Countries Around the World Algeria Lori McManus Heinemann Library Chicago Illinois
Introducing Algeria Have you read about or have you ever seen pictures of Algeria What do you know about this large African country If you imagine a vast hot desert you are on the right track About four times the size of Spain Algeria’s land is over 80 percent desert The Sahara Desert also covers most of North Africa including Algeria’s neighboring countries However very few Algerians live in the sun-baked desert Algeria also has a beautiful coastline where the land meets the Mediterranean Sea Most Algerians live near this coast Here farms are abundant and large cities have modern services such as satellite television and access to the Internet Although people have lived in the region since ancient times Algeria was established as an independent country just 50 years ago Since its independence Algeria has had problems such as unhealthy water too few houses and even civil war In this same period of time the country has made strong progress in providing education and health care to its people Algeria’s government has also become a leader for peace and trade in North Africa In the midst of both problems and growth Algeria’s people maintain strong traditions Family ties are very important Religious beliefs guide everyday actions as well as major decisions Music expresses wise sayings religious ideas and strong emotions With a rich history and deep values Algerians are proud of their land and heritage
Recent unrest Recently Algeria has experienced unrest in its cities In early 2011 groups of angry Algerians gathered to publicly complain about high food prices lack of freedoms and dishonesty among leaders Many Algerians hope the unrest will lead to positive changes in the government the country The Sahara the world's largest desert It is easy to get lost in Algeria The Sahara Desert covers much of stretches 5,343,790 square miles 8.6 million square kilometers
