Relief and minerals of Algeria. North African Countries: Algeria

Algeria is located in northern Africa. One of the largest countries on the continent. The total area of ​​the country is 2,381,740 km2. The length of the coastline is 998 km.

One of the largest and most developed countries in Africa, located in the north of the mainland. The country's territory occupies the central part of the Atlas mountain system and the north of the Sahara Desert. The relief of northern Algeria is represented by two main ridges - Coastal (or Tel Atlas) and Sahara Atlas and intermountain plains. The highest point is Mount Tahat (3003 m.) In the Ahaggar Highlands. The territory of the Sahara is occupied by rocky deserts - hamads and sandy - ergs. The river network is poorly developed (the main river is the Shelif), most of the rivers regularly dry up. Borders with Morocco in the west, Tunisia and Libya in the east, with Niger, Mali, Mauritania in the south. From the north it is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Algeria belongs to the countries of the Maghreb ("Arab West"). The total area of ​​Algeria is 2381.7 thousand square meters. km.

Algerian nature

The Tell Atlas mountain range running in the north along the coast is cut through by a few bays and plains. The lowlands around the cities of Algiers and Oran are densely populated. Small bays are used for fishing, iron ore and oil export. Tell Atlas rises above sea level by more than 1830 m and includes the Tlemcen, Big and Small Kabilia and Mejerda massifs.

At medium altitudes, there are shrubs of the Mediterranean type and cork oak forests. At higher elevations, cedar and pine forests once grew, but as a result of felling, fires and cattle grazing, many mountain areas have turned into a wasteland covered with bushes. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and warm rainy winters. In winter, snow covers only the highest peaks. The range of average annual precipitation is from 760 mm on the coast to 1270 mm on the slopes of Tell Atlas facing the sea and less than 640 mm on its inner slopes.

The southern part of Tell Atlas is a high plateau with an average height of 1070 m. This region is characterized by semi-arid climatic conditions with an annual rainfall of 250–510 mm. In more humid areas, grains and alpha grass (esparto) are cultivated, the fibers of which are used to make ropes, fabrics and high-quality paper. Salt lakes (called shott) and salt marshes are found at lower elevations with a dry climate. Located even further to the south, the Sahara Atlas rises to a height of 150 m above the plateau level and then descends to the Sahara by more than 300 m. The highest part of the Sahara Atlas is the Ksur, Amur and Uled-Nail mountain systems. The annual rainfall on the northern slopes is approx. 510 mm, on the south - 200 mm. Thanks to its abundant grass cover, the Sahara Atlas serves as a convenient grazing area for livestock.

Algeria statistics
(as of 2012)

The rest of the country is occupied by the Sahara Desert. The average elevation in the Sahara is approx. 460 m.In the area of ​​the Ahaggar (Hoggar) massif near the southern border of Algeria is the highest peak of the country, Mount Tahat - 2908 m.Most of the Sahara is occupied by rubble and pebble deserts (hamads and regi), and about 1/4 of them are sandy deserts (ergs) ... It is hot during the day, sometimes the temperature reaches 35 °, but the nights are cool. Precipitation is extremely rare. In the oases, under conditions of constant irrigation, the date palm grows. In Algeria, only a few rivers have a constant flow, the rest are fed by rainfall. The sources of water supply are wells dug in dry river beds (wadis); in many places, groundwater is used, which flows to the surface through artesian wells and foggar - horizontal tunnels dug at a slight slope.

Geological structure of Algeria

In the territory of Algeria, there are regions of different geological structure and metallogeny - Sahara (part of the ancient African platform) and Atlas (sector of the Mediterranean geosynclinal belt), separated by the South Atlas fault. In the south of the Sahara region, the Ahaggar (Hoggar) shield stands out, in the southwest - El-Eglab (Regibat). They are composed of Archean crystalline rocks, metamorphosed volcanic-detrital and carbonate deposits of the Lower Proterozoic and Riphean-Vendian; in Akhaggar, geosynclinal-orogenic volcanic-sedimentary deposits, Taurirt granites (650-500 Ma) are also widely developed. The platform cover is formed by Riphean-Vendian marine terrigenous-carbonate deposits (especially in the Regibat massif), lagoon-continental and marine deposits of the Paleozoic (thickness 1.2-3.8 km), Triassic sandstones and evaporites, Jurassic-Neogene clays and sandstones.

In the cover of the Sahara plate, there are syneclises (Tindouf, West and East Sahara), separated by uplifts, and the Ugarta zone, which is an aulacogen, the folding of which manifested itself at the end of the Carboniferous. Deposits of uranium, tin, tungsten ores, rare metals and gold in Ahaggar are associated with volcanics and granites of the Riphean-Vendian. In the Tindouf syneclise, among the Paleozoic clay-sandy deposits of the platform cover, the largest deposits of iron ores are located, in the south of Ahaggar - promising deposits of uranium. Anticlines in the sediments of the cover at the northern plunge of the Ahaggara contain unique deposits of oil (Hassi-Mesaud) and gas (Hassi-Rmel).

Evaporites, gypsum-saline clays and red-colored Triassic clastic rocks overlain by marine terrigenous-carbonate deposits and carbonate-terrigenous flysch (Jurassic, Cretaceous, Paleogene) are developed in the Atlas fold region. In the north, the Neogene is represented by marine volcanic-sedimentary, clay-carbonate, in the south - by continental sediments.

In Tel Atlas, folded rocks of the Mesozoic-Cenozoic (up to and including the Middle Miocene) form a series of tectonic nappes (nappes) displaced from north to south. In the coastal zone, andesites and granitoids of the Neogene are slightly developed, in the massifs of Bolshaya and Malaya Kabiliya - metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian and Paleozoic shales, which protrude to the surface. To the south of Tel Atlas is the platform block of the High Plateau (Oranskaya Messeta), where the folded Hercynian basement is covered by a thin, weakly deformed cover of the Mesozoic - Cenozoic. Terrigenous and volcanogenic-shale rocks of the Paleozoic, crumpled and broken by Hercynian granitoids, are exposed in the handfuls. To the south of the High Plateau, there is a moderately folded zone of the Sahara Atlas, formed at the site of the Mesozoic trough. In general, the Atlas region is dominated by near-latitudinal folds and faults of the eastern and northeastern (or "Atlas") strike, as well as submeridional "Red Sea" faults, superimposed in the northern part of Algeria on the Tel Atlas nappes. Longitudinal and transverse faults determine the location of volcanic rocks, evaporite diapirs and the most important ore-bearing zones with deposits of ferrous and non-ferrous metals in the Atlas region. In Northern Algeria, deposits of iron, zinc, lead, copper, antimony, mercury and various types of non-metallic raw materials are associated with the Mesozoic - Cenozoic rocks.

The territory of Algeria is characterized by high seismicity, which is associated with movement along faults and ridges in various zones of Northern Algeria. The most seismic is Tel Atlas (6-7 points), within its limits are the coastal zones (Tenes-Shershel, Oran-Mostaganem and Shelif).

Minerals of Algeria

In Algeria, deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, ores of uranium, iron, manganese, copper, lead, zinc, mercury, antimony, gold, tin, tungsten, as well as phosphorites, barite, etc. have been discovered and explored.

In terms of oil reserves, Algeria ranks third in Africa. On the territory of Algeria, 183 oil and gas fields are known, confined to the Algerian-Libyan oil and gas basin; most of the deposits are located in the northeast of the Sahara region. The largest oil field, Hassi-Mesaud, is located in the Cambrian-Ordovician sandstones. Significant reserves are possessed by the Zarzaitin, Hassi-Tuil, Hassi-el-Agrab, Tin-Fue, Gurd-el-Bagel and others fields. In terms of gas reserves, Algeria ranks 1st in Africa. The largest gas field in the Hassi-Rmel lies in the Triassic sandstones; Significant gas reserves have been explored at the Gurd-Hyc, Nezla, Oued-Numer and others fields.

Coal reserves are insignificant, its deposits (Kenadza, Abadla, Mesarif) are concentrated in the sediments of the Upper Carboniferous in the Beshar basin. Coals are fat, caking, medium ash (8-20%), contain 20-35% volatile impurities and 2-3.5% sulfur.

