🇩🇿 Algeria Quiz: How Well Do You Know Africa’s Largest Country?

Algeria’s national motto, “By the People and for the People”, emphasizes democracy and unity. It reflects the ideals of independence, equality, and national sovereignty that shaped Algeria after 1962.

Islam is the state religion in Algeria, and the majority of its population practices Sunni Islam. Religious and cultural traditions are deeply woven into Algerian life, influencing holidays, family life, and national identity.

Algeria follows Central European Time (GMT +1) and does not observe daylight saving time. This time zone aligns with many European and North African countries, making business and communication easier between continents.

Tamazight, also known as Berber, is spoken by the indigenous Amazigh people, particularly in the Kabylie region. In 2016, Algeria officially recognized Tamazight as a national and official language, promoting bilingual education and preserving cultural identity.

Algeria is situated in the northern region of the African continent, often referred to as North Africa or the Maghreb. It is bordered by Tunisia and Libya to the northeast, Niger and Mali to the south, Morocco and Western Sahara to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. It is the largest country in Africa by land area, covering more than 2.3 million square kilometers.

Algeria shares borders with seven countries, but its longest border (about 1,376 km) is with Mali. This vast southern border runs through the Sahara Desert, creating challenges in border control and trade, but it also connects Algeria to sub-Saharan Africa.

The Mediterranean Sea separates North Africa from southern Europe. From Algeria’s northern coast, Spain, France, and Italy lie directly across the sea. Historically, this location made Algeria a major hub for trade, cultural exchange, and early Mediterranean civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans.

Algiers, located along the Mediterranean Sea, is the largest and most populous city in Algeria. It serves as the nation’s political and economic hub. The city features a mix of modern architecture and historical sites like the Casbah of Algiers — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 10th century, Algiers has played a key role in Algeria’s history, particularly during the struggle for independence from France.

The green symbolizes Islam, white represents peace, and the red star and crescent stand for freedom and the blood of those who died for independence. The flag was officially adopted in 1962.

The Sahara Desert spans about 80% of Algeria’s total area, making it the largest desert nation in Africa. This vast arid region includes sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and oases such as Ghardaia and Tamanrasset, which are home to Berber communities and unique desert wildlife.

As of 2025, Algeria’s population is estimated at around 48 million people. It’s the ninth most populous country in Africa. The population is young and urbanizing rapidly, with most people living in the northern coastal regions while the Sahara region remains sparsely inhabited.

The Algerian dinar (DZD) has been the national currency since 1964, shortly after independence. The term “dinar” has historical roots in the Arabic-speaking world, derived from the Roman “denarius.” The Bank of Algeria issues and regulates the dinar.

The red star and crescent are classic symbols of Islam, representing faith, unity, and sacrifice. In Algeria’s flag, they also commemorate the sacrifices made during the fight for independence. The red color stands for bloodshed in the liberation struggle, while the crescent and star symbolize hope and faith in the future.

Constantine, also called the “City of Bridges,” is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and historic architecture. As one of the world’s oldest cities, it has long been a center of learning, art, and Arab-Andalusian music.

Algeria’s economy is heavily dependent on hydrocarbon exports, particularly oil and natural gas. The country is among the top ten gas exporters globally, and energy revenues account for roughly 95% of export earnings.

Modern Standard Arabic is Algeria’s official language, reflecting its Arab heritage. However, Berber (Tamazight) also holds official status since 2016, recognizing the indigenous Amazigh people. French remains widely spoken due to Algeria’s colonial history under France (1830–1962), making Algeria one of the largest French-speaking nations in the world.

After 132 years of French colonization, Algeria achieved independence on July 5, 1962 following an 8-year-long and bloody war of independence led by the National Liberation Front (FLN). The war is remembered as one of the most significant anti-colonial struggles of the 20th century.

The Atlas Mountains extend across northwestern Africa, passing through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. In Algeria, they divide the coastal plains from the Sahara and are rich in natural beauty, forests, and ancient Berber settlements.

Although Algeria borders the Mediterranean Sea, its western edge lies close to the Atlantic Ocean, especially near Morocco. The proximity to the Atlantic affects weather patterns in western Algeria and historically influenced trade routes with Europe and the Americas.

Riyad Mahrez is one of Algeria’s most celebrated athletes. He gained global fame playing for Leicester City during their historic 2016 Premier League win before transferring to Manchester City, where he won multiple league titles and the UEFA Champions League.

The Mediterranean Sea lies directly north of Algeria, stretching along its 998 km coastline. This strategic location has made Algeria a gateway between Africa and Europe, with major ports such as Algiers and Oran facilitating international trade and cultural exchange.

Algeria’s political system is a semi-presidential republic. The President serves as both head of state and commander-in-chief, while the Prime Minister heads the government. The country’s political structure blends aspects of democratic institutions and centralized authority, guided by the 2020 Constitution.

Djemila, meaning “beautiful” in Arabic, is one of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in North Africa. The ancient city, once called Cuicul, showcases temples, theaters, and mosaics dating back to the 1st century AD. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

Algiers, apart from being the capital, is also the largest city in Algeria with a population exceeding 4 million. The city is known for its blend of Ottoman, Moorish, and French colonial architecture, along with modern skyscrapers and the iconic Martyrs’ Memorial, symbolizing Algeria’s struggle for freedom.

Football is the most popular sport in Algeria. The Algerian national football team, known as Les Fennecs (The Desert Foxes), won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1990 and again in 2019. Players like Riyad Mahrez have brought international fame to Algerian football.