festivites
Here are some of the major festivities and holidays celebrated in Algeria:
1. Eid al-Fitr: This is a religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims. It is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. On this day, Muslims gather for special prayers, exchange gifts, and spend time with family and friends.
2. Independence Day: Celebrated on July 5th, this holiday commemorates Algeria's independence from France in 1962. The day is marked by parades, speeches, and cultural events across the country.
3. Eid al-Adha: Also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," this is another important religious holiday for Muslims. It falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, and honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. People celebrate by slaughtering animals and distributing meat to the poor, as well as gathering for prayers and other festivities.
4. Mawlid al-Nabi: This holiday celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is observed on the 12th day of Rabi' al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. People gather in mosques to recite poems and sing songs in honor of the Prophet, and many also decorate their homes and streets with lights and decorations.
5. New Year's Day: January 1st is recognized as a public holiday in Algeria, and people often celebrate by spending time with family and friends, exchanging gifts, and attending parties or other social events.
These holidays are often celebrated across Algeria, though traditions and customs may vary depending on the region and local culture.
seasons
Algeria has two primary tourist seasons:
1. Summer Season (June - August): The summer season is the peak season for tourism in Algeria, with warm weather and long hours of daylight. It is an excellent time to visit the Mediterranean coast and enjoy the beaches. However, it can get very crowded and hot, so visitors should plan accordingly and stay hydrated.
2. Winter Season (December - February): The winter season is an ideal time to explore Algeria's desert regions, such as the Sahara. Temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the historic sites. However, visitors should be aware that some areas may experience cold temperatures and snowfall.
It's important to note that Algeria is a predominantly Muslim country, and visitors should respect local customs and traditions. Additionally, visitors should exercise caution when traveling to remote or rural areas due to security concerns.
visa
Here are some special visa rules for visiting Algeria as a foreign citizen:
1. Visa Requirement: Most foreign visitors to Algeria require a visa, which can be obtained from Algerian embassies or consulates in their home country.
2. Invitation Letter: Visitors may need an invitation letter from a sponsor in Algeria to obtain a visa. This applies to business and tourist visas.
3. Multiple Entry Visa: Foreign nationals who plan to visit Algeria frequently can apply for a multiple-entry visa that is valid for up to six months.
4. Vaccination Certificate: Visitors from certain countries must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Algeria.
5. Residence Permit: Visitors planning to stay in Algeria for an extended period may need to apply for a residence permit at the local police station or prefecture.
The cost of obtaining an Algerian visa varies depending on the type and duration of the visa. In general, the fee ranges from $20 to $160. Applicants may also have to pay additional fees for processing or expedited service. It's recommended to check with the Algerian embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information on visa fees and requirements.
souvenirs
Some popular souvenirs to buy in Algeria include:
1. Traditional handicrafts such as pottery, carpets and textiles, leather goods, and jewelry. Prices vary depending on the item and quality, but expect to pay around 500-1000 DZD (4-8 USD) for a small pottery or leather item, and upwards of 5000 DZD (40 USD) for a high-quality carpet or piece of jewelry. These can be found in markets like the Souk El Had in Algiers or in specialized craft shops throughout the country.
2. Spices and herbs, particularly saffron, cumin, and harissa. Prices range from 50-200 DZD (less than 2 USD) per packet, and these can be found in markets and grocery stores throughout the country.
3. Dates, a traditional Algerian food. Prices vary depending on the variety and location, but expect to pay around 100-300 DZD (less than 3 USD) per kilogram. These can be found in markets and specialty food shops throughout the country.
4. Alabaster lamps, a specialty of the city of Tlemcen. Prices start at around 2000 DZD (16 USD) and go up depending on size and complexity. These can be found in specialty shops in Tlemcen and other cities.
5. Berber rugs, handmade by local artisans. Prices vary depending on size and quality, but expect to pay upwards of 10,000 DZD (80 USD) for a high-quality rug. These can be found in markets and specialty shops in cities like Algiers and Tizi Ouzou.
Note that prices are approximate and may vary depending on location and other factors. It is always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.