In terms of uranium ore reserves, Algeria ranks 4th in Africa. Hydrothermal vein deposits of uranium ores Timgauin, Tinef and Abankor are explored in Akhaggar (proven reserves are 12 thousand tons, U3O8 content is 20%); in the south of the shield, uranium occurrences are known in the Paleozoic sandstones (Tahaggart).

In terms of iron ore reserves, Algeria is in second place in Africa. In Northern Algeria, metasomatic deposits of iron ores have been explored in the reef limestones of the Aptian (Jebel Ouenza, Bu Khadra), the total reserves of which are over 100 million tons, and the Fe content is 40-56%. In the Tindouf syneclise, the largest Devonian sedimentary deposits of oolitic iron ores have been identified in Algeria - Gara-Jebilet (total reserves of 2 billion tons, Fe content 50-57%) and Mesheri-Abdelaziz (2 billion tons, 50-55%). The reserves of manganese ores are insignificant, they are confined to the volcanic-hydrothermal Oued Gettara field (total reserves of 1.5 million tons, Fe content 40-50%) in the Beshar region.

Algeria ranks second in Africa in terms of reserves of lead and zinc ores. In Northern Algeria, stratiform, vein (telethermal) and lenticular vein (hydrothermal) deposits of polymetallic ores are developed. Stratiform deposits of lead and zinc ores are located in carbonate deposits of the Jurassic (El-Abed, Deglen), Cretaceous (Kerzet-Yusef, Meslulla, Dzhebel-Ishmul), veins in sandy-argillaceous rocks of the Cretaceous (Gerruma, Sakamodi) are associated with diapirs of the evaporoids. Volcanic and plutonogenic-hydrothermal copper-polymetallic deposits in the Cretaceous - Neogene rocks are associated with Miocene volcanics (Bu-Sufa, Ued-el-Kebir) and granitoids (Bu-Duka, Ashaish, Ain-Barbar, Kef-um-Tebul). Ore occurrences of cuprous sandstones are known in the Cretaceous and Triassic (Ain Sefra, in the west of the Sahara Atlas), Cambrian (Ben-Tajik in Ugart) and Vendian (Khank Nyug Regibat).

Algeria ranks 1st in Africa in terms of mercury reserves (about 4% of global reserves). Deposits of mercury ores were found in the Azzaba region among terrigenous-clastic rocks of the Cretaceous - Paleogene and in Precambrian shales (Genisha deposits - total reserves in terms of metal 4.5 thousand tons, Hg content 1.16%; Mpa-Cma, respectively 7.7 thousand t, 3.9%; Ismail - worked out). In terms of antimony ore reserves, Algeria ranks second in Africa; they are concentrated in northern Algeria at the Hammam Nbiles telethermal field. In terms of reserves of tungsten ores, Algeria ranks 1st in Africa. Quartz-cassiterite-wolframite greisen-vein bodies of Nakhda (Launi), Tin-Amzi, ​​El-Kapycca, Bashir, Tiftazunin and others associated with the Taurirt granites have been explored in Ahaggar. In Northern Algeria, the Belelieta skarn-scheelite deposit is known.

The most significant hydrothermal vein deposits of gold — Tiririn, Tirek, Amesmessa, Tin-Felki, and others — have been explored in the Precambrian crystalline rocks of Ahaggara; exploration and prospecting for gold continues.

In Northern Algeria, the Bou Duaou field has been identified.

In terms of phosphorite reserves, Algeria is in 5th place in Africa. In Northern Algeria, deposits of granular phosphorites are confined to clay-carbonate deposits of the Upper Cretaceous - Paleogene. The largest deposits are Jebelonk, El-Kuif, Mzayta (see. Arabian-African phosphorite province).

In terms of barite reserves, Algeria ranks second in Africa. In Northern Algeria, the vein deposits of Mizab (total reserves of 2.15 million tons, BaSO4 content of 90%), Affensu, Bou-Mani, Varsenis and Sidi-Camber were identified, in the Beshar region - the vein fields of Bu-Qais, Abadla, etc. other minerals in Algeria, the large celestine deposit Beni-Mansur (Northern Algeria) has been explored, the total reserves of which are 6.1 million tons; deposits of pyrite (reserves are small), sodium chloride, etc. are known.

The history of the development of mineral resources. The earliest evidence of the use of stone for making tools was found in Ternifin and dates back to the Lower Paleolithic (about 700 thousand years ago). From the Neolithic era, the extraction of clays for the manufacture of ceramic dishes begins (5-4 millennium BC), from the 2nd millennium BC. - stone for the construction of large burial structures - dolmens. Information about the developed mining and metallurgical production in the Middle Ages is given in the works of Arab scientists and travelers al-Yakubi (9th century), al-Bakri (11th century), al-Qazwini (13th century), etc. The main mining centers were concentrated in the north - iron ore mines "Nemur" and "Beni-Saf" near the city of Arzev (Western Algeria), as well as near the cities. Setif, Annaba, Bedjaia; copper mines in the Jebel Ketam mountains. In the department of Constantine (near Madjana, Eastern Algeria), the development of deposits of silver, lead ores, building stone (no later than the 16th century) is also mentioned. Mercury ore was mined near the town of Arzev. In the 10th century, salt mines were located on the Jebel el-Melkh hill ("Mountain of Salt").

After the colonization of Algeria (1830), an intensive search for minerals began in the country. Industrial exploitation of iron ore deposits (Ain Mokra, Beni Saf, Jebel Wenza, Mokti el Hadid) has been carried out since the 50-60s. 19th century, at the same time, intensive development of deposits of lead, zinc and copper ores (Muzaya, Oued-Merja, Tizi-Ntaga), phosphorites was carried out (since 1893). In 1907, the main coal deposit of Algeria, Kenadza, was discovered, the maximum production at which was carried out during the years of World War II (1939-45).

Mining. General characteristics. The leading mining industry is oil and gas (more than 90% of the value of all products of the mining industry); provides most of the foreign exchange earnings. In 1981, oil and gas accounted for 96% of the country's export value, which amounted to 62 billion Algerian dinars. In the mining industry, the public sector plays a leading role. In the oil and gas industry, the state-owned company Société Nationale pour la Recherche, la Production, le Transport, la Transformation et la Commercialization des Hydrocarbures (SONATRACH) holds a monopoly position. The company took control of oil and gas reserves and production, all main oil and gas pipelines, gas liquefaction and oil refineries.

The total number of personnel employed in the oil and gas industry is about 36 thousand people (1980). The Algerian government promotes the development of the oil and gas industry by merging with foreign capital (up to 49%) while retaining 51% of the shares in SONATRACH. The company conducts production and exploration for oil and gas in the Sahara in cooperation with the French companies Total, Compagnie Française de Pétrole, Compagnie de Recherches et d'Activités Pétrolières, US companies (Getty Oil Co.), Spain ("Hispanoil"), Germany ("Deminex"), Poland ("Copex") and Brazil ("Petrobras"). After the nationalization of mines and quarries (1966) in the mining industry of Algeria, the state company SONAREM fully controls the exploration, production, consumption and export of all solid minerals (the total number of employees is about 14 thousand people, 1980). The company includes 30 mines and open pits, and conducts exploration in Northern Algeria and the Sahara. Algeria is one of the leading producers of mercury. Extraction of iron ores and non-ferrous metals is negligible.

Algeria climate

The climate of Algeria is subtropical Mediterranean in the north and tropical desert in the Sahara. Winter on the coast is warm, rainy (12 ° C in January), in the mountains it is cool (there is snow for 2-3 weeks), in the Sahara it depends on the time of day (below 0 ° C at night, 20 ° C in the daytime). Summers in Algeria are hot and dry. Annual precipitation ranges from 0-50 mm in the Sahara to 400-1200 mm in the Atlas Mountains.

