Info4Migrants

ALGERIA PROFILE

1 AREA 2 381 714 km2

POPULATION 37.9 million

GDPper capita $5886

CURRENCY Language TAMAZIGHT

Photo2 by James Barker at freedigitalphotos.net MAIN INFORMATION

Algeria is the largest country in Africa and the Arab world. It is bordered to the northeast by Tunisia, to the east by Libya, to the west by Morocco, to the southwest by Western Sahara, Mauritania, and Mali, to the southeast by Niger, and to the north by the Mediterranean Sea. Capital: . Other big cities in Algeria are Oran, Constantine and Setif. Climate: the coastline climate is Mediterranean with mild, humid winter and hot, dry summer. Sahara, which takes The flag of Algeria consists of two vertical stripes – green about 80% of the territory of the country has a desert (symbolizing Islam) and white climate. (symbolizing peace). There is a red and a located in Ethnicity: about 99% of the population of Algeria is the middle, which also symbolize composed of Arabs and Berbers, there are between 600 Islam. 000 and 2 million Algerians, Turks, descendants of Turks that have come during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, and 25 000 French. Religion: Islam 99% (mainly Sunnis), there are also 45 000 Catholics in the country and 50 000 – 100 000 Protestants. Government: semi-presidential republic with bicameral parliament; authoritarian regime.

“Location Algeria AU Africa” by Alvaro1984 18 - Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http:// 3 commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Location_Algeria_AU_Africa.svg#mediaviewer/File:Location_Algeria_AU_Africa.svg FOREIGN RELATIONS

Algeria maintains friendly relations with its neighbors Tunisia, Libya, Mali and Niger. Algeria has a leading role in the discussions and decision-making on different issues related to Africa and during 2000 it hosts the Conference for African Unity.

Algeria also plays a key role for the beginning of peace negotiations between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 2000.

Algeria works in close cooperation with its neighbors in Africa for establishing a new African partnership.

Algeria and its neighbors play important role in the reviving of the Arab Maghreb union. The tension between Algeria and Morocco related to Western Sahara is an obstacle on the way of strengthening the Arab Maghreb union, established in 1989.

Egypt withdraws its ambassador from Algeria in November 2009, after an attack of the Algerian national soccer team over Egyptian fans, after the end of playoffs in Cairo for the World Cup in 2010 (although the bus of the Algerian players is attacked first and FIFA rules against Egypt).

Algeria is part of the European Neighborhood Policy, which aims at bringing the countries of the EU and their neighbors closer. Two of the main principles of this policy are the encouragement and rewarding of the best, as well as the faster and flexible granting of financial aid.

In July 2001 president Abdelaziz Bouteflika becomes the first Algerian president to have visited the White House after 1985. After the attacks of September 11, the contacts between Algeria and the U.S. on key issues of mutual interest, including implementation of the law and unified actions in fighting terrorism, become more frequent. Algeria condemns the attack over U.S. and strongly supports the international fight against terrorism. Algeria and the U.S. work in close cooperation on key international and religious issues.

4 Photo by domdeen at freedgitalphotos.net FACTS ABOUT ALGERIA

Coat of Arms Algeria’s coat of arms is the hand of Fatima (traditional symbol of the region), placed in front of the Atlas Mountains, and the sun is rising above them – a symbol of the new era. There are also buildings depicted on the coat of arms – symbol of industry, and plants – symbol of agriculture. The traditional symbols of Islam are present in the coat of arms as well – a crescent and a star. The writing in Arabic language says: "People's Democratic Republic of Algeria". Arabic language The official language is the literary Arabic (common for all Arab countries), but in everyday life about 70% of the population use the spoken Algerian-Arabic language, which contains many words from the Berber and French languages. From 2002, the Tamazig Berber language also becomes a national language, which is spoken by 27-30% of the population. French language is also widely used (amongst 2/3 of the population). Algeria is the second biggest French Photo by David Castillo Dominici at freedigitalphotos.net speaking country in the world and French is widely used in the government institutions, the media, the schools and the universities.

