Country Profile: Algeria

Algeria, the largest country in Africa, is situated in Northern Africa along the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of approximately 47.7 million as of 2025, the nation is predominantly Arab-Amazigh and has a youthful demographic. The economy heavily relies on oil and gas, leading to challenges in diversification and political stability. Algeria operates under a presidential republic, currently led by President Abdelmadjid TEBBOUNE, amidst ongoing reforms to modernize its governance and economy.

Geography

Algeria occupies a vast area of 2,381,740 sq km, making it slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas. The country's diverse terrain includes the Sahara Desert covering 80% of its land, the Atlas Mountains in the north, and a narrow coastal plain along the Mediterranean. The climate ranges from arid to semi-arid, with severe weather conditions such as droughts and earthquakes posing risks.

Elevation: Highest point at 2,908 m (Tahat), lowest at -40 m (Chott Melrhir).
Coastline: Measures 998 km along the Mediterranean Sea.
Natural Resources: Rich in petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, and uranium.

People and Society

Algeria's population of 47.7 million is predominantly Arab-Amazigh, with about 99% identifying as such, and 1% as European. The country has a youthful median age of 29.3 years and a high urbanization rate, with 75.3% of the populace living in cities. Education and health expenditures reflect a commitment to improving living standards, although challenges remain in literacy and healthcare access.

Birth Rate: Approximately 19.62 births/1,000 population (2025).
Life Expectancy: Estimated at 77.9 years for the total population.
Urban Population: 75.3% (as of 2023).

Economy

Algeria's economy is predominantly oil and gas-driven, which has led to issues of reliance on this sector and insufficient market diversification. The country's GDP (PPP) is projected to be $722.9 billion in 2024, with a growth rate of 3.3%. However, unemployment remains a significant concern, particularly among youth, with a rate of 11.5% expected in 2024.

GDP per Capita: Anticipated at $15,400 in 2024.
Unemployment Rate: Estimated at 11.5% in 2024.
Industrial Production Growth: Estimated at 3.9% in 2023.

Government

Algeria operates as a presidential republic with a bicameral legislature. The capital, Algiers, is home to a significant political landscape influenced by the National Liberation Front (FLN). Recent elections saw low voter turnout, reflecting public disillusionment with political processes. The country is undergoing constitutional reforms to enhance democratic practices.

Independence: Achieved on July 5, 1962.
Legislative Structure: Bicameral Parliament consisting of the National People's Assembly and the Council of the Nation.
Current President: Abdelmadjid TEBBOUNE, in office since December 2019.

Military and Security

Algeria maintains a robust military structure known as the Algerian People's National Army (ANP), responsible for both external defense and internal security. Military expenditures in 2024 are projected to be around 8% of GDP. The military has historically played a central role in the nation’s politics and continues to address threats from terrorism and regional instability.

Active Personnel: Estimated at 200,000 within the ANP as of 2025.
National Service: Mandatory for men at age 19 with a term of 12 months.
Military Equipment: Focus on modernizing arms acquired primarily from Russia.

Energy

Algeria's energy sector is dominated by fossil fuels, particularly natural gas and petroleum, which represent a significant portion of exports. Electricity access is nearly universal, with a generation capacity of 22.6 million kW and consumption rates indicating significant reliance on these resources.

Natural Gas Production: Estimated at 104.9 billion cubic meters in 2023.
Crude Oil Production: Approximately 1.443 million bbl/day in 2023.
Electricity Consumption: Projected at 85.7 billion kWh in 2023.

Environment

Algeria faces environmental challenges, including air pollution in urban areas, desertification, and water resource management issues. The government is a signatory to multiple international environmental agreements, highlighting its commitment to addressing these issues.

Urban Pollution: Significant pollution from industrial effluents and waste management problems.
Renewable Water Resources: Total estimated at 11.7 billion cubic meters in 2022.
Waste Recycling: Only 11% of municipal waste recycled in 2022.

Transportation

Algeria's transportation network is extensive, featuring 95 airports and a railway system covering 4,020 km. Major ports facilitate international trade, with key ports located in Algiers, Oran, and Annaba.

Merchant Marine: Comprises 119 vessels as of 2022.
Airports: Total of 95 with a significant number accommodating civil air traffic.
Railways: Extensive system spanning 4,020 km for freight and passenger travel.

Communications

Algeria has a developing communications infrastructure, with a high percentage of mobile subscriptions and internet access. The state manages broadcasting services, maintaining a significant presence in media.

Mobile Subscriptions: Approximately 54.1 million as of 2024.
Internet Users: 77% of the population utilizing the internet as of 2023.
Telephones (Fixed Lines): 6.93 million subscriptions recorded for fixed-line services.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	47,735,685 (2025 est.)	Total estimated population
Area	2,381,740 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$722.912 billion (2024 est.)	Projected GDP (purchasing power parity)
Energy Consumption per Capita	61.843 million Btu/person (2023 est.)	Total energy consumption per capita
Birth Rate	19.62 births/1,000 (2025 est.)	Annual birth rate
Unemployment Rate	11.5% (2024 est.)	Estimated unemployment rate
Life Expectancy	77.9 years (2024 est.)	Life expectancy at birth
Youth Unemployment Rate	29.8% (2024 est.)	Unemployment rate for ages 15-24
Electricity Access	100% (2022 est.)	Percentage of population with access to electricity
Total Renewable Water Resources	11.667 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)	Available renewable water resources