Water resources of Algeria

All rivers in Algeria are temporary streams (uedas) that are filled during the rainy season. The rivers of the far north of the country flow into the Mediterranean Sea, the rest are lost in the sands of the Sahara. They are used for irrigation and water supply, for which they built reservoirs and hydroelectric power plants. The largest river is Sheliff (700 km). The basins of lakes (sebhi) are also filled in the rainy period, and in summer they dry up and are covered with a salt crust up to 60 cm thick. In the Sahara, in areas of large reserves of groundwater, the largest oases are located.

Flora and fauna of Algeria

Algeria has a poor flora. In some places in the mountains there are cork oak forests, semi-desert and desert vegetation. Oak, olive, pine and thuja grow in the north of the country. The Sahara Desert contains practically no vegetation, and there are very few oases. The most typical species of animals for the country: jackals, hyenas, antelopes, gazelles, hares are also found.

Population of Algeria

During the era of the French conquest, the population of Algeria was approx. 3 million people. In 1966 it has already reached 11.823 million people, and in 1997 - 29.476 million people. In 1996, the birth rate was 28.5 per 1000 people, and the death rate was 5.9 per 1000 people. Infant mortality (children under one year old) is 48.7 per 1000 newborns. In the mid-1990s, approx. 68% of the population were under the age of 29.

Algeria was originally inhabited by people speaking the Berber languages. These peoples as early as 2000 BC. moved here from the Middle East. Most of the modern population uses the spoken version of the Arabic language in everyday life. The Arabs settled in Algeria during the Islamic conquests of the 7th and 8th centuries. and nomadic migrations 11-12 centuries. The mixing of two waves of immigrants with an autochthonous population led to the emergence of the so-called Arab-Berber ethnos, in the cultural development of which the Arab element plays a dominant role.

As the main ethnic subgroup of Algerian society, the Berbers play an important role in the life of the country. During the Roman and Arab conquests of North Africa, many Berbers moved from the coast to the highlands. Berbers make up approximately 1/5 of the country's population. The largest concentration of the Berber population is observed in the highlands of Djurdjura to the east of the capital, known as Kabylia. Local residents, Kabila, settled in many cities of the country, but carefully preserve ancient traditions. Other significant groups of the Berber population are represented by tribal unions of the Shawiyya, originating from the mountainous region around Batna, Mzabit, who settled in the oases of Northern Sahara, and the Tuareg nomads living in the far south in the Ahaggar region.

After the conquest of Algeria by France in the 19th century. the size of the European part of the population increased, and by 1960 approx. 1 million Europeans. Most of them had French roots, the ancestors of the rest moved to Algeria from Spain, Italy and Malta. After the proclamation of the independence of Algeria in 1962, most Europeans left the country.

Most of the population of Algeria is Sunni Muslim (Maliki and Hanafi). A number of followers of the Ibadi sect live in the Mzab Valley, Ouargle and Algeria. The state religion of the country is Islam. The country has approx. 150 thousand Christians, mostly Catholics, and about 1 thousand adherents of Judaism. The official language is Arabic, but French is still widely spoken. Some Berber tribes who speak Tamakhak and Tamazirt have acquired their writing. Several books have already been published in the Tamazirt dialect in Algeria.

About 3/4 of the population is concentrated in the foothills of Tell Atlas, approximately 1.5 million people live in the highlands and less than one million in the Sahara Desert. The highest density is observed near the capital and in the Kabylia region.

Most of it is located in extremely hot and dry climates. In this article, we will tell you in detail about the climate, features of the relief and minerals of the country.

Algeria: general geographic information

The Algerian People's Democratic Republic is one of the countries of North Africa with a wide outlet to the Mediterranean Sea (the length of the coastline is almost 1000 km). The total area of ​​Algeria is 2.38 million sq. km. Thus, it is the largest state on the continent.

More than 80% of the area of ​​Algeria is occupied by the largest desert on the planet - the Sahara. Therefore, it is not surprising that the overwhelming majority of the inhabitants of this country (at least 90%) are concentrated on a narrow strip of the sea coast.

The climate in most of Algeria is tropical desert (in the far north - marine subtropical). Summers in this country are very hot and dry. In the Sahara, the air temperature can warm up to +50 degrees during the day. Average annual rainfall ranges from 20 mm in the desert to 1200 mm in the mountains. There are small rivers with a constant flow only in the north of the country. They originate in the Atlas Mountains and carry their waters to the Mediterranean Sea.

Relief and minerals of Algeria (briefly)

As mentioned above, 4/5 of the territory of Algeria is occupied by the Sahara Desert. Here it is not homogeneous and consists of separate massifs - rocky and sandy. In the southeastern part of the Algerian Sahara, an elevated region stands out - the Ahaggar Highlands. This is nothing more than the outcropping of the ancient basement of the Sahara platform, which is estimated by geologists to be 2 billion years old. Almost from all sides the highland is surrounded by rocky plateaus, which bring some variety to the rather "boring" Saharan landscape (Tanezruft, Tademait, Tassilin-Adjer and others).

In the north of the country, two ridges of the Atlas Mountains stretched parallel to each other along the coast - the Sahara Atlas and Tel Atlas. There are raised structures between them - High plateaus. The Atlas is a geological structure of the Alpine age. In other words, these mountains are still forming today. Therefore, these areas are characterized by frequent earthquakes, from which many residents of Algeria suffer.

The relief and minerals are known to be closely related to the tectonic and geological structure of the territory. Geologically, the territory of the country is clearly divided into two regions - the platform Sahara (in the south and center) and the folded Atlas (in the far north). Deposits of fuel resources are confined to the first, and ore minerals and construction raw materials - to the second.

Are there many minerals in Algeria? In the bowels of this country lie oil and gas, ores of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as various construction raw materials.

Atlas Mountains

The name of the mountain system, as you probably already guessed, comes from the name of a mythological character holding the firmament on his mighty shoulders. Apparently, the ancient Greeks, admiring these high and rocky ridges, really thought that they "prop up the sky." A similar identification, by the way, is found in Ovid and Herodotus.

Atlas is the largest mountain range in Africa. It stretched across three states - Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The total length is over 2000 km. Within Algeria, the mountain system is represented by two parallel ridges (Sahara Atlas and Tel Atlas). The plateaus located between them are cut by deep gorges. By the way, it is in the mountains and foothills of the Atlas that the richest deposits of phosphorites are concentrated - one of the key minerals of Algeria.

It is curious that the highest point of Algeria is not at all in the Atlas Mountains, but within the Ahaggar Highlands.

Ahaggar Highlands

Ahaggar is a highland in the southeastern part of Algeria. It covers an area of ​​50 thousand square kilometers and consists mainly of volcanic rocks. The climate in the highlands is the driest in the entire Sahara. It is extremely hot here in summer, but in winter air temperatures can drop below zero. The national park of the same name is located within the highlands.

The indigenous population of the Ahaggar Highlands are Tuaregs (a people from the Berber group). For two centuries (from 1750 to 1977) they even had their own state - Kel-Akhaggar. At the end of the twentieth century, it became part of Algeria.

Tassilin-Adjer plateau

This plateau is located south of the Ahaggar Highlands, near the border with Niger. Its diameter is about 500 km, the highest point is Mount Azao (2158 meters). The plateau is composed of sandstones, in the thickness of which, as a result of erosion processes, stone pillars, arches and other objects of bizarre shapes have been formed. The name "Tassilin-Adjer" literally translates as "plateau of rivers". Once the massif was indeed covered with a dense network of watercourses. But then the climate changed, and only dried up channels remained of them, in which water appears extremely rarely.

Numerous petroglyphs have been found on this plateau. Some of them scientists date back to the 7th millennium BC. These pictures show scenes of hunting wild animals. Moreover, animals (rhinos, antelopes, buffaloes) are depicted incredibly realistically. Thanks to these findings, part of the Tassilin-Adjer plateau was included in 1982 in the UNESCO protected list.

Highest and lowest point in Algeria

The highest point of the country is in the Ahaggar Highlands. This is Mount Takhat 3003 meters high (according to other sources - 2918 m). The summit was first conquered by Swiss alpinist Edward Wyss-Dunant back in the 30s of the last century. By the way, at the foot of the mountain were also found ancient rock paintings dating back to the period between the eighth and second millennia BC.