Government Algeria is a semi-presidential republic. The president is elected for a period of 5 years. He summons and rules the government, appoints the Prime Minister. The legislative power in Algeria is represented by a bicameral parliament. The upper chamber – the Council of the Nation has 144 places for senators, 2/3 being elected proportionally from the population and 1/3 appointed by the president. The lower chamber – the People’s National Assembly has 462 places for members of parliament, elected every 5 years. “Seal of Algeria” by Jackaranga - self-made from Image:Algeria emb (1976).gif. No reference indicated by uploader. Apparent- 5 ly based on this image (national-symbol.com). Licensed under GFDL via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia. org/wiki/File:Seal_of_Algeria.svg#mediaviewer/File:Seal_of_Algeria.svg FACTS ABOUT ALGERIA The capital of Algiers Algiers (Arabic: al-Jazā’er) is the capital and largest city of Algeria. Algiers is situated on the west side of a bay of the Mediterranean Sea and the city’s harbor is the most important one for the imports in the country. The lands of the present day capital have been inhabited since Roman times, but the city was founded during the 10th century by Buluggin ibn Ziri, founder of the Berber dynasty Zirid-Sanhadja. On the place of the ancient Roman town today stands the old district Kasbah (Old town), which still holds remnants from Roman times and is under the protection of UNESCO. Recently the announced five mega projects, aiming at turning the capital of the country into a contemporary, modern city – renewal of the Railway station, development of the coastal zone, construction of tourist complexes in the surroundings of the city, construction of a new residential zone, etc.

In antiquity The most ancient traces of people in North Africa have been discovered in Aïn el-Hanech region (Saida province) – 200 000 years B.C. During the Middle Paleolithic, the manufacturing of different tools has been most developed in the territories of present day Algeria and the tools created during this epoch are called Aterian, by the name of the archeological area of Bir el Ater. The Neolithic civilization (taming of the animals and development of agriculture) emerged in the region of Maghreb around 11 000 B.C. The life of the ancient tribes is depicted on the rock drawings of the Tassili n'Ajjer National Park, which is part of UNESCO’s cultural world heritage. Gradually the tribes inhabiting present Algeria, gain “Timgad rue” by PhR61 - originally posted to mutual cultural shape and identity and begin to call Flickr as IMG_0890. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via themselves Berbers – the indigenous population of North Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikime- dia.org/wiki/File:Timgad_rue.jpg#mediaviewer/ Africa. File:Timgad_rue.jpg 6 Photo by franky242. at freedigitalphotos.net FACTS ABOUT ALGERIA

Geography

Algeria is situated in the Northern part of Africa, on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Sahara desert covers 80% of the country’s territory and consists of separate sand (Grand Erg Occidental, Grand Erg Oriental, Erg-Iguidi, Erg-Chech) and rocky (Tanezruft, Tingert, Tademait, El-Eglab) deserts.

All rivers in Algeria are reservoirs which are being filled during the rainy season. The valleys of the lakes also get filled during the rainy season and dry during the summer, when they get covered with salt crust up to 60 cm. Photo by m_bartosch at freedigitalphotos.net

Economy

The economy is controlled by the country, which is a consequence of the socialist model of development of the country, after declaring its independence. In the recent years the Algerian government stopped the privatization of the state-owned industries and imposes restrictions on the import and foreign intervention on its economy.

Liquid fuels are the backbone of the economy in Algeria and constitute 60% of the budget income, 30% of the GDP and more than 97% of the income from exports. The country holds 10-12 place in the “Oil refinery in Homs, 2010” by High Contrast - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 de via Wiki- world in terms of petrol export, and 4-5 place for media Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/ natural gas. wiki/File:Oil_refinery_in_Homs,_2010.jpg#media- viewer/File:Oil_refinery_in_Homs,_2010.jpg

7 Photo by Gualberto107 at freedigitalphotos.net FACTS ABOUT ALGERIA

Food independence Very small part of Algeria’s land is agricultural land, the country is forced to import about 45% of the food it uses. Agriculture is concentrated in the Tell Atlas region, part of the Atlas Mountains. The main agricultural crops that are grown are wheat, barley, potatoes and oats. Dates and figs are also produced for export. Photo by Praisaeng at freedigi- talphotos..net

Islam The predominant is the Islam (mainly Sunnis). Islam has emerged in the lands of present Saudi Arabia. Among some of the duties of Muslims are to pray five times a day – at dawn, during lunchtime, in the afternoon, at dusk and in the evening. Friday is a holy day for the Muslims. During holy Ramadan all Muslims don’t eat and don’t drink water from dawn till dusk.