If you have 1 week
Hello! It's great that you are looking for a travel itinerary. Algeria is a beautiful country with a rich history, and there are many wonderful places to visit. Here is my suggested one-week itinerary:
Day 1: Algiers
Algiers is the capital of Algeria and has a fascinating mix of French colonial architecture and traditional Arab buildings. You can visit the Casbah, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its narrow streets, markets, and historic mosques. Don't forget to check out the stunning views over the Bay of Algiers.
Day 2: Tlemcen
Tlemcen is a city in northwestern Algeria with a rich history dating back to the Roman era. Visit the Great Mosque of Tlemcen, which was built in the 12th century and is one of the most important Islamic monuments in North Africa. You can also wander around the old town and soak up the atmosphere.
Day 3: Oran
Oran is a port city on the northwest coast of Algeria. You can visit the Santa Cruz Fort, which was built by the Spanish in the 16th century, and stroll along the waterfront promenade. The city also has a number of museums, including the Ahmed Zabana National Museum, which showcases Algerian history and culture.
Day 4: Constantine
Constantine is a city located in northeastern Algeria, known for its dramatic location on a plateau surrounded by deep gorges. You can visit the ancient bridge of Constantine, explore the old town and market, and take a cable car ride for some stunning views of the city.
Day 5: Ghardaia
Ghardaia is a town in southern Algeria that is famous for its unique architecture and traditional way of life. You can visit the Beni Isguen market, explore the maze-like streets of the old town, and visit the Ksour of Ghardaia, which are a series of fortified granaries that were used to store crops.
Day 6: Tassili n'Ajjer National Park
Tassili n'Ajjer National Park is located in southeastern Algeria and is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Africa. You can take a guided tour of the park to see the sand dunes, rock formations, and prehistoric cave paintings.
Day 7: Annaba
Annaba is a port city in northeastern Algeria that has a mix of French colonial and modern architecture. You can visit the Basilica of St. Augustine, which was built in the late 19th century, and explore the old town and waterfront.
I hope this itinerary gives you some ideas for your travels in Algeria. Enjoy your trip!
If you have 2 weeks
It's great to hear you're looking to take a two-week trip! Here are some itinerary suggestions for your location in Algeria:
1. Algiers: This coastal city has a lot of history and culture to offer, from the Casbah of Algiers to the Museum of Modern Art of Algiers. Take a stroll on the boardwalk or book a boat tour to see the stunning coastline.
2. Tlemcen: Located in western Algeria, Tlemcen is known for its beautiful architecture and historical landmarks such as the Grand Mosque of Tlemcen and the El Mansourah mosque. Explore the old town and stop by the local markets to get a taste of traditional Algerian cuisine.
3. Oran: Known as "the radiant city," Oran is a lively port town with a lot of character. Visit the iconic Santa Cruz Fort or take a stroll through the picturesque Le Theatre de Verdure park.
4. Sahara Desert: No trip to Algeria would be complete without a visit to the Sahara desert. Stay in a traditional Berber camp and ride camels over the dunes at sunset. It's an unforgettable experience!
5. Tipasa: This ancient Roman city is located on the coast and offers a glimpse into Algeria's rich history. Visit the ruins of the amphitheater and the Basilica of St. Salsa.
6. Bejaia: This charming port town is surrounded by picturesque hills and beaches. Visit the Gouraya National Park, which offers hiking trails and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
7. Constantine: This historic city is known for its impressive suspension bridge and the ancient city of Timgad nearby. Take a walk through the old town and stop by the Palace of Ahmed Bey for a view of the city.
These are just a few suggestions for your two-week itinerary in Algeria. Each place offers something unique and special, from history and culture to natural beauty and adventure. I hope you have an amazing trip!
Culture
Modern Algerian literature, split between Arabic, Tamazight and French, has been strongly influenced by the country's recent history. Famous novelists of the 20th century include Mohammed Dib, Albert Camus, Kateb Yacine and Ahlam Mosteghanemi while Assia Djebar is widely translated. Among the important novelists of the 1980s were Rachid Mimouni, later vice-president of Amnesty International, and Tahar Djaout, murdered by an Islamist group in 1993 for his secularist views.
Malek Bennabi and Frantz Fanon are noted for their thoughts on decolonization; Augustine of Hippo was born in Tagaste (modern-day Souk Ahras); and Ibn Khaldun, though born in Tunis, wrote the Muqaddima while staying in Algeria. The works of the Sanusi family in pre-colonial times, and of Emir Abdelkader and Sheikh Ben Badis in colonial times, are widely noted. The Latin author Apuleius was born in Madaurus (Mdaourouch), in what later became Algeria.