The lowest point in Algeria is located in the north of the country. It is a salty and partially dry lake Melgir. The absolute height of this point ranges from 26 to 40 meters with a minus sign (depending on the water level in the lake). At maximum filling, the diameter of the reservoir reaches 130 kilometers. In summer, Melgir often dries up, turning into a typical salt marsh.

Anu Ifflis cave

In the foothills of Tel Atlas, there is the vertical Anu Ifflis cave, which is the deepest not only in Algeria, but throughout Africa. "Leopard Cave" - ​​this is how its name is translated from French. The depth of the karst cavity reaches 1170 meters. The cave was discovered only in 1980 by a group of French and Spanish cavers. To date, it has been poorly studied. At a depth of 200-500 meters, the walls of the cave are covered with thin veins of gold-bearing ores. This pattern is very reminiscent of the spotted skin of a leopard (hence the name of the cave).

Geography and structure of the country's mineral resources

Algeria takes the first place in terms of total and proven reserves of mineral raw materials in North Africa. The country's mineral resources include fuel, ore and non-metallic resources. Among them are oil, natural gas, coal, iron and manganese ore, uranium, copper, phosphorites and others.

Mineral resources of Algeria are distributed rather unevenly across its territory. Their main deposits are concentrated in three regions. Significant reserves of iron ores, phosphorites and barites are concentrated in the mountains and foothills of the Atlas. The second region is a plateau in the western part of the country, where significant iron ore deposits are located. Finally, in the south, the minerals of Algeria are represented by non-ferrous (including precious) metals. Deposits of diamonds have also been discovered within the Ahaggar Highlands.

The top ten minerals in Algeria (by proven reserves) are as follows:

1. Barite (6700 thousand tons).
2. Natural gas (3950 billion cubic meters).
3. Oil (1,900 million tons).
4. Iron ore (1535 million tons).
5. Zinc (890 thousand tons).
6. Lead (500 thousand tons).
7. Phosphorites (150 million tons).
8. Bituminous coal (66 million tons).
9. Copper (160 thousand tons).
10. Marble (24 million cubic meters).

The total reserves of gold and silver are estimated by geologists at 30 and 700 tons, respectively.

What minerals are most actively developed in Algeria today? We will talk about this further.

Oil and gas

Oil occupies a special place among the mineral resources of Algeria. How important it is for the Algerian economy is eloquently evidenced by one fact: 98% of this country's exports go to the hydrocarbon sector. The oil industry is the main engine of Algeria's economic growth. At the same time, huge foreign investments are pouring into the oil and gas industry of the state, which only creates the preconditions for a further increase in the production of "black gold".

According to the 2007 Oil and Gas magazine, Algeria contains about 12 billion barrels of oil, which makes it the third largest in Africa. Most of these reserves are contained in the Hassi Mesaud field. Algerian crude oil is considered one of the finest in the world. It complies, in particular, with all the strict EU standards regarding the sulfur content of fuels.

In terms of natural gas reserves, Algeria ranks second in Africa (after Nigeria). The real "gas giant" is the Hassi-R'Mell field, which was discovered in the middle of the twentieth century. It accounts for a quarter of the production of this fuel resource in the country. In total, Algeria has 183 oil and gas fields. Almost all of them are located in the northeastern part of the Sahara.

Metal ores

Among all African countries, Algeria ranks second in terms of reserves of iron ores, mercury and antimony, fourth in reserves of uranium and zinc, and first in reserves of tungsten ores. The iron ore lying in the bowels of this country is not so high quality (the content of the ferrum is in the range of 40-55%). However, its deposits are very numerous.

The main reserves of polymetallic ores (lead and zinc) are concentrated in the north of Algeria. There are hydrothermal uranium deposits within the Ahaggar Highlands. Mercury deposits are also confined to thermal springs. The largest cinnabar deposit in Algeria is Mra-S'Ma.

There is also gold in the depths of this North African country. The most valuable metal is found mainly in the south of Algeria, on Ahaggar.

Phosphorites and Barites

Phosphorites are another mineral wealth of Algeria. In terms of its reserves, the country ranks 5th on the continent. Deposits of phosphorites are located in the north of the country and are confined to carbonate and clay deposits of the Upper Cretaceous. The largest of them are Mzayta, El Quif and Jebelonq.

Algeria ranks second in Africa in terms of reserves of barite, a crystalline mineral that is widely used in the chemical, oil and paint and varnish industries. It also occurs in the northern part of the country. Thus, the total reserves of only one Algerian Mizab field are estimated at more than two million tons of barite.

In addition to all of the above, quite rich deposits of pyrite, celestine, rock salt have been explored in Algeria. It is considered promising to study the Algerian subsoil in order to search for new deposits of copper, molybdenum, tungsten and manganese ores.

Finally

The largest country in Africa is extremely rich in mineral resources. The main minerals of Algeria are oil, gas, iron and zinc ores, phosphorites, barites, coal, marble. In terms of oil reserves, the state ranks third in Africa, second only to Nigeria and Libya.

The relief of Algeria is quite diverse. In the north of the country, the Atlas mountain ranges rise, the southern and central regions are occupied by highlands and plateaus. More than 80% of the territory of Algeria is covered with sandy and rocky massifs of the Sahara Desert.

What are the natural features of this North American country? Where is Algeria located? large rivers, the nature of the relief - all this will be discussed in this article. In addition, you will learn about seven surprising facts that make this state unique, unlike others.

North African Countries: Algeria

According to the UN classification, seven states belong. Among them, Algeria is the largest country in the Black Continent. A huge part of its territory is the practically lifeless expanses of the Sahara Desert. In the north, the country has a wide outlet to the Mediterranean Sea. The capital of the state is the city of the same name - Algeria.

According to the constitution, the country is a republic, in which power is divided between the president and parliament. However, a little more powers still belong to the president, because he is vested with the right to appoint a third of the Senate (one of the two chambers of parliament).

The administrative division of Algeria is very interesting. The country is divided into 48 so-called vilayets. Moreover, the southern regions are much larger in area than the northern ones. So, for example, on the territory of Adrar vilayet no less than two dozen northern vilayets of the country could easily accommodate.

What are the main natural features of Algeria? This will be discussed in the following sections of the article.

Geological structure and relief

Within this country, two geological structures coexist:

• platform Sahara (Precambrian);
• folded Atlas (formed during the era of alpine mountain building).

Some of the country's hinterland is below sea level. This is one of the interesting features that Algeria has. Mineral resources mined in this state, their deposits are closely related precisely to the geological structure of this territory.

About 80% of the country's area is occupied by the Sahara - the largest desert on the planet. The features of the relief of Algeria are very specific: almost the entire flat part of the country consists of separate rocky and sandy massifs (ergs). In the southeastern part, the Sahara Desert smoothly turns into the Ahaggar Highlands, within which the highest point of the country is located - Mount Tahat (the absolute height is 2906 meters). Mountain ranges stretch to Algeria - Tel Atlas and Sahara Atlas. They are separated by an elevated plateau, lavishly indented by deep canyons and beautiful caves.

Like all other countries in North Africa, Algeria has a wide access to the Mediterranean Sea. The total length of the coastline of this country is almost 1000 kilometers.

Algeria: minerals and their reserves

In terms of total reserves of mineral raw materials, the country can be safely ranked among the five leading African states. The territory of Algeria is rich in such minerals as oil and gas, phosphorites, iron mercury, lead and zinc. Bituminous coal is mined in the Beshar and Ksiksu regions.

The most important oil and gas fields are located in the areas of Hassi-Rmel, Hassi-Mesaud, Edzhel, Berkin, as well as in the Illizi valley. The explored oil reserves in Algeria are estimated by experts at 12 billion barrels.

Algeria's economy is largely affected by the revenues from the export of its energy resources. After the drop in the global oil price in recent years, the state has faced a number of economic problems. Therefore, in 2015, the country's leadership decided to increase the volume of oil and gas production.

