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Algeria is home to more than 100 species of wildlife, some of which are classed as endangered species. There is a large variety of mammal species; particularly as Algeria incorporates part of the Sahara Desert, as well as mountainous regions and wetlands. The types of animals found living in Algeria include a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, arachnids and arthropods. Endangered animal species are thought to include monk seals, wild dogs and bats. The Sahara Desert is home to an array of animals such as camels, desert rats, sheep, gazelles, oryx, addax (white antelope), baboons, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, fox, snakes, scorpions, lizards, frogs, spiders and birds.

The geography of Algeria varies throughout the country from coastal regions to grassy, desert and mountainous terrains. The mountain chain of Aures and Nememcha define the geography of north-eastern Algeria where they stand in prominence at the country’s border with Tunisia. Algeria boasts fertile land to the north towards its coastal regions and becomes arid towards the south where a large proportion of the Sahara Desert is located.

An array of plant life can be found growing in Algeria. Macchia scrub, oak trees, olive trees and cedar trees are among the vegetation found growing in the north of Algeria. Evergreen trees such as Juniper, Aleppo Pine and Oak can be found growing in mountainous regions. Areas with warmer climate conditions, such as Central and southern areas of Algeria, and the Sahara Desert, have a variety of plant life growing amongst its vegetation including cacti species, Agave plants, Fig, Palm and Eucalyptus Trees.

Algeria is a big country; in fact, it is the largest country on the continent of Africa. The climate can vary significantly between coastal locations and inland areas of Algeria. The coast of Algeria, which includes its capital city of Algiers, experiences a Mediterranean climate, similar to Spain’s, with average high summer temperatures of 28-32 degrees Celsius and average high winter temperatures of 16-18 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature recorded in Algeria’s capital is around -3 degrees Celsius and the highest recorded is around 47 degrees Celsius. The average precipitation can vary from about 1 to 12cm depending on the time of year. The climate inland is typically hot and dry, particularly in the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. The inner areas receive less rainfall than coastal areas.

There are several famous landmarks, monuments and buildings in Algeria including the Casbah of Algiers, Al Qal’a of Beni, M’zab Valley, Notre Dame d’Africa, Makam Echahid (Monument des Martyrs), government offices and mosques.

Algeria has developed its tourist industry over the years and offers a selection of hotel accommodation, restaurants, bars and shops located mainly on the coastal regions in cities such as Algiers. Algeria boasts fabulous beaches and many famous landmarks and attractions for tourists to visit.

Algeria is famous for its stunning white buildings, mosques and architecture which can be observed at well known landmarks such as the Casbah of Algiers, Al Qal’a of Beni, M’zab Valley, Notre Dame d’Africa, and Makam Echahid (Monument des Martyrs). This North African country is also famous for its fantastic sand dunes which form part of the Sahara Desert region of Algeria. Some of the highest sand dunes in the world can be seen at the Grand Erg in the northeast of Algeria.

The main languages of Algeria include Arabic, Berber and French. The official language spoken by the majority of the country’s population is Algerian Arabic. French is another language that is widely spoken and taught in Algeria, however, the language is mainly used in relation to business and media matters.

The main religion of Algeria is Islam. People belonging to the Islamic religion worship Allah. In the English language, the word Allah refers to God in Islam. Those belonging to the religion of Islam believe in one god. Most of Algeria’s population are Muslim and follow the practices of Islam.

The cuisine in Algeria can be described as rich and varied. Most recipes include cereal as this type of food is produced largely throughout the country. Typical Algerian dishes are centred on different types of meat, fish and vegetables. Popular names of Algerian foods include couscous, Lham'hlouchorba, Rechta, Mthewem, Chakhchoukha, Berkoukes, Dolma, Shakshouka, Chtitha, Mderbel, Brik or Bourek and Garantita.

Most of the people living in Algeria are Muslims and follow the religion of Islam. This powerful religion gives its society cultural identity and a basis of moral beliefs. Art, literature and music also define the culture of Algeria with Chaabi being the traditional choice of music in the country’s capital of Algiers. The most popular sport in Algeria is football and the country boasts the Algeria national football team which joined FIFA in 1964 and has played in several world cup tournaments.

Evidence suggests that the history of ancient Algeria dates back 1.8 million years or more as the discovery of stone tools offer proof of early human existence. Later, the original people of North Africa (indigenous peoples) defended their land against various empires and invaders including the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Turkish and French. The Arabic language was introduced to Algeria around 700-1000 AD, as was the religion of Islam too. The newly acquired language and religion brought significant changes to Algeria, defining its culture and identifying its people.

Algeria has been involved in numerous wars and conflicts throughout history, and has been under Spanish and French rule at various times. The French colonized Algeria and created the country’s modern day borders. Colonization of Algeria began in 1830.

A long and bloody war, known as the Algerian War of Independence, began on November 1, 1954 when a prominent attack was launched by a group opposing French rule known as the National Liberation Front. Another organization that strongly opposed French rule was the Algerian National Movement. The Algerian War of Independence, also known as the Algerian Revolution and Algerian Civil War, marked a significant turning point in history and resulted not only in independence for the country but sadly in the deaths of thousands of people also. Algeria gained complete independence in 1962 following the signing of a treaty on March 18, 1962 known as the Évian Accords. The Algerian War of Independence came to an end on November 19, 1962.

Algeria is internationally recognized as an important and influential country. Although it is not regarded as a superpower, it is still considered a middle power as the country is a leading supplier of natural gas to Europe. Algeria has one of the biggest oil reserves in Africa which is core to the country’s economy.

The national flag of Algeria, Berber: Acenyal n Dzayer, was adopted on July 3, 1962, and can be described as having a green and white background formed by two vertical bars equal in size. The Algerian flag can be recognized by a bright red star and crescent which lie central to its design.