of prey, small rodents, snakes, lizards, turtles, invertebrates - locusts, scorpions, etc.

Inland waters All Algerian rivers are temporary watercourses (oueds) that fill during the rainy season. The rivers of the far north of the country flow into the Mediterranean Sea, the rest are lost in the sands of the Sahara. They are used for irrigation and water supply, for which reservoirs and hydroelectric power stations are built on them. The largest river is Sheliff (700 km). Lake basins (sebkhas) also fill up during the rainy season, and in the summer they dry out and become covered with a salt crust up to 60 cm thick. In the Sahara, in areas with large reserves of groundwater, the largest oases are located.

Population Population: 34.6 million (July 2010 estimate), the majority of whom live in cities (65%). In addition to the Arabs, who make up 83% of the country's population, Berbers (16%), as well as Europeans (French, Spaniards, Italians), Turks and Jews live here. The official language is Arabic, but French and Berber dialects are widely spoken. The main religion is Islam, professed by 99% of the population of Algeria.

Economy of Algeria The basis of Algeria's economy is gas and oil. They provide 30% of GDP, 60% of state budget revenues, 95% of export earnings. Algeria ranks 8th in the world in gas reserves and 4th in the world in gas exports. Algeria ranks 15th in the world in oil reserves and 11th in its exports. Algerian authorities are making efforts to diversify the economy and attract foreign and domestic investment into other sectors. Structural changes in the economy, such as the development of the banking sector and infrastructure construction, have been slow, partly due to corruption and bureaucracy. In the agricultural sector, export-oriented farming predominates. The main crops - grapes, citrus fruits, olives, dates and tobacco - are grown by Algerians in the subtropics, in the coastal strip and mountain valleys. Almost 1/3 of the land is not used for agriculture, as it is occupied by deserts.