Climatic features

The climate in Algeria differs significantly in the southern and northern regions of the country. So, in the north it is of the subtropical Mediterranean type, and in the center and in the south it is of the tropical desert type.

The Algerian winter is very different, depending on the specific location. On the coast, it is very warm, with heavy rains. The air temperature here, even in January, often reaches + 12 ... + 15 degrees. It is cooler in the mountains, and snow often forms there in winter. Summers in Algeria are very hot and dry, regardless of the region. In the Sahara, the amplitudes of daily temperatures can reach twenty degrees!

There are also significant differences in the degree of moisture in different regions of Algeria. So, in the desert regions of the Sahara, only 20-50 millimeters of precipitation falls per year, and in the Atlas mountains - up to 1000-1200 millimeters.

Water resources of the country

Almost all large rivers in Algeria have the appearance of temporarily drying up streams, which are filled with water only during the rainy season. The locals call them Vedas. The rivers of the northern regions of the country, flowing down from the mountains, are more full-flowing. But in the center and in the south, all watercourses, as a rule, are "lost" in the endless sands of the Sahara.

Most of the Algerian lakes also dry up frequently. Moreover, their basins can be covered with a thick crust of salt. Where groundwater approaches the surface close to the surface, oases are formed.

The largest river in Algeria, the Sheliff, is 700 kilometers long. How it looks can be seen in the photo below.

The river originates in the Sahara Atlas mountains, crosses the Tuile plateau and carries its muddy waters to the Mediterranean Sea. In the lower reaches, the Sheliff flows in a deep and beautiful gorge. On the river are the large cities of Algeria - Ash Sheliff, Ain Defla, Hemis Milyana. Agriculture is actively developing in the Sheliff River Valley, cotton, grapes and citrus fruits are grown here.

Flora and fauna of Algeria

The geography of Algeria is not only relief, minerals, climate, and its flora and fauna are of great importance for the study of any country.

Algeria are very different from each other. The coastal territories of the country, as well as the northern slopes of the Atlas, are occupied by a zone of evergreen forests and shrubs. These areas receive a sufficient amount of moisture and heat. Therefore, it is here that most of the inhabitants of this state are concentrated.

In the north of Algeria, there are forests of stone and cork oak with an admixture of pine, cedar and juniper. They are home to wild boars, hares, as well as exotic animals - macaques.

In the southern and central parts of the natural areas of Algeria are radically different. These territories are occupied by a hot desert zone. The flora here, of course, is extremely poor and is represented by rare hodgepodge and ephemera. In the Sahara, you can find a dangerous predator of the cheetah, as well as other mammals - hyena, jackal, gazelle, antelope. In the deserts of Algeria, there are many small rodents, snakes and birds of prey, scorpions and phalanxes are found.

Natural beauties and attractions of the country

One of the main natural ones is the Mediterranean Sea! It is best to admire its vastness from the streets of one of the ancient cities of the northern coast of the country.

Tourists in Algeria must visit the Tassilin-Ajer plateau, which has an unusual appearance. With the help of "weathering", nature has created here pillars and rocks of amazing beauty. It is on the Tassilin-Ajer plateau that the world's largest artificial cave is located, on the walls of which you can see mysterious drawings of primitive people.

Another very popular natural site in Algeria is the source of Hammam Meskutin. The water in it warms up to 98 degrees Celsius. Locals say with confidence that it is capable of curing any human ailment.

Interesting is the Gureya National Park, located in the north of the country, near the town of Sidi Tuati. In the 80s, it was included in the list of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. The center of the protected area is Mount Gureya of the same name, on the slopes of which representatives of the endangered species of primates - magota - live.

Cultural features of Algeria

The culture of Algeria is based on the features of Arab culture, which were supplemented at one time by Turkish and French influences. Most of the population of this country speaks Arabic (or rather, its Algerian dialect). In large cities, residents also speak French quite well.

The overwhelming majority of the inhabitants of Algeria profess Islam, Christianity is a little widespread, as well as Judaism.

Local writers and poets write in three languages ​​- Arabic, French and Kabyle. Literature began to develop in Algeria at the end of the 16th century. The impetus for this development was the desire of the Algerians for independence. Among modern writers, the novelist Yasmin Khadr should be distinguished, whose novels were nominated for the Dublin Literary Prize.

7 surprising facts about the country

Finally, we bring to your attention seven unusual and interesting facts about this country:

• Algerians do not like to be photographed very much. When they see the camera, they usually turn away sharply.
• The date of death, as well as the name of the deceased, are not written on the graves here.
• Algeria is the only African country where women are not discriminated against or oppressed.
• It is a stunningly diverse country in terms of climatic conditions. So, in the summer here the air can warm up to +50 degrees, and in winter in some cities it often snows.
• The influence of Western (in particular, American) culture in Algeria is very insignificant. You can't freely buy dollars here, you won't find the usual McDonald's in the cities, and Coca-Cola is not popular at all.
• This country has a lake filled with natural ink that you can write with.
• The Algerian metro was designed and built by Soviet specialists.

Finally

Now you know what makes Algeria unique. The minerals that are actively mined here are iron and manganese ore, natural gas, and phosphorites. The Algerian land is also rich in deposits of "black gold".

The features of the relief of Algeria are very specific. So, about 80% of the territory is occupied by the Sahara. In the north, it passes into the Atlas mountain ranges. But on the narrow coastal strip (behind the mountains) over 90% of the total population of Algeria lives.

Economic and geographical characteristics of Algeria

1. Introduction 3

2. Natural conditions 5

3. Geography of population 8

4. Geography of industry 9

5. Geography of agriculture 11

6. Geography of transport 14

7. External economic relations 15

8. Conclusion 16

9. References 17

1. Introduction

Algeria (by the name of the city of Algeria, from the Arabic al-Jazair - islands), (Arabic - Al-Jumhuriya al-Jezairiya Democracy al-Shaabiya) -

- a state in North Africa, located in the western part of the Mediterranean basin., Where important world routes pass between the Atlantic and the Middle East, Europe and African countries. Borders: in the west with Morocco and Western Sahara, in the south-west with Mauritania and Mali, in the south-east with Niger, in the east with Libya and Tunisia. From the north, the territory is washed by the Mediterranean Sea. Area 2,381,700 sq. km. Population 29.3 million. (1998). The capital is mountains. Algeria (3 million inhabitants). The major cities are Oran (700 thousand people), Constantine (600), Annaba (400). Arabs make up 80%, Berbers - 19% (Kabyles, Shauya, Tuaregs), the rest - 1%.

Most of the population of Algeria is Sunni Muslim (Maliki and Hanafi). A number of followers of the Ibadi sect live in the Mzab Valley, Ouargle and Algeria. The state religion of the country is Islam. The country has approx. 150 thousand Christians, mostly Catholics, and about 1 thousand adherents of Judaism. The official language is Arabic, but French is still widely spoken. Some Berber tribes who speak Tamakhak and Tamazirt have acquired their writing. Several books have already been published in the Tamazirt dialect in Algeria. About 3/4 of the population is concentrated in the foothills of Tell Atlas, approximately 1.5 million people live in the highlands and less than one million in the Sahara Desert. The highest density is observed near the capital and in the Kabylia region. The length of the railways is 4.2 thousand square meters. km., the length of motorways is 102 thousand km. The main ports are Bedjaia, Arzev, Algeria, Anaba, Oran. Exports - oil, liquefied gas, petroleum products, as well as iron ore, tobacco, wine, vegetables and fruits. The main foreign trade partners are France, Germany, Italy, Japan. The monetary unit is the Algerian dinar. Geographical position

Algeria occupies the central part of the Atlas mountain region and 1/4 of the Sahara Desert.
The territory of the country is 2381.7 thousand sq. km.
The climate of Northern Algeria is subtropical. Average temperature in January 5 - 12C, July 25C. Annual precipitation is 400 - 1200 mm. The central and southern parts of the country are occupied by the Sahara Desert, where average daily temperature fluctuations reach 30 C. The Sahara climate is tropical, desert (less than 50 mm of precipitation per year).
Cork oak forests (in the mountains), semi-desert and desert vegetation.