Contemporary Algerian cinema is various in terms of genre, exploring a wider range of themes and issues. There has been a transition from cinema which focused on the war of independence to films more concerned with the everyday lives of Algerians.
Algerian painters, like Mohammed Racim and Baya, attempted to revive the prestigious Algerian past prior to French colonisation, at the same time that they have contributed to the preservation of the authentic values of Algeria. In this line, Mohamed Temam, Abdelkhader Houamel have also returned through this art, scenes from the history of the country, the habits and customs of the past and the country life. Other new artistic currents including the one of M'hamed Issiakhem, Mohammed Khadda and Bachir Yelles, appeared on the scene of Algerian painting, abandoning figurative classical painting to find new pictorial ways, in order to adapt Algerian paintings to the new realities of the country through its struggle and its aspirations. Mohammed Khadda and M'hamed Issiakhem have been notable in recent years.
The historic roots of Algerian literature go back to the Numidian and Roman African era, when Apuleius wrote The Golden Ass, the only Latin novel to survive in its entirety. This period had also known Augustine of Hippo, Nonius Marcellus and Martianus Capella, among many others. The Middle Ages have known many Arabic writers who revolutionised the Arab world literature, with authors like Ahmad al-Buni, Ibn Manzur and Ibn Khaldoun, who wrote the Muqaddimah while staying in Algeria, and many others.
Albert Camus was an Algerian-born French Pied-Noir author. In 1957, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature.
Today Algeria contains, in its literary landscape, big names having not only marked the Algerian literature, but also the universal literary heritage in Arabic and French.
As a first step, Algerian literature was marked by works whose main concern was the assertion of the Algerian national entity, there is the publication of novels as the Algerian trilogy of Mohammed Dib, or even Nedjma of Kateb Yacine novel which is often regarded as a monumental and major work. Other known writers will contribute to the emergence of Algerian literature whom include Mouloud Feraoun, Malek Bennabi, Malek Haddad, Moufdi Zakaria, Abdelhamid Ben Badis, Mohamed Laïd Al-Khalifa, Mouloud Mammeri, Frantz Fanon, and Assia Djebar.
In the aftermath of the independence, several new authors emerged on the Algerian literary scene, they will attempt through their works to expose a number of social problems, among them there are Rachid Boudjedra, Rachid Mimouni, Leila Sebbar, Tahar Djaout and Tahir Wattar.
Currently, a part of Algerian writers tends to be defined in a literature of shocking expression, due to the terrorism that occurred during the 1990s, the other party is defined in a different style of literature who staged an individualistic conception of the human adventure. Among the most noted recent works, there is the writer, the swallows of Kabul and the attack of Yasmina Khadra, the oath of barbarians of Boualem Sansal, memory of the flesh of Ahlam Mosteghanemi and the last novel by Assia Djebar nowhere in my father's House.
Chaâbi music is a typically Algerian musical genre characterized by specific rhythms and of Qacidate (popular poems) in Arabic dialect. El Hadj M'Hamed El Anka is considered the greatest master of the art in modern times. He wrote over 350 songs and produced some 130 records before his death in 1978. Many of his pupils went on to be renowned musicians. The Constantinois Malouf style is saved by musician from whom Mohamed Tahar Fergani is a performer.
Folk music styles include Bedouin music, characterized by the poetic songs based on long kacida (poems); Kabyle music, based on a rich repertoire that is poetry and old tales passed through generations; Shawiya music, a folklore from diverse areas of the Aurès Mountains. Rahaba music style is unique to the Aures. Souad Massi is a rising Algerian folk singer. Other Algerian singers of the diaspora include Manel Filali in Germany and Kenza Farah in France. Tergui music is sung in Tuareg languages generally, Tinariwen had a worldwide success. Finally, the staïfi music is born in Sétif and remains a unique style of its kind.
Modern music is available in several facets, Raï music is a style typical of western Algeria. Rap, a relatively recent style in Algeria, is experiencing significant growth.