National identity The Berbers are the indigenous ethnic group in Algeria. They are considered to be the descendants of a mix of Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Turks, as well as other ethnic groups. Most of the Algerians are Berbers by their origin, but identify with the Arabian culture.

About 90% of Algerians live in the northern coast line, and the inhabitants of Sahara are concentrated mainly in the oases, although 1.5 million people remain nomads.

“Omayad Mosque of Aleppo Syria”. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/ 8 wiki/File:Omayad_Mosque_of_Aleppo_Syria.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Omayad_Mosque_of_Aleppo_Syria.jpg UNIQUE PLACES IN ALGERIA

Cirta / Constantine

Cirta was the ancient capital city of the Berber Kingdom of Numidia in northern Africa (modern Algeria). Founded by the people of Carthege, Cirta is the oldest and city in Algeria and inhabited for the longest time. The city was ally of Rome during the Punic wars, after which it was conquered by the Roman Empire during the time of Caesar. During the 4th century the city is destroyed and later rebuilt by Emperor Constantine, whose name the city carries today. Cirta is located in the top of a stone plateau, which reveals splendid views of the gorge Ryumel. Cirta is a mixture of old and new and gives opportunity to explore the ancient remains of a lost civilization and at the same time enjoy all modern amenities, which the modern town of Constantine can offer.

Beni Hammad Fort Beni Hammad Fort is a fortified city in Algeria built in 1007 by Hammad ibn Buluggin, the son of Buluggin ibn Ziri Menad Abu Ziri, the founder of Algeria. In the past Beni Hammad Fort served as the first capital of the Hammadid dynasty. The town is surrounded by 7 km-long line of walls. Inside the walls are four residential complexes, and the largest mosque дbuilt in Algeria after that of Mansurah. It is similar to the Grand Mosque of Kairouan,with a tall minaret (20 m). Among the walls of Beni Hammad Fort can be found the remains of the emir's palace, known as Dal al-Bahr or the Lake Palace. It was named that way due to the big rectangular lake, in which even boats sailed. The lake was surrounded by a gallery of columns and rich gardens. The emir’s palace consisted of three separate residences separated by gardens and pavilions. In 1980 Beni Hammad Fort was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

“” Licensed under CC0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:History_Of_Alge- ria.jpeg#mediaviewer/File:History_Of_Algeria.jpeg 9 “Maadid” by Fdebbi - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Maadid.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Maadid.jpg ALGERIAN CUISINE

Algerian cuisine is rich and diverse. In ancient times the country has been called “Rome’s granary”. It offers diverse dishes depending on the region and the season. In most dishes cereal crops are used, which are traditionally grown in the country.

Kesra, the traditional flat bread, is the basis of the Algerian cuisine and is eaten with almost every dish. A popular Algerian meat delicacy is “” – spicy lamb sausage. One of the most popular dishes in Algeria is the . Other favorite dishes of Algerians are: – eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, spiced with . Karantita – thin pancake made from chickpeas, water and oil flour, served hot and sprinkled with cumin or with “” sauce - roasted red pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic, coriander and . Chakhchoukha – teared pieces of Rougag (thin round ) mixed with Marqa, a prepared from lamb meat, tomatoes, onions, chickpea and spices. Potatoes can be added to the stew, as well as zucchini and carrots is such are grown in the region.

Among the most frequently used spices are dried chili red peppers, cumin, , nutmeg, coriander, dill, ginger, anise and “” – a mixture of spices, which every vendor prepares – they include in this mixture the best spices the vendor can offer.

Many salads in Algeria are influenced by the French and the and include beet or anchovies. There is also influence from the , for example the “Gaspacho Oranais” dish – a type of stew, served with pieces of flat bread.

The food in Algeria is often prepared in clay pots.

10 Photo by franky242 at freedigitalphotos.net PASTRIES AND BEVERAGES

Pastries this prohibition. The consumption of alcohol in Algeria is Among the traditional Algerian pastries are 10.9 liters per year per capita. “makroudh” – fried or baked pastry from semolina dough and with dates and The minimum age of people in Algeria almonds filling; “” – cooked wheat allowed to buy and consume alcohol is flour lump of dough, sometimes with 18 years. Prohibitions have been added butter or honey, served on different introduced regarding the selling of religious holidays or when a child is born; alcohol in specific hours, places and on nougat and halva. specific events.

