The Geography of Algeria

The Geography of Algeria from algeria.com

Algeria holds the title of Africa's second largest country and the tenth largest in the world. Covering such an immense landscape, Algeria is a country of diversity, extending from coastline to the Sahara desert. Algeria's geography is fascinating and traveling through the country is a unique experience. Join us as we consider Algeria's geographical features.

Situated in North Africa, Algeria is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea in the north, Tunisia and Libya toward the east, Mauritania, Niger and Mali in the south, and Morocco on the west. Algeria's climatic regions and landscape can be divided into four sections which run parallel to each other horizontally down the country. The northern-most division, the Tell, takes in all of the 1 200km of Algeria's coastline. It is described as a hilly sub-coastal zone and forms a small percentage of Algeria's land area. Despite its small size, the Tell is inhabited by more than ninety percent of Algeria's population, chiefly because it is the most fertile region. Major cities, including the capital Algiers are scattered along or near the coastline.

South of this section you will come across the Tell Atlas mountain ranges with its impressive peaks and lovely valleys. The mountain ranges extend into the High Plateaus, a massive area of mostly barren plains. The next landscape band is made up of further mountain ranges which are part of Algeria's Saharan Atlas range.

The last section, and the biggest is the Sahara desert. This expanse covers over 80 percent of Algeria's land area to the south of the Saharan Atlas range. An area of extremes, the Sahara desert is certainly not dull, but rather a place where you will observe the most striking sights.

Algeria's territory can be described as arid to semiarid. Rainfall in the northern areas of Algeria measures around 1 000mm annually. The coastal areas experience mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Certain sections of the Sahara desert may not receive rain for periods of up to 20 years. Temperatures in the Sahara can push the mercury past 55'C. During Algeria's summers a hot Sirocco wind blows bringing with it dust and sand.

Natural resources in Algeria include petroleum, iron ore, uranium, zinc, lead, natural gas and uranium. Algeria's chief crops grown in the more fertile regions are sorghum, barley, maize, wheat and oats. Vineyards as well as tobacco plantations in the country export their products. Other goods grown are dates, figs, fruits, olives and vegetables. Algeria also exports large quantities of cork.

From the relatively fertile, mountainous areas of the north to the expansive Sahara desert to the south, Algeria's geography is diverse and a real treat to the eyes.