The Algerian state's interest in film-industry activities can be seen in the annual budget of DZD 200 million (EUR 1.3 million) allocated to production, specific measures and an ambitious programme plan implemented by the Ministry of Culture in order to promote national production, renovate the cinema stock and remedy the weak links in distribution and exploitation.
The financial support provided by the state, through the Fund for the Development of the Arts, Techniques and the Film Industry (FDATIC) and the Algerian Agency for Cultural Influence (AARC), plays a key role in the promotion of national production. Between 2007 and 2013, FDATIC subsidised 98 films (feature films, documentaries and short films). In mid-2013, AARC had already supported a total of 78 films, including 42 feature films, 6 short films and 30 documentaries.
According to the European Audiovisual Observatory's LUMIERE database, 41 Algerian films were distributed in Europe between 1996 and 2013; 21 films in this repertoire were Algerian-French co-productions. Days of Glory (2006) and Outside the Law (2010) recorded the highest number of admissions in the European Union, 3,172,612 and 474,722, respectively.
Algeria won the Palme d'Or for Chronicle of the Years of Fire (1975), two Oscars for Z (1969), and other awards for the Italian-Algerian movie The Battle of Algiers.
Algerian cuisine is rich and diverse. The country was considered as the "granary of Rome". It offers a component of dishes and varied dishes, depending on the region and according to the seasons. The cuisine uses cereals as the main products, since they are always produced with abundance in the country. There is not a dish where cereals are not present.
Algerian cuisine varies from one region to another, according to seasonal vegetables. It can be prepared using meat, fish and vegetables. Among the dishes known, couscous, chorba, rechta, chakhchoukha, berkoukes, shakshouka, mthewem, chtitha, mderbel, dolma, brik or bourek, garantita, lham'hlou, etc. Merguez sausage is widely used in Algeria, but it differs, depending on the region and on the added spices.
Cakes are marketed and can be found in cities either in Algeria, in Europe or North America. However, traditional cakes are also made at home, following the habits and customs of each family. Among these cakes, there are Tamina, Baklawa, Chrik, Garn logzelles, Griouech, Kalb el-louz, Makroud, Mbardja, Mchewek, Samsa, Tcharak, Baghrir, Khfaf, Zlabia, Aarayech, Ghroubiya and Mghergchette. Algerian pastry also contains Tunisian or French cakes. Marketed and home-made bread products include varieties such as Kessra or Khmira or Harchaya, chopsticks and so-called washers Khoubz dar or Matloue. Other traditional meals sold often as street food include mhadjeb or mahjouba, karantika, doubara, chakhchoukha, hassouna, and t'chicha.
Various games have existed in Algeria since antiquity. In the Aures, people played several games such as El Kherba or El khergueba (chess variant). Playing cards, checkers and chess games are part of Algerian culture. Racing (fantasia) and rifle shooting are part of cultural recreation of the Algerians.
The first Algerian and African gold medalist is Boughera El Ouafi in 1928 Olympics of Amsterdam in the Marathon. The second Algerian Medalist was Alain Mimoun in 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne. Several men and women were champions in athletics in the 1990s including Noureddine Morceli, Hassiba Boulmerka, Nouria Merah-Benida, and Taoufik Makhloufi, all specialized in middle-distance running.
Football is the most popular sport in Algeria. Several names are engraved in the history of the sport, including Lakhdar Belloumi, Rachid Mekhloufi, Hassen Lalmas, Rabah Madjer, Riyad Mahrez, Salah Assad and Djamel Zidane. The Algeria national football team qualified for the 1982 FIFA World Cup, 1986 FIFA World Cup, 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2014 FIFA World Cup. In addition, several football clubs have won continental and international trophies as the club ES Sétif or JS Kabylia. The Algerian Football Federation is an association of Algeria football clubs organizing national competitions and international matches of the selection of Algeria national football team.
Religion
Islam is the predominant religion in Algeria, with its adherents, mostly Sunnis, accounting for 99% of the population according to a 2021 CIA World Factbook estimate, and 97.9% according to Pew Research in 2020. There are about 290,000 Ibadis in the M'zab Valley in the region of Ghardaia.
Prior to independence, Algeria was home to more than 1.3 million Christians (mostly of French ancestry). Many Christian settlers left to France after the independence from France. Today, estimates of the Christian population range from 20,000 to 200,000. Algerian citizens who are Christians predominantly belong to Protestant groups, which have seen increased pressure from the government in recent years including many forced closures.