Algeria is the second biggest consumer of There are strict regulations in the honey per capita, in the world. country regarding the advertising of alcoholic beverages, sponsoring and Beverages promotions. The warning signs about health risk are mandatory when advertising alcohol. In the morning as well as during ceremonies people usually drink mint tea. In 2012 strict requirements have been introduced for stores and places selling and Algerians also drink a lot of coffee, and serving alcohol, as a result of which many they prefer Turkish coffee. bars lose their license and are forced to close down. Fruit juices and soft drinks are also very The restrictions introduced concern the popular and consumed throughout the hygiene and safety in the restaurants and day. bars, but according to most owners, the main reason for the strict attitude of the Algeria has been a big producer of wine in state is religious, because Islam forbids the the past, during the French colonization, consumption of alcohol. But on the place of but today the production has been the closed bars many illegal establishments significantly reduced and is almost entirely appear and the consumption of alcohol in in the hands of the country. the country increases even more. Although he illegal establishment often Alcohol consumption work openly and without hiding, the authorities do not undertake any measures According to Islam, the consumption of against them. alcohol is forbidden, but not everyone

11 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1 January: New Year’s Day ledges the results of the 1 November: Anniversary Celebrations continue until referendum for of the Revolution in 1954 the next morning and independence, carried on 1 Commemorates the first many people spend the 1st July. Algerians go out in the successfully coordinated of January resting or streets on this day, dressed attacks by the National visiting friends and in the national color – Liberation Front against relatives. green, and participate in French military different festivities. Military installations, public utilities, 1 May: Labor and parades are carried in the and communications Solidarity Day capital. Concerts and other facilities. Celebrations are This day is an opportunity cultural events are held on mainly on a political level for some people to send a the national stadium. with speeches and formal request for better work meetings. Most families conditions. Many others Summer of autumn: prepare traditional Algerian use the day to rest or meet Ramadan dishes, such as couscous with friends and relatives. People visit relatives and with rooster meat. give tribute to the elders. Seminars and concerts are 5 July: Independence Day organized in the capital. This was the day in 1962 Autumn or winter: Kurban when an end was put to the Bayram 100 year rulership of France On this day a sacrificial rite over Algeria. is organized, and people France officially acknow- visit relatives and give aid to the poor. 12 PEOPLE IN ALGERIA

Algerian people are famous for their hospitality and generosity. In the regions with Arabic influence the loyalty to the family is considered as the strongest bond compared to any other relationship or responsibility. Relatives usually live close to one another and despite the fact that the cities and the modern life have weakened to some extent these bonds, people’s life still revolves completely around their family.

Traditional attire The female cloak is called “haik”, covers the entire body from the head Most men and women in the cities wear to the feet and is usually worn on top European style clothes. of wideshalwars, tied in the ankles. The national costume is white woolen cloak, called “gandoura” which is worn Social division over a long cotton shirt. Sometimes a Most Algerians are poor. The rich people short wrap is worn over the shoulders – are usually Arabs, educated and living in symbol of wealth of the person wearing the cities. The higher classes usually look it. down on the Berbers, but also down on Men wear traditionally a red fez, covered the Arabs from the villages who speak a in white fabric. different dialect. Despite this most Men from Tuareg tribe usually wear Algerians are a mixture between Arabs indigo turbans, which completely cover and Berbers and the differences in the their faces and only the eyes remain color of the skin and the hair do not uncovered. influence their social status.

“A Market in Algeria” by Magharebia - Algerian potato prices soar | Flambée du prix de la pomme de terre en AlgérieUploaded 13 by russavia. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_Market_in_Al- geria.jpg#mediaviewer/File:A_Market_in_Algeria.jpg FAMILY IN ALGERIA

Marriage

In Algeria marriage is traditionally arranged by the parents of the couple or by a professional matchmaker. Despite the coming influence of the Western culture in the country, it has had a weak influence regarding marriage and most marriages are still arranged like they used to be in the past. Marriage is considered not only union of two people, but a union of two families. Marriage ceremonies continue with days and include music, traditional desserts and a ritual bathing of the bride. The wedding expenses are covered by the groom. A law introduced in 1984 give women custody of the children in the family, as well as right of ownership over the dowry. It is still legal, though very rare, for a man to have four women. The decision for a divorce is entirely a man’s choice.