Form of government -

Republic

Administrative-territorial division - 48 wilay (provinces)

Head of State - President

Legislature - Unicameral National People's Assembly

The country belongs to developing countries, a key subgroup.

2.Nature

Algeria occupies the central part of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Washed by the Mediterranean Sea. The coastal part lies in the northern subtropical zone, the rest of the territory - in the tropical zone of the Northern Hemisphere.

The shores are mostly high, rocky, with narrow beaches. There are no deep bays on the entire coastline; the number of large bays is insignificant (Oranskaya, Alzhirskaya, Bedzhaia, Annaba).

Relief. Northern Algeria is represented by folded ridges, massifs and intermontane plains of the Atlas Mountains system. Within Algeria, there are the largest Atlas ridges - Tel Atlas and Sahara Atlas, massifs - Varsenis (Sidi-Amar, 1985 m), B. Kabiliya and M. Kabiliya (altitude up to 1200 m), Hodna, Ores (Shelia, 2328 m ). The mountains are cut by deep river gorges, divided into separate dome-like smaller massifs. Large intermontane plains and plateaus (the so-called High Plateaus) in the central parts are occupied by large salt lakes - sebkhas.

The Algerian Sahara occupies the central part of the world's largest desert region of the Sahara. Its relief is dominated by plateaus about 500 m high. In the northeast there is a large lowland filled with sands and the basin of the Shott-Melgir salt lake (26 m below sea level). In the south-east extensive volcanic. the Ahaggar highlands with the Atakor massif (Takhat, 3003 m - the highest peak of Algeria), surrounded by a system of stepped plateaus (Tademait, Tassilin-Ajer, Muidir, etc.). Within Algeria there are large sandy deserts with high dune ridges (Great Western Erg, Great Eastern Erg, Ergs Igidi, Shesh, etc.) and rocky deserts (Tanez-ruft in the south).

Geological structure and minerals. The territory of Algeria within the Atlas Mountains belongs to the Mediterranean geosynclinal fold belt, and in the Sahara region - to the ancient African platform. There are large deposits of oil and natural gas (Hassi-Mesaud and others), which are the main wealth of Algeria. The Atlas contains deposits of iron (Maghreb), copper, lead and zinc ores, phosphorites, mercury, antimony, barite, diatomaceous earth, coal, etc.

Climate. Northern Algeria has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with warm, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Wed January temperature on the coast 12 ° С, on intermontane plains 5 ° С, July 25 ° С. The absolute maximum temperature everywhere is above 40 ° C. Severe droughts are frequent. The main part of precipitation falls in November - January (in Tel Atlas 400 - 800 mm, in the Kabyle massifs up to 1200 mm and more per year). In winter, snow lasts up to 10-20 days or more in mountainous regions on the tops. In the transition zone to the Algerian Sahara, the climate is more arid, semi-arid (average July temperature is above 30 ° C, precipitation is 200-400 mm per year). In the Sahara, the climate is desert, extremely dry (less than 50 mm of precipitation per year, in some years there is no rain at all). Daily fluctuations in temperature reach 30 ° C (in the summer during the day 40 ° C and above, at night 20 ° C, in the winter during the day about 20 ° C, at night it drops to 0 ° and below). Dry winds often cause sandstorms.

Inland waters. All rivers in Algeria are of the Oued type. The Uedas of Northern Algeria are close to rivers of the Mediterranean type with a predominance of rainfall. Only in the coastal zone, the flow of the Oued is directed to the Mediterranean Sea. In the rest of Algeria, there are closed basins of internal flow. Water flow rates in Mediterranean ouedas range from 0-2 cubic meters. per second in summer, up to 1000 cubic meters per second and more in floods after rains. Short but strong floods are frequent. The largest oued is Shelif (700 km), the rest of the oueds rarely exceed 100 km in length (El-Hamman, Isser, Summam, El-Kebir, etc.). Dams, reservoirs and hydroelectric power plants have been built in the outskirts of Northern Algeria. Ued water is used for irrigation (over 100 thousand hectares). Most of the salt lakes (sebkh) lie in intermontane basins (Shott-el-Shergi, Shott-el-Hodna, Zakhrez-Shergi, Zahrez-Garbi, etc.) or depressions (Shott-Melgir). The Sahara has large reserves of groundwater, especially in the northern part, where the largest oases are located (Tidikelt, Tuggurt, El-Golea).

Soils. In Northern Algeria, the zonal soil type is brown (calcareous and leached in Tel Atlas, gray-brown in semi-desert regions). Altitudinal zonality is manifested in variants of brown and brown forest soils. In the foothills, there are massifs of salt marshes around them. The Sahara is dominated by gravelly soils of subtropical deserts, waving and semi-fixed sands.

Vegetation. On the coast, vegetation is of a Mediterranean type with dry, hard-leaved forests and shrubs. In the mountains, the altitudinal zonality is well expressed: up to 800-1000 m - a belt of evergreen dry-loving thickets of shrubs and low-growing trees (maquis), mainly cultivated (olive tree, pistachio, etc.), higher - forests of cork and evergreen (stone) oak and deciduous species, from 1200 to 1500 m - the alep pine belt, from 1500 to 2000 m - junipers and thuja, above 2000 m cedar forests are found. To the south of Tel Atlas, the vegetation acquires a semi-desert character with a predominance of grasses and wormwood. The vegetation cover is severely degraded. Only a few forest tracts have survived. In the Sahara - saltwort, ephemeral plants on the sands after short spring rains, cereals (Saharan gorse, ephedra, drin), shrubs - species of acacia, jujube.

Animal world. Large mammals (lions, leopards, gazelles, etc.) and birds (ostriches, cormorants) have been greatly exterminated. Among mammals in Northern Algeria, the Berber macaque (mago), hare, rabbit have survived; in the North of the Algerian Sahara - hyena, geneta, jackal, fennec fox; gazelles and antelopes are rare. There are many small rodents (jerboas, etc.), bats, birds of prey. There are a lot of reptiles (lizards, monitor lizards, more than 20 species of snakes, turtles) and insects (locusts are especially harmful), as well as phalanges, scorpions, and ticks.

3. Geography of population

2 type of reproduction - population explosion. The birth rate is 35-40 per 1000 people of the population for 1 year. Mortality 5-10 per 1000 people in 1 year. The natural increase is more than 30. The composition of the population is the predominance of the male population. Average life expectancy: men - 67, women - 69.

The main population of the country is Algerians, who make up more than 98% of the total population. They consist of Arabs and Berbers who are very close to them in language and culture.

Most of the indigenous population speaks the Algerian dialect of the Arabic language (81.5%). Berber dialects spoken. 17.9%, remained mainly among the Berber population of the mountainous regions of the country and some oases of the Algerian Sahara (Kabila, Shauya, Tuareg). French is also spoken among the population of large cities (0.4% speaks it). By religion, Arabs and Berbers are Sunni Muslims.

Over 4% of the population lives abroad, mainly in France and Belgium. After 1962, as a result of the massive departure of the French from Algeria, their number decreased from 1 million. (1960) to 68.4 thousand (1966).

The population is located on the territory. extremely uneven. More than 95% of the total population of the country lives in Northern Algeria, and the bulk of it is concentrated in a narrow coastal strip. The most densely populated is Kabylia, where the density reaches more than 300 people. for 1 sq. km, with an average density in the country of 12.3 people. for 1 sq. km. In the Algerian Sahara, the density is less than 1 person. for 1 sq. km. Rural residents, who make up the majority of the country's population, lead a sedentary, semi-sedentary or nomadic lifestyle. In the western and central parts of northern Algeria, a sedentary population predominates, engaged mainly in field cultivation. Semi-nomads and nomadic pastoralists inhabit the so-called High Plateau, the Sahara Atlas and the Sahara. The sedentary population of the desert is the inhabitants of oases and mining centers. Demographic growth 2.6%,

4.Geography of industry

Industry. The share of the mining industry and energy accounts for over 1/3 of the country's gross industrial production. Oil and gas production is the leading one among these industries. In the northern and eastern regions of the Sahara, there are the main Algerian oil and natural gas deposits of world importance discovered after the Second World War (oil reserves are estimated at about 1 billion tons, gas reserves - 3000 billion cubic meters). Annual oil production is about 60 million tons. Oil is transported through pipelines to Mediterranean ports, from where it is exported mainly to France (70% of all oil). Part of the oil goes to refineries in Algeria and El Harrash, about half of oil products are exported.