According to the Arab Barometer in 2018–2019, the vast majority of Algerians (99.1%) continue to identify as Muslim. The June 2019 Arab Barometer-BBC News report found that the percentage of Algerians identifying as non-religious has grown from around 8% in 2013 to around 15% in 2018. The Arab Barometer December 2019, found that the growth in the percentage of Algerians identifying as non-religious is largely driven by young Algerians, with roughly 25% describing themselves as non-religious. However, the 2021 Arab Barometer report found that those who said they were not religious among Algerians has decreased, with just 2.6% identifying as non-religious. In that same report, 69.5% of Algerians identified as religious and another 27.8% identifying as somewhat religious.
Algeria has given the Muslim world a number of prominent thinkers, including Emir Abdelkader, Abdelhamid Ben Badis, Mouloud Kacem Naît Belkacem, Malek Bennabi and Mohamed Arkoun.
Demographics
Algeria has a population of an estimated 44 million, of which the majority, 75% to 85% are ethnically Arab. At the outset of the 20th century, its population was approximately four million. About 90% of Algerians live in the northern, coastal area; the inhabitants of the Sahara desert are mainly concentrated in oases, although some 1.5 million remain nomadic or partly nomadic. 28.1% of Algerians are under the age of 15.
Between 90,000 and 165,000 Sahrawis from Western Sahara live in the Sahrawi refugee camps, in the western Algerian Sahara desert. There are also more than 4,000 Palestinian refugees, who are well integrated and have not asked for assistance from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In 2009, 35,000 Chinese migrant workers lived in Algeria.
The largest concentration of Algerian migrants outside Algeria is in France, which has reportedly over 1.7 million Algerians of up to the second generation.
Arabs and indigenous Berbers as well as Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantine Greeks, Turks, various Sub-Saharan Africans, and French have contributed to the history and culture of Algeria. Descendants of Andalusian refugees are also present in the population of Algiers and other cities. Moreover, Spanish was spoken by these Aragonese and Castillian Morisco descendants deep into the 18th century, and even Catalan was spoken at the same time by Catalan Morisco descendants in the small town of Grish El-Oued.
The majority of the population of Algeria are Arabs (75% to 85% of the population). Berbers who make up 15% to 20% of the population are divided into many groups with varying languages. The largest of these are the Kabyles, who live in the Kabylie region east of Algiers, the Chaoui of Northeast Algeria, the Tuaregs in the southern desert and the Shenwa people of North Algeria.
During the colonial period, there was a large (10% in 1960) European population who became known as Pied-Noirs. They were primarily of French, Spanish and Italian origin. Almost all of this population left during the war of independence or immediately after its end.
Modern Standard Arabic and Berber are the official languages. Algerian Arabic (Darja) is the language used by the majority of the population. Colloquial Algerian Arabic has some Berber loanwords which represent 8% to 9% of its vocabulary.
Berber has been recognised as a "national language" by the constitutional amendment of 8 May 2002. Kabyle, the predominant Berber language, is taught and is partially co-official (with a few restrictions) in parts of Kabylie. Kabyle has a significant Arabic, French, Latin, Greek, Phoenician and Punic substratum, and Arabic loanwords represent 35% of the total Kabyle vocabulary. In February 2016, the Algerian constitution passed a resolution that made Berber an official language alongside Arabic.
Although French has no official status in Algeria, it has one of the largest Francophone populations in the world, and French is widely used in government, media (newspapers, radio, local television), and both the education system (from primary school onwards) and academia due to Algeria's colonial history. It can be regarded as a lingua franca of Algeria. In 2008, 11.2 million Algerians could read and write in French. An Abassa Institute study in April 2000 found that 60% of households could speak and understand French, or 18 million people out of a total of 30 million at the time. Following a period during which the Algerian government tried to phase out French, in recent decades the government has changed course and reinforced the study of French, and some television programs are broadcast in the language.
Algeria emerged as a bilingual state after 1962. Colloquial Algerian Arabic is spoken by about 83% of the population and Berber by 27%.
