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Algiers, the capital of Algeria, is an enchanting city known for iconic landmarks like the Notre Dame d'Afrique and the Casbah. With a diverse population of over 5 million people, it is a vibrant cultural hub and a mix of old-world charm and modern innovation.
Algiers is the capital and largest city of Algeria, located along the Mediterranean Sea in North Africa. As of 2025, the city's population is approximately 4.5 million people.
Founded in 944 AD, Algiers has a rich history influenced by various civilisations, including Phoenicians, Romans, and Ottomans. The city is known for its distinctive white-washed buildings, earning it the nickname "Algiers the White."
Geographically, Algiers spans an area of 1,190 square kilometres, featuring both coastal and hilly terrains. The Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a notable historic district characterised by narrow winding streets and traditional architecture.
Administratively, Algiers is divided into 13 districts, including Bab El Oued, Bir Mourad Raïs, and El Harrach. The city operates under a provincial government system, with a W?li (Governor) and a PPA president overseeing local governance.
Algiers serves as Algeria's political, economic, and cultural centre. In 2024, the city contributed approximately $51 billion to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The economy is diverse, encompassing sectors such as industry, services, and transportation.
The city is well-connected through various transportation networks, including the Houari Boumediene Airport, which offers both domestic and international flights. Public transport within the city comprises buses, trams, and a metro system, facilitating movement across different districts.
Culturally, Algiers houses numerous museums, theatres, and historical sites. Landmarks such as the Ketchaoua Mosque and the Notre-Dame d'Afrique basilica reflect the city's rich architectural heritage. The city also hosts various festivals and events, celebrating its diverse traditions and contemporary arts scene.
Algiers, the capital city of Algeria, serves as the political, economic, and cultural centre of the nation. Administratively, it is both a city and a province, known as a "wilaya." The city is divided into 13 districts, each called a "daïra," which are further subdivided into communes.
At the top of the administrative hierarchy is the W?li (Governor), who oversees the entire wilaya. Each daïra is managed by a district chief, appointed by the President of Algeria. These district chiefs are responsible for implementing national policies at the local level and coordinating between the central government and the communes.
The communes, which are the smallest administrative units, handle local governance. Each commune is managed by a municipal council, elected by the residents. These councils are responsible for local services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure maintenance.
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Algeria’s economy is dominated by its export trade in petroleum and natural gas, commodities that, despite fluctuations in world prices, annually contribute roughly one-third of the country’s gross domestic product . Until 1962 the economy was based largely on agriculture and complemented France’s economy. Since then the extraction and production of hydrocarbons have been the most important activity and have facilitated rapid industrialization.
The Algerian government instituted a centrally planned economy within a state socialist system in the first two decades after independence, nationalizing major industries and implementing multiyear economic plans. However, since the early 1980s the focus has shifted toward privatization, and Algeria’s socialist direction has been modified somewhat. Standards of living have risen to those of an intermediately developed country, but food production has fallen well below the level of self-sufficiency.
Algiers is an important economic, commercial and financial center, with in particular a stock exchange with a capitalisation of 60 million euros. The city has the highest cost of living of any city in North Africa, as well as the 50th highest worldwide, as of March 2007, having gained one position compared to the previous year.
Mohamed Ben Ali El Abbar, president of the Council of Administration of the Emirate Group EMAAR, presented five «megaprojects» to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, during a ceremony which took place Saturday, July 15, within the Palace of the People of Algiers. A shopping centre and three high-rise office buildings rising with the top of the commercial zone will accompany the project.
The second project will not relate to the Bay of Algiers and aims to revitalize the seafront. The development of the 44 km seafront will include marinas, channels, luxury hotels, offices, apartments of great standing, luxury stores and leisure amenities. A crescent-shaped peninsula will be set up on the open sea. The project of the Bay of Algiers will also comprise six small islands, of which four oare f round form, connected to each other by bridges and marinas and will include tourist and residential complexes.
The third project will relate to restructuring an area of Algiers, qualified by the originators of the project of “city of wellness”. El Abbar indicated to the journalists that the complex would be “agreeable for all those which will want to combine tourism and well-being or tourism and relaxation”. The complex will include a university, a research centre and a medical centre. This 90 hectares site will include shopping centres, residential zones with high standard apartments and a golf course surrounded by villas and hotels. Two other residential zones, including 1.800 apartments and 40 high standard villas, will be built on the surrounding hills.
The fifth project is that of the tourist complex Colonel Abbès, which will be located 25 km west from Algiers. This complex will include several retail zones, meeting places, and residential zones composed of apartments and villas with views of the sea. Currently, there is another project under construction, by the name of Algiers Medina. The first step of the project is nearly complete.
Algiers, the capital city of Algeria, serves as the nation's primary economic, commercial, and financial centre. The city contributes approximately 20% to Algeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which was $51 billion in 2024.
The economy of Algiers is diverse, encompassing sectors such as petroleum, natural gas, light industries, mining, electrical, petrochemical, and food processing. The city is home to the Algiers Stock Exchange, established in 1997, which facilitates the trading of securities and corporate bonds.
Algiers has a relatively young population, with a median age of 28.1 years. Approximately 71.3% of Algerians live in urban areas, indicating a significant urbanisation trend.
The city has undertaken several infrastructure projects aimed at modernising its urban landscape. These initiatives include the development of the railway station "Aga," the revitalisation of the sea front, and the establishment of a "city of wellness" complex.
Algiers is also a hub for international business, with companies like Hewlett-Packard establishing offices in the city.
Algiers, the capital city of Algeria, has a well-developed infrastructure that supports its residents and visitors. The city spans an area of approximately 363 square kilometres and is home to over 4.5 million people.
Transportation:
Roads: Algiers is connected to other major cities in Algeria through an extensive network of roads and highways. The Trans-Sahara Highway, also known as the African Unity Road, begins in Algiers and extends southward across the Sahara Desert, facilitating trade and transportation between Algeria and other African countries.
Railways: The city is served by the Algiers Metro, a rapid transit system that opened in 2011. The metro system is mostly underground and extends over 18.2 kilometres, serving 19 stations, and has an annual ridership of over 40 million passengers.
Ports: Algiers has a major seaport that handles a significant portion of Algeria's maritime trade. The port is equipped to handle various types of cargo, including containers, bulk goods, and oil products.
Airports: Houari Boumediene Airport serves as the city's main air gateway, handling over 8 million passengers annually as of 2018. The airport is notable for being the first LEED Gold-certified commercial airport terminal in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Utilities and Services:
Water Supply: Algiers has a comprehensive water supply system that includes dams, reservoirs, and treatment plants to meet the needs of its population. The current network includes 75 dams across Algeria, with nine new dams under construction to enhance water storage and distribution.
Electricity: The city has a reliable electricity supply, with a network that distributes power to residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
Telecommunications: Algiers is equipped with modern telecommunications infrastructure, including high-speed internet and mobile networks, facilitating communication and business operations.
Urban Development:
Housing: The city has undertaken significant housing projects to accommodate its growing population, including the development of new residential areas and the renovation of existing buildings. The basic infrastructure is complete, with a 28-kilometre network of tunnels for electricity, fibre optics, drinking water, and irrigation networks.
Public Services: Algiers offers various public services, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and recreational areas, contributing to the well-being of its residents.
Since independence, Algeria has made major technological advances, especially in the steel and petrochemical industries. However, Algeria still has a severe shortage of skilled workers and is heavily dependent on foreign technologies. Scientific training is principally conducted at the Hovari Boumedienne University of Sciences and Technology, founded at Algiers in 1974; the Oran University of Sciences and Technology, founded in 1975; the universities of Annaba (founded in 1975), Blida (founded in 1981), Boumerdes (founded in 1981), Constantine (founded in 1969), Oran Es-senia (founded in 1965), and Tlemcen (founded in 1974); and the Ferhat Abbas-Setif University of Setif (founded in 1978). In 1987–97, science and engineering students accounted for 58% of college and university enrollments.
The government's National Bureau of Scientific Research operates 18 research centers in biology; anthropology; oceanography and Fisheries; astronomy, astrophysics, and geophysics; renewable energy; arid zones; technology transfer; and other fields.
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