Algeria

Since 1992, Algeria has been torn apart by a brutal Islamic insurgency and harsh counter-measures taken by the government to suppress the movement.

The Islamists launched their campaign of bombings, throat-slashings and other attacks after the Algerian army canceled a parliamentary vote that the Islamic Salvation Front was poised to win. An estimated 60,000 civilians have been massacred in the campaign of terror.

The insurgents want a government based on their strict interpretation of the Islamic holy book, the Koran. Such a government would require women to cover their heads, ban alcohol and institute compulsory Koranic education. Many secular Algerians oppose such aims.

Land and People | History |
| Travel | Financial | Weather

DEMOGRAPHICS

Population:
29,830,370
Average life span:
68 male; 70 female
Average income (US$):
$1,830
GDP per capita (US$):
$3,800
Literacy rate:
62%

THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE

Capital:
Algiers
Size:
919,595 square miles (2,381,751 sq. km)
Political leaders:
President Liamine Zeroual
Government type:
Republic
Religions:
Islam (99%, mostly Sunni)
Languages:
Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects

HISTORY

FINANCIAL

Monetary unit:
Algerian Dinar

CNN TRAVEL INFORMATION

CNN WEATHER INFORMATION

Forecasts:
Algiers
Annaba
Oran
Skikda
Forecast and satellite maps:
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