Overview
Algeria, officially known as the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, is a country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It holds the distinction of being the largest country on the African continent and the tenth largest in the world, spanning an area of over 2,381,741 square kilometres (919,595 sq mi).
Geography and Borders
Algeria occupies a strategic position in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north. Its extensive land borders connect it to several neighboring countries:
- Tunisia to the northeast
- Libya to the east
- Niger to the southeast
- Mali, Mauritania, and Western Sahara to the southwest
- Morocco to the west
This vast territorial extent makes Algeria a significant geographic and political entity within the Maghreb and the wider African continent.
Population and Capital
Algeria is home to a population exceeding 47 million people, making it the tenth-most populous country in Africa. The nation's capital and largest city is Algiers, which serves as the country's primary center of governance, culture, and economic activity.
Significance in the Region
As the largest country in Africa by area, Algeria plays an important role in the Maghreb region, a part of North Africa that also includes neighboring states such as Tunisia and Morocco. Its size, population, and strategic location along the Mediterranean coast contribute to its prominence both regionally and internationally.