Natural gas production has also acquired great importance - 3288 million cubic meters. m in 1968; 43 billion cubic meters m - in 1997 3 fields are in operation - Hassi-Rmel (gives about 9/10 of all gas production), In-Amenas and Hassi-Mesaud (along with oil). The gas pipeline transports methane to the coast, where most of it is liquefied at the Arzev plant and exported mainly to England and France. The use of natural gases within the country is expanding; the cities of Algeria, Oran, Mostaganem and others were supplied with gas.

Ore mining is concentrated in northern Algeria. Among them, the first place is occupied by the extraction of iron ore, which is mainly exported. The main mines are Wenza (over 50% of all production), Boo-Cadra. The extraction of lead-zinc ores is of great importance. They are being developed in the Oued Zunder and Oued Abed fields, as well as in small quantities in Sidi Camber and Varsenis. Phosphorite production has decreased due to the development of the El-Kuif field. A new large deposit, Jebel-Onk, has been explored and put into operation. Minor development of coal (in the city of Kenadza, in the northwest of the Algerian Sahara), copper ore (in Ain-Barbar near the city of Annaba, 4.6 thousand tons per year), as well as iron pyrite, barite, antimony, diatomaceous earth. The largest deposits of iron ore in the Maghreb (Gara-Jebilet, near Tindouf) and a large mercury deposit (in Northern Algeria) have been explored. Electricity production is 1.2-1.3 billion kWh, including about 780 million kWh at TPPs (the most important TPPs are in Algeria, Annaba, Oran, Beshar).

The main branches of the manufacturing industry: food-processing industry (about 1/2 of all products), metalworking, textile and clothing, oil refining, chemical, leather and footwear, cement (dominated by small and partly medium-sized enterprises). Distilleries and canneries, tobacco factories, grain processing plants and olive oil production are located in almost all cities in Northern Algeria. The textile industry, including the handicraft production of carpets, is located in the cities. Algeria, Oran, Annaba, Tlemcen. The metalworking industry is represented by small mechanical and repair shops, car-building and pipe-rolling factories, etc. Its main center is Algeria (assembly plants for cars and trucks); in the city of El Harrash - tractor assembly plants. In the city of Annaba, with the assistance of the USSR and other countries, a metallurgical plant was built (in 1968, the first stage of the plant with a capacity of 400 thousand tons of steel per year was commissioned). The chemical industry is developing: factories for the production of superphosphate, sulfuric acid, copper sulfate, cellulose, etc. — in the years. Algeria, Oran and Annaba. A large plant of nitrogen fertilizers and ammonia was built (1969) in the town of Arzev. Cement plants (with a total capacity of about 1 million tons annually) are located in the years. Algeria and Oran. Algeria received various economic, scientific and technical assistance from the USSR, which provided large loans and supplied the latest equipment for enterprises under construction; the institute of oil and gas was organized and operates in the city of Boumerdes (near the capital), which was donated together with the technical school to the people of Algeria.

5. Geography of agriculture

Agriculture is the industry that employs the bulk of the population of Algeria. Agricultural land, including forest land, is occupied. 44.2 million hectares, or about 1/5 of the entire territory, of which 7-10 million hectares (depending on climatic conditions) are cultivated land (almost all in Northern Algeria). At the first stage of the agrarian reform (1962-64), the lands of European colonists were expropriated and collective farms were created on them, headed by self-government committees. The self-governing sector in 1966 consisted of 2,200 households with a total area of ​​2,400 thousand hectares, including 30% of the agricultural sector, with sizes over 1-2 thousand hectares each. They are located on the most fertile lands, and half of them are located in the plains of the Northwest (wilaya Oran, Mostaganem, Tiaret). The share of agriculture in this sector accounts for 24% of all arable land, 65% of land with fruit plantations, 60% of all crop production, 5% of animal husbandry. The old peasant sector covers 650 thousand farms, of which 600 thousand farms have less than 10 hectares of land each, including 350 thousand farms - less than 2 hectares.

In 1988, an agrarian reform was carried out. The state farms were disbanded. On their basis, 22 thousand small cooperatives were formed. Part of the land was transferred to the peasants.

Agriculture provides about 3/4 of the entire agricultural sector. products of Algeria. The main place (over 4/5) in the sown area is occupied by grain crops. In Algeria, rainfed agriculture dominates; irrigated land does not exceed 250-300 thousand hectares. Durum wheat is cultivated mainly in the interior of Tel, while soft wheat is cultivated in the northwest. The grain yield in small crops on average does not exceed (except for rice) 3-8 c / ha. Algeria is forced to systematically import grain (2300 - 3000 thousand centners per year). The farms of the socialized sector provide about 1/3 of the total harvest of wheat, barley and oats, and about 2/3 of corn, sorghum and rice.

Of particular importance are viticulture and winemaking, which gave in the 50s. about 1/3 of all gross production and 1/2 of Algerian exports (in value). The main vineyards are in the northwest. Algeria (in the area of ​​Oran, more than 1/2 of their total area).

Most of the wine is exported to France. After 1962, France markedly reduced purchases of wine in Algeria, which sharply reflected on the state of viticulture in the country. The wine supplied for export is 1.7 million hectoliters.

A significant role is also played by the production of citrus fruits, especially oranges (in the Mitija plain, in the Shelifa valley), most of which are exported to European countries.

The olive tree has long been cultivated, especially in Kabylia (approx. 2/5 of the total olive harvest); olive oil (on average about 20 thousand tons per year) is consumed mainly within the country. The date palm is cultivated in the oases of the Sahara. On the coast, near large cities, the cultivation of early vegetables (about 6 million centners per year), tomatoes, artichokes, carrots, as well as potatoes sold on European markets is developed. The socialized sector accounts for approximately 92% of the total citrus crop, 34% of olives, 8% of dates and 45% of vegetables. Of industrial crops, tobacco is cultivated, mainly in Mitija and Kabylia, which is mostly exported (about 10 thousand tons per year).

Livestock raising is extensive; it accounts for almost one-fourth of all agricultural production. production, but in the interior regions, on the elevated plains and plateaus, especially in the Sahara, it often serves as the main and even the only source of subsistence for semi-nomads and nomads. The population of the mountainous and coastal regions of northern Algeria is characterized by distant pasture or mountain pasture cattle breeding in combination with agriculture. The number of cattle is 1.5 million heads, sheep - 15 million heads.

Forestry and fishing. Forests and shrubs (total area of ​​3 million hectares) are preserved mainly in the Tel Atlas mountains. The main economic significance is the massifs of cork oak (procurement of 300-600 thousand centners of cork raw materials per year - the third place in the world). Most of the raw materials are processed at state-owned enterprises and exported. In semi-desert districts (wilaya Tiaret, Saida, Medea), the collection and primary processing of alpha grass (total area approx. 4 million hectares) is of great importance. Alpha raw materials (90-100 thousand tons annually - 1st place in the world) are mainly used for the production of the best grades of paper, cellulose, and wicker products.

Fishing (mainly sardine, herring, anchovy) is poorly developed (average catch is about 20 thousand tons per year). Measures are being taken to increase sea fishing and fishing ports (Beni-Saf, Oran, Tenes, Shershel, etc.) are being reconstructed.

Livestock (in thousand heads)

Sheep, goats, cattle and camels are raised.

Structure of land in use (in thousand hectares)

6. Geography of transport

An important role is played by railroads, the total length of which is 4.2 thousand km, including with the norms. track 2,6 thousand km; Main railway highway between the city of Oujda (Morocco) and the city of Gardimau (Western Tunisia) through the years. Oran, Algeria and Constantine are connected by the most important economic centers of the North. Algeria. From ch. The main lines branch off lines to the north, to seaports, and to the south, to mining developments and the oases of the North. Sahara. The total cargo turnover is 960-980 million t-km.