Islam is the predominant religion in Algeria, with its adherents, mostly Sunnis, accounting for 99% of the population according to a 2021 CIA World Factbook estimate, and 97.9% according to Pew Research in 2020. There are about 290,000 Ibadis in the M'zab Valley in the region of Ghardaia.
Prior to independence, Algeria was home to more than 1.3 million Christians (mostly of French ancestry). Many Christian settlers left to France after the independence from France. Today, estimates of the Christian population range from 20,000 to 200,000. Algerian citizens who are Christians predominantly belong to Protestant groups, which have seen increased pressure from the government in recent years including many forced closures.
According to the Arab Barometer in 2018–2019, the vast majority of Algerians (99.1%) continue to identify as Muslim. The June 2019 Arab Barometer-BBC News report found that the percentage of Algerians identifying as non-religious has grown from around 8% in 2013 to around 15% in 2018. The Arab Barometer December 2019, found that the growth in the percentage of Algerians identifying as non-religious is largely driven by young Algerians, with roughly 25% describing themselves as non-religious. However, the 2021 Arab Barometer report found that those who said they were not religious among Algerians has decreased, with just 2.6% identifying as non-religious. In that same report, 69.5% of Algerians identified as religious and another 27.8% identifying as somewhat religious.
Algeria has given the Muslim world a number of prominent thinkers, including Emir Abdelkader, Abdelhamid Ben Badis, Mouloud Kacem Naît Belkacem, Malek Bennabi and Mohamed Arkoun.
In 2018, Algeria had the highest numbers of physicians in the Maghreb region (1.72 per 1,000 people), nurses (2.23 per 1,000 people), and dentists (0.31 per 1,000 people). Access to "improved water sources" was around 97.4% of the population in urban areas and 98.7% of the population in the rural areas. Some 99% of Algerians living in urban areas, and around 93.4% of those living in rural areas, had access to "improved sanitation". According to the World Bank, Algeria is making progress toward its goal of "reducing by half the number of people without sustainable access to improved drinking water and basic sanitation by 2015". Given Algeria's young population, policy favours preventive health care and clinics over hospitals. In keeping with this policy, the government maintains an immunisation program. However, poor sanitation and unclean water still cause tuberculosis, hepatitis, measles, typhoid fever, cholera and dysentery. The poor generally receive health care free of charge.
Health records have been maintained in Algeria since 1882 and began adding Muslims living in the south to their vital record database in 1905 during French rule.
Since the 1970s, in a centralised system that was designed to significantly reduce the rate of illiteracy, the Algerian government introduced a decree by which school attendance became compulsory for all children aged between 6 and 15 years who have the ability to track their learning through the 20 facilities built since independence, now the literacy rate is around 92.6%. Since 1972, Arabic is used as the language of instruction during the first nine years of schooling. From the third year, French is taught and it is also the language of instruction for science classes. The students can also learn English, Italian, Spanish and German. In 2008, new programs at the elementary appeared, therefore the compulsory schooling does not start at the age of six anymore, but at the age of five. Apart from the 122 private schools, the Universities of the State are free of charge. After nine years of primary school, students can go to the high school or to an educational institution. The school offers two programs: general or technical. At the end of the third year of secondary school, students pass the exam of the baccalaureate, which allows once it is successful to pursue graduate studies in universities and institutes.
Education is officially compulsory for children between the ages of six and 15. In 2008, the illiteracy rate for people over 10 was 22.3%, 15.6% for men and 29.0% for women. The province with the lowest rate of illiteracy was Algiers Province at 11.6%, while the province with the highest rate was Djelfa Province at 35.5%.
Algeria has 26 universities and 67 institutions of higher education, which must accommodate a million Algerians and 80,000 foreign students in 2008. The University of Algiers, founded in 1879, is the oldest, it offers education in various disciplines (law, medicine, science and letters). Twenty-five of these universities and almost all of the institutions of higher education were founded after the independence of the country.
Even if some of them offer instruction in Arabic like areas of law and the economy, most of the other sectors as science and medicine continue to be provided in French and English. Among the most important universities, there are the University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, the University of Mentouri Constantine, and University of Oran Es-Senia. The University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd in Tlemcen and University of Batna Hadj Lakhdar occupy the 26th and 45th row in Africa. Algeria was ranked 120th in the Global Innovation Index in 2021, down from 113rd in 2019.
Cities:
