Algeria: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Algeria 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Algeria: 85
  • Happiness Score Algeria:5.364

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Algeria. DZ.

    Algeria is a country located in North Africa.

    It has a presidential republic political structure.

    Algeria is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and cuisine.

    In terms of economy, Algeria is a major exporter of oil and natural gas.

    Interesting facts about Algeria:

  • It is the largest country in Africa by land area.
  • Algeria is home to the Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert in the world.
  • The official language is Arabic, but French is also widely spoken.
  • Algeria Overview

    Early History

    The area of modern-day Algeria has been inhabited since ancient times, with the earliest known inhabitants being the Berbers. Ancient civilizations such as the Carthaginians and Romans established settlements in the region, leaving behind impressive ruins and archaeological sites.

    Kingdoms and Empires

    Throughout its history, Algeria has been ruled by various empires and kingdoms, including the Vandal Kingdom, the Byzantine Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. The Zirid and Hammadid dynasties also controlled parts of Algeria during the Middle Ages.

    Colonial Period

    In the early 19th century, Algeria came under French colonial rule, which lasted until the country gained independence in 1962 after a bloody war of independence.

    Independence and Modern Era

    After gaining independence from France, Algeria faced a civil war in the 1990s between the government and Islamist insurgents. The country has since stabilized, but political tensions and challenges remain.

    Current Political Situation

    Algeria is a semi-presidential republic, with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. Recent elections have been marred by allegations of fraud and protests demanding political reforms.

    International Relations

    Algeria has played a significant role in regional affairs, mediating conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. The country has also maintained close ties with France and other European nations, as well as with Russia and China.

    Human Development and Economy

    Algeria’s economy is heavily reliant on hydrocarbons, with oil and gas exports accounting for a significant portion of its revenue. The country has made efforts to diversify its economy and improve human development indicators, but challenges persist.

    Cultural Highlights

    Algeria has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Berber, Arab, Ottoman, and French traditions. Islam is the predominant religion, and Arabic and Berber are the official languages. The country is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant art scenes, and delicious cuisine.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Key challenges facing Algeria include political instability, high youth unemployment, and overdependence on oil and gas exports. Opportunities exist in diversifying the economy, promoting good governance, and harnessing the country’s renewable energy potential.

    Travel Tips for Algeria

    Best Times to Visit: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
    Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Respect local customs and avoid public displays of affection.
    Safety Precautions: Exercise caution in crowded areas and avoid demonstrations. Check travel advisories for the latest updates.
    Must-See Landmarks: The Casbah of Algiers, Roman ruins of Timgad and Djemila, the Sahara Desert, and the Tassili n’Ajjer rock formations.
    Culinary Experiences: Try local delicacies like couscous, merguez sausages, and mint tea. Sample delicious pastries and sweets.

    Living in Algeria

    Cost of Living: The cost of living in Algeria is relatively low compared to Western countries, but housing and imported goods can be expensive.
    Housing: Rental prices vary greatly depending on the location and quality of housing. Many expatriates live in apartments or gated communities.
    Healthcare: The public healthcare system is generally adequate, but many expatriates opt for private healthcare facilities for better services.
    Education: International schools and French-curriculum schools are available in major cities for expatriate children.
    Lifestyle: Adjust to a more relaxed pace of life and be mindful of cultural norms, especially during Ramadan. Social circles often revolve around family and expatriate communities.

    Doing Business in Algeria

    Business Culture: Building personal relationships and trust is essential. Business interactions may involve lengthy discussions and negotiations.
    Economic Climate:

Main facts

Location

Algeria is a country located in Northern Africa. It is situated in the northwest of the African continent, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Tunisia to the northeast, Libya to the east, Niger to the southeast, Mali and Mauritania to the southwest, and Morocco and the Western Sahara to the west. Algeria is the largest country in Africa by land area.

Map References

Algeria is located in Northern Africa.