The length of the road network is 50.2 thousand km. The main highway runs along the coast, from which the highways branch off to the north and south. After 1962, the roads Adrar - Beshar (720 km), Beshar - Tindouf (900 km), In-Amenas - Ghadames were built.

Pipeline transport is developed (the total length of oil pipelines is about 3 thousand km, gas pipelines - more than 1000 km). There are large oil pipelines in operation: In-Ame-nas-Sehira (Tunisia), Hassi-Mesaud-Bedjaia, Hassi-Mesaud-Arzev, Beni-Mansur-Algeria and gas pipelines Hassi-Rmel-Arzev, Mesdar-Skikda (700 km) and gas pipeline Hassi-Rmel - Skikda.

Sea transport provides almost all foreign trade transportation. In terms of cargo turnover, the following ports are distinguished (thousand tons): Bedjaia - 15.3, Arzev - 9.1, Algeria - 4.4, Annaba - 19.2, Oran - 1.8.

Air transport is developing rapidly. There are 65 airfields in the country, of which 31 are civilian. Airports of international importance are located near the city. Algeria (Dar el Beida), Annaba and Oran (La Senia).

7. Foreign economic relations

The volume of foreign trade of the countries is $ 5-25 billion.

Export - 100% (fuel).

Imports: Machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, agricultural raw materials, chemical products, etc.

Until 1962, the total volume of foreign trade turnover was more than half of the gross national product of Algeria. After the establishment of political independence, Algeria follows the path of overcoming the one-sided dependence on foreign markets and capital, strengthening the state monopoly in foreign relations. In 1967, the state controlled 90% of exports and 75% of imports. Until 1962, France, England, Germany, Italy, Morocco and Tunisia accounted for 90% of the entire Algerian foreign trade turnover, including 80% for France. In the 60s. this share is decreasing as a result of the strengthening of trade relations with socialist and developing countries. In 1965, France's share in Algerian imports was 70%, and in exports 76%. The main export goods to the countries listed above are: oil (about 2/3 of the total value of Algerian exports), wine (15%), fruits and vegetables (12%), iron ore (3%), tobacco, paper. Algeria imports industrial equipment, food products (especially grain, milk, meat), as well as light industry products (synthetic fabrics, textiles) and metals (the latter has been imported under strict control since 1967).

Algeria entered into agreements on economic cooperation, including financial assistance, with the USSR, China, Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria. Czechoslovakia, United Arab Republic, Kuwait. There are agreements with France, England, the USA, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Development Fund.

At present, foreign trade with the EU countries accounts for more than 60%, the USA - 17%. External trade turnover is $ 22.6 billion (1997). Exports: oil and oil products - 51.7 million tons (1997); natural gas - 43 billion cubic meters m; wine, citruses, cork, building materials.

In November 1996, the Maghreb - Spain gas pipeline was put into operation. In 1997, 4 billion cubic meters of gas were supplied to Spain. m, to Portugal - 400 million cubic meters. m.

The financial position of Algeria is determined by revenues from oil and gas (up to 98% of foreign exchange earnings and about 66% of the state budget revenues. Algeria's gold and foreign exchange reserves are more than $ 9 billion.

In recent years, for objective reasons, the financial position of Algeria has worsened, the external debt has increased significantly (34 billion in 1997). As a result of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, the Paris and London clubs, an agreement was reached on re-ejection of most of the debt.

The growing financial and economic difficulties led to an increase in inflation, prices, deterioration in the life of the population (over 2.5 million unemployed, mostly young people. More than 1 million Algerians work in Western Europe. The property stratification of society is deepening.

Algeria is a country with an ancient history of wars of conquest and colonization by both African and Eurasian states. The main influence was exerted by the Arabs, who planted their culture, language, religion (Islam). Berbers - descendants of the historically indigenous population - Libyans, constitute an absolute minority.

The formation of Algeria as a state was facilitated by its favorable geographical position - important world routes between the Atlantic and the Middle East, Europe and African countries pass here.

ANDR is a parliamentary presidential republic with very broad presidential powers.

Algeria is a fairly developed state economically and culturally. The standard of living of the population is relatively high, supported by subsidies from the state, mainly through the export of oil, gas, etc. Free education and medical care. Much attention is paid to education.

The Democratic Republic of Korea is a state characterized by political instability, in which the army plays the main role. The main factor of political instability is the struggle for power, both between political movements and within them. The main troublemakers in political life are the ISF and Hamas. They constitute the main opposition to the state course (building socialism, establishing a presidential regime, a one-party system, etc.). One of the main factors used by the opposition is unemployment, economic difficulties, etc. Instead of a constitution, they put forward Sharia law - the Koran. The main methods of struggle among extremist Islamic organizations are international and domestic terrorism.

The economic base of Algeria is natural resources (oil, gas, ores, etc.) and nationalized foreign possessions, firms, companies, banks, property, etc.

In the Algerian economy, in recent years, there has been a transition from a planned to a market economy; allowed to buy land from the state fund, unprofitable cooperatives; most of the trade went into private hands.

There are still problems in health care: the fight against infectious and environmental diseases, as well as in veterinary medicine - the fight against animal diseases, including those dangerous to humans.

LITERATURE:

Asia and Africa today. Journal No. 9, pp. 19-21. M., 1996.

Africa. General review. North Africa. In the book: Countries and Peoples. Popular scientific geographic and ethnographic publication in 20 volumes. M., “Thought”. 1982.S. 251-291.

Great Soviet Encyclopedia. In 30 volumes. 3rd edition. Volume 1. M., “Soviet Encyclopedia”, 1969. S. 422-434.

Countries of the world today. Volume 3. Africa. Algeria. M., 1999.

Countries of the world. Directory. Ed. I.S. Ivanova. M., "Republic". 1999.S. 13-15.

Echo of the planet. Journal number 3 M., 1997.

Echo of the planet. Journal No. 4 M., 1998. P. 11.

So far, this country cannot compete on equal terms with neighboring Morocco or Egypt in terms of the number of tourists coming to rest. This is due to a number of objective reasons, including the national characteristics of Algeria.

Ethnically, the majority of the country's inhabitants are Arabs, 16% are Berbers, less than 1% are the rest. The dominant religion is Muslim, which affects the relative closeness of the country and a cautious attitude towards tourists. Those, in turn, should also know about the peculiarities of staying in Algeria and local rules of conduct.

In the best traditions

Any tourist who comes to Algeria notes the local residents' zeal for traditions and ancient rituals. Many Algerians still treat cameras with fear and prohibit taking pictures of themselves and their spouses.

Women, in general, are forbidden to take pictures, the villagers are also asked not to shoot living creatures on film (or digital), as they believe that this can cause illness and harm the state of mind.

Algerian Ramadan

Since the dominant religion is Islam, everything is subject to the Qur'an and its laws. The main holiday of local residents is Ramadan, which lasts for a month considered sacred.

Algerians carefully prepare for it, observe the fast. They are eaten only late in the evening, and there are a lot of sweets on the table, which help to maintain health and strength during the fast.

Influence of Islam

The Muslim religion in Algeria is reflected in all sections of secular and spiritual life. Many architectural objects, monuments of Algerian history and culture, are made in accordance with the requirements of Islam. Many of them are protected by the state and are included in the lists of monuments protected by UNESCO.

The most famous of the sights is the town of Tipaza, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and the ancient settlement of Timgad with preserved thermal baths, an amphitheater and the Arc de Triomphe.

Ancient cemeteries are part of Algerian culture

For the citizens of Algeria, the cemetery is the resting place of the dead, but for tourists it is rather an attraction, a certain exoticism. They note the peculiar architectural solution of certain monuments, the absence of names and dates of life of those who have passed away.

Lack of information is one of the national characteristics of local residents. But at some of the graves you can see fragments of clay pots - this is a tribute to tradition. According to her, at birth, the baby is presented with a beautiful clay pot. After the death of a person, the pot is broken and, as it were, buried next to the owner.