Country Profile: Algeria

Algeria, located in Northern Africa, is the largest country on the continent, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north. With a population of approximately 47.7 million, the nation is characterized by a mix of Arab and Amazigh cultures. The economy heavily relies on hydrocarbons, particularly oil and gas, which dominate its exports and GDP, yet struggles with diversification and political challenges. Governed as a presidential republic, Algeria has undergone significant political transitions since its independence from France in 1962, currently led by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Geography

Algeria is situated in Northern Africa, bordered by Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger, with a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. Despite being the largest country in Africa, over 80% of its landscape is desert, specifically the Sahara. The northern regions feature the Atlas Mountains, while the majority of the population resides along the coastal plain. The climate varies from arid to semi-arid, with hot summers and mild, wet winters.

2,381,740 sq km – Total area, making Algeria nearly 3.5 times the size of Texas.
998 km – Length of the coastline along the Mediterranean Sea.
6,734 km – Total length of land boundaries with neighboring countries.
Tahat (2,908 m) – The highest point in Algeria.
Chott Melrhir (-40 m) – The lowest point in Algeria.

People and Society

Algeria has a population of approximately 47.7 million, predominantly composed of Arab (99%) and Amazigh peoples. The nation recognizes Arabic and Tamazight as official languages, with French serving as a common lingua franca. The population is mainly Muslim, with a small percentage belonging to other faiths. The age structure indicates a young population, with a significant proportion under 15 years old, highlighting both potential and challenges in education and employment.

47.7 million – Estimated population in 2025.
30.8% – Percentage of the population aged 0-14 years.
75.3% – Urbanization rate, with the majority living in northern cities.
77.9 years – Life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate).
19.62 births/1,000 – Birth rate in 2025.

Economy

Algeria's economy is primarily driven by oil and gas, contributing significantly to its GDP and government revenue. The country faces challenges with political instability, limited market diversification, and a heavy reliance on hydrocarbon exports. Recent efforts toward economic reform have been hindered by public unrest and decreased business confidence, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.

$722.9 billion – Real GDP (PPP) projected for 2024.
11.5% – Unemployment rate expected in 2024.
45.6% – Contribution of services to GDP in 2023.
13.1% – Share of agriculture in GDP for 2023.
$263.62 billion – GDP at official exchange rate for 2024.

Government

Algeria is a presidential republic, with a political system that includes a bicameral parliament and multiple political parties. Since gaining independence in 1962, the country has experienced significant political changes, most recently with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who has initiated several constitutional and electoral reforms. The government operates under a mixed legal system of French civil law and Islamic law.

58 – Number of provinces (wilayas) in Algeria.
18 years – Minimum voting age.
407 – Seats in the National People's Assembly.
2.5% – Percentage of women in the upper chamber of Parliament (2025).
5 years – Term length for members of the National People's Assembly.

Military and Security

The Algerian People's National Army (ANP) provides military defense and internal security, reflecting Algeria's history of military influence in politics. The military has modernized its arsenal with acquisitions from various countries, predominantly Russia. Border security is a key focus, especially in light of regional instability and threats from terrorist groups.

8% of GDP – Military expenditures projected for 2024.
200,000 – Estimated active military personnel.
18 years – Age for voluntary military service.
29.8% – Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) in 2024.
1,443,000 bbl/day – Total petroleum production in 2023.

Energy

Algeria is rich in energy resources, particularly natural gas and oil, which play a crucial role in its economy. The country boasts extensive capacity for electricity generation, relying predominantly on fossil fuels. Algeria is also working towards increasing renewable energy sources, albeit minimally at present.

100% – Electrification rate for the total population (2022).
22.591 million kW – Installed electricity generating capacity in 2023.
1.443 million bbl/day – Petroleum production in 2023.
104.896 billion cubic meters – Natural gas production in 2023.
63.7 million Btu – Estimated total energy consumption per capita in 2023.

Environment

Algeria faces various environmental challenges, including air pollution, desertification, and inadequate access to clean water. The country is a party to numerous international environmental agreements, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global environmental issues.

17.4% – Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
11% – Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
163.661 million metric tonnes – CO2 emissions in 2023.
75.3% – Urban population proportion (2023).
3.389 billion cubic meters – Total municipal water withdrawal in 2022.

Transportation

Algeria has made investments in its transportation infrastructure, including air, rail, and maritime transport. The country has a network of airports and ports facilitating both domestic and international travel and trade.

95 – Total number of airports (2025).
4,020 km – Length of railway network.
119 – Total merchant vessels in the fleet.
17 – Number of ports (2024).
6.93 million – Fixed telephone subscriptions (2024).

Communications

The communications landscape in Algeria includes extensive mobile and internet services, with a growing number of users. The government operates state-run media, and efforts have been made to improve telecommunications access across the country.

54.1 million – Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
77% – Internet penetration rate (2023).
5.54 million – Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
12 – Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).
6.93 million – Fixed line telephone subscriptions (2024).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	47.7 million	2025 estimate
Area	2,381,740 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$722.9 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	11.5%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	19.62 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Life Expectancy	77.9 years	2024 estimate
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	61.843 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
CO2 Emissions	163.661 million metric tonnes	2023 estimate
Urbanization Rate	75.3%	2023 estimate
Military Expenditures	8% of GDP	2024 estimate