Algeria, officially known as the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, is the largest country in Africa and the Arab world. Located in North Africa, it shares borders with Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara, and Morocco. The country’s diverse landscape includes the Sahara Desert, mountain ranges, and a Mediterranean coastline, offering a rich cultural and historical heritage.
Administrative Divisions
Algeria is divided into 58 provinces (wilayas), which are further subdivided into 553 districts and 1541 municipalities (communes).
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Algerian Dinar
- Symbol: DZD
- Subunit: 1 Dinar = 100 Centimes
- Central Bank: Bank of Algeria
Type of Government
Algeria is a presidential republic where the President serves as both the head of state and government.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Powers & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| President | Head of state and government; Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. | Exercises executive authority, appoints the Prime Minister, and oversees defense and foreign policy. |
| Prime Minister | Chief administrator of government policies. | Coordinates the Council of Ministers and implements presidential policies. |
| Council of Ministers | Includes ministers overseeing various portfolios. | Handles national governance across sectors like health, defense, and education. |
Legislative Branch
| Chamber | Description | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Council of the Nation (Upper House) | Comprises members elected by provincial councils and appointed by the President. | Reviews and approves legislation passed by the lower house. |
| People’s National Assembly (Lower House) | Members elected by the populace. | Drafts and passes laws, oversees the government’s policies. |
Judicial Branch
| Court | Role Description | Powers & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court | Highest court of appeal in Algeria. | Ensures laws align with the constitution. |
| Council of State | Specializes in administrative and constitutional matters. | Advises the government and resolves disputes in administrative law. |
International Memberships
- African Union (AU)
- Arab League
- United Nations (UN)
- OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries)
- Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Military Structure
- Branches: National Army, Air Force, Navy, and Territorial Air Defense.
- Paramilitary Forces: National Gendarmerie and Republican Guard.
- Key Focus: Maintaining national security, especially in border regions.
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency: 14 (Civil Protection)
- Police: 17
- Ambulance: 14
SWOT Analysis of Algeria
Strengths
- Rich in natural resources like oil and gas.
- Geographically strategic location in North Africa.
Weaknesses
- Dependence on hydrocarbon exports.
- Bureaucratic inefficiencies and high unemployment rates.
Opportunities
- Growing potential for renewable energy, particularly solar power.
- Expanding non-oil industries to diversify the economy.
Threats
- Regional instability and threats from terrorism.
- Economic vulnerability due to fluctuating oil prices.
Additional Information
- Official Language: Arabic (Berber and French are also widely spoken).
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET).
- Capital City: Algiers.