Area – Comparative

With an area of 2,381,741 sq km, Algeria is roughly 3.5 times the size of Texas or 4 times the size of France.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Algeria’s total land boundaries measure 6,343 km. The countries it shares borders with are:

Coastline

Algeria has a coastline of 1,622 km along the Mediterranean Sea.

Maritime Claims

Algeria claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
  • Exclusive economic zone: 109 nautical miles
  • Continental shelf: 200 meters depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate

Algeria has a diverse climate, ranging from arid desert in the south to mild Mediterranean along the northern coastal region. The Saharan Desert covers a significant portion of the country’s landmass, with scorching temperatures and minimal rainfall.

Terrain

Algeria’s terrain is predominantly flat to mountainous. The Saharan Desert occupies the central and southern regions, featuring vast sandy expanses, salt flats, and rocky plateaus. In the north, the Tell Atlas Mountains and fertile coastal plains stretch along the Mediterranean coast. Major river valleys include the Chelif and Soummam.

Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Algeria is Mount Tahat at 3,003 meters above sea level, located in the Ahaggar Mountains. The lowest point is Chott Melrhir at -40 meters below sea level.

Natural Resources

Algeria’s major natural resources include:

  • Petroleum
  • Natural gas
  • Iron ore
  • Phosphates
  • Uranium
  • Lead
  • Zinc

Major Bodies of Water

The most significant water bodies in Algeria are:

  • Mediterranean Sea (northern coastline)
  • Chelif River
  • Soummam River
  • Chott Ech Chergui (salt lake shared with Tunisia)

Natural Hazards

The primary natural hazards affecting Algeria include:

  • Droughts
  • Torrential rains and floods in the North
  • Sirocco (hot, dry, dusty wind)
  • Earthquakes (especially in the northern regions)

Geography – Notes

Algeria’s geography is dominated by the vast Saharan Desert, which covers over 80% of the country’s land area. The northern region, known as the Tell, is home to most of the country’s population and economic activities. Algeria’s diverse landscapes, from the Mediterranean coast to the Sahara, create a unique environmental setting with challenges related to water scarcity, desertification, and sustainable resource management.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 0.80%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 150,006. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 17.40%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  28.0338861.659626.
  • Capital: The capital of Algeria is  Algiers
  • Major Cities:
    • Algiers – Population: 3,415,811
    • Oran – Population: 803,460
    • Constantine – Population: 448,028
    • Annaba – Population: 359,657
    • Blida – Population: 267,638
  • Population: 43,053,054
  • Area(Km2): 2381741
  • Population Density( P/Km²):18. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:213
  • Official Language(s):Algeria is Arabic (official), French (lingua franca), Berber languages (Tamazight, Tachelhit, Kabyle). Arabic is spoken by 99% of the population, while French is spoken by 36.1% and Berber languages are spoken by 29.3%.
  • Currency: DZD

Main Economic Indicators

Algeria’s economy is heavily reliant on hydrocarbons, accounting for roughly 30% of GDP, 60% of budget revenues, and nearly 94% of export earnings. The country faces significant economic challenges, including a decline in oil and gas revenues, high youth unemployment, and an expansive trade deficit. The government has implemented reforms to diversify the economy and curb public spending.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 7.2% (Source: World Bank)
2020: 2.4% (Source: Algerian National Office of Statistics)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: Not Rated
Moody’s: Ba3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: Not Rated

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 12.5%
Industry: 37.6%
Services: 49.9%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural: Wheat, barley, oats, grapes, olives, citrus, fruits, sheep, poultry
Industrial: Petroleum, natural gas, mining, electrical, petrochemical, and food processing

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 12.1 million (2022 est.)
Ranking: 48th largest in the world

Current Account Balance

2021: -$10.2 billion (Source: Algerian Customs)
2020: -$10.6 billion (Source: Algerian Customs)
Ranking: 153rd in the world (2021 est.)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $34.4 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: Italy, Spain, France, Netherlands, Turkey
Main Exports: Petroleum, natural gas, and petroleum products
Imports: $46.9 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: China, France, Italy, Spain, Germany
Main Imports: Machinery, vehicles, iron and steel products

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $44.7 billion (December 2022)
Gold Reserves: 173.6 tons (December 2022)

  • GDP (Current US$):$169,988,236,398. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 37.20%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 66.10%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.28. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.95. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 11.70%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Nationality: Algerian(s)

Adjective: Algerian

2. Ethnic Groups

Arab-Berber: 99%

Other: 1% (including Europeans)

3. Religions

Islam (official; Sunni): 99%

Other: 1% (Christian and Jewish communities)

4. Age Structure

0-14 years: 25.9% (male 5,618,825/female 5,402,675)

15-64 years: 68.1% (male 14,604,428/female 14,358,302)

65 years and over: 6% (male 1,163,963/female 1,389,807)

5. Dependency Ratios

Total Dependency Ratio: 46.2%

Youth Dependency Ratio: 38.1%

Elderly Dependency Ratio: 8.1%

6. Median Age

Total: 28.8 years

Male: 28.5 years

Female: 29.1 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity Rate: 27.4% (2016)

Alcohol Consumption: 0.7 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2019)

Tobacco Use: 16.1% of adults (2020)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 76.7. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 81.4%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:24.28. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:5. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2,09. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 59.6%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 31,510,100. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):28.10%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The Algerian People’s National Armed Forces (APNAF) consist of the following main branches:

  • People’s National Army (ANP) – The largest service branch with ground forces, air defense, and logistical support units.
  • Algerian National Navy (MRA) – Maritime force tasked with coastal defense and offshore protection.
  • Algerian Air Force (QJJ) – Responsible for air defense, transport, and aerial operations.
  • Republican Guard – Elite presidential guard unit.

The National Gendarmerie is a paramilitary force under the Ministry of National Defense responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement in rural areas.

Military Expenditures

Algeria’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2017 – 6.3%
  • 2018 – 6.1%
  • 2019 – 5.8%
  • 2020 – 6.2%
  • 2021 – 6.7%

Algeria consistently ranks among the top military spenders in Africa and the Middle East.

Personnel Strengths

The Algerian military has approximately 520,000 active-duty personnel, with the following breakdown:

  • People’s National Army: 470,000
  • Algerian National Navy: 12,000
  • Algerian Air Force: 25,000

The National Gendarmerie has an additional 190,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Algeria’s military equipment includes a mix of domestically produced and imported hardware, such as:

  • Main Battle Tanks: T-90S, T-72, T-62
  • Armored Vehicles: BMP-1, Fahd APC, WZ551
  • Artillery: D-30, M-30, BM-21 Grad
  • Fighter Aircraft: Su-30MKA, MiG-29, MiG-25
  • Attack Helicopters: Mi-24, Mi-28
  • Naval Assets: Kilo-class submarines, Meko A200 frigates

Significant future acquisitions include the planned procurement of additional Su-57 fighter jets from Russia and upgrades to the navy’s patrol and coastal defense capabilities.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Algerian males between the ages of 19 and 40 are eligible for compulsory military service, with a service obligation of 18 months. There are also voluntary enlistment programs for both men and women.

Military Deployments

Algeria has military deployments as part of the following international missions:

  • United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) – Approximately 1,200 personnel
  • United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) – Approximately 700 personnel

Strategic Military Notes

Algeria’s defense strategy focuses on territorial integrity, countering terrorism and cross-border threats, and maintaining stability in the region. The military plays a significant role in internal security, border control, and counterterrorism operations.

Algeria is a member of the Arab League and has bilateral military cooperation agreements with several nations, including Russia, China, and various European countries. However, it generally avoids formal military alliances.

  • Armed Forces Size: 130000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 1.72
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 41.20%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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