Household

Traditionally the household includes the expanded family – the husband, his wives and their children continue living with the parents of the husband. The parents of the husband, as well as his daughters or sisters who are divorced or widowed are all part of the household. With the increasing urbanization this is changing to some extent and the tendency is for the Algerians to live in smaller households, but it is not rare for a woman to have seven or eight children.

Children

Similar to many other cultures, the care for the children is left in the woman’s hands. Most women never leave home and spend most of their time with their children. In the Arabian society children are highly valued and considered as wealth and blessing for their parents. Despite this the attitude towards boys and girls is different. Girls are taught to obey men, while boys are taught that the main responsibility of women is to satisfy their wishes and needs. Girls usually have more domestic duties and tasks compared to boys who spend most of their time playing outside. Traditionally only boys have been sent to school, although this is starting to change in the last years.

Aleppo, Syria (5077865830)” by yeowatzup from Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany - Umayyad Mosque, Aleppo, SyriaUploaded by 14 russavia. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Umayyad_Mosque,_ Aleppo,_Syria_(5077865830).jpg#mediaviewer/File:Umayyad_Mosque,_Aleppo,_Syria_(5077865830).jpg MEN AND WOMEN IN ALGERIA

Women work almost entirely at home and take full care of the household. In some regions, when there is an activity requiring to go out of home like for example buying groceries, this is completely done by men. Women need permission from their husbands or fathers for most things, including going out of home. Only 7% of women work outside of their homes, mainly as secretaries and teachers (these 7% though do not include the women in village regions who work on the fields alongside men). Women are allowed to hold government positions and run for elections, but still this happens extremely rarely.

Similar to most Arabian cultures, the women in Algeria are considered weaker than men and in need of protection. Men take all the important decisions in the family. Women live in the limited circle of their home and relatives and their only contact with the external world is with other women. The declaration of the country’s independence and the incoming influence of the Western culture have not changed that reality much. Although the new government accept new social principles, the gender equality meets strong resistance from the conservative Islam society.

Regarding the gender division, the Berbers have their own concepts and practices, which vary in the different groups. The role of women in Kabylie region is closest to the Arabian tradition: women cannot inherit property or marry again without the permissions of the man who has divorced them. Women in Chauya region, although quite restricted, are believed to possess magical powers, which gives them higher status. The Mozabite tribe is supporter of social equality between men and women and women’s right of education, but at the same time does not allow women to leave the villages where they live.

The Tuareg people are exception from the Arabian world and their community is entirely dominated by women. According to Islam women have to be covered with veil, but in Tuareg people men wear veils. Women control the economy and ownership, and girls and boys are equal in terms of education.

“Algerians in traditional costumes” by Yves Jalabert from Région parisienne, France - Au revoir et à bientotUploaded by dz- 15 linker. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Algerians_in_tradi- tional_costumes.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Algerians_in_traditional_costumes.jpg USEFUL INFORMATION

Greetings Gifts

When meeting someone shake hands. Giving gifts is part of Algeria’s culture and serves to establish good relationships. The Enquire about their family, work, home, gesture is often more important than the time. This is part of establishing a gift itself. relationships and showing care about the other party. If invited into somebody’s home, bring sweets, fruits or flowers. Roses and tulips It is possible after shaking hands for are a good choice, do not give violets as people to keep holding their hands for a they are a symbol of sadness. while, which is an expression of warm relations. Bring gifts to children also – for example sweets. Friends and relatives usually exchange kisses on both cheeks. Do not bring alcohol if you are not sure that your host is drinking alcohol. When meeting a woman nod and wait for her to reach out her hand first. Gifts are usually not opened immediately. Avoid extensive eye contact with women and don’t ask them personal questions. Give the gifts with your right or with If you are a foreign woman visiting both hands. Algeria, you will notice that men do not shake hands with you – this is not an expression of disrespect, but rather the opposite.

Names and titles

Using titles is important in Algeria, due to the hierarchical structure of society. When introduced to somebody, use their title and surname.

16 Photo by Marcelo Terraza USEFUL INFORMATION

When visiting Food is usually eaten straight with your hands. Algerians love hospitality and food. It is considered great honor to be invited in Couscous is eaten with a spoon, and somebody’s home. Remember that the with a fork. If you are not sure host is most probably a Muslim so it is what to do, follow the example of the better to observe the following rules: people around you.

Do not bring alcohol. Only use your right hand to eat or to hand a dish to somebody. The left hand is When entering the home take off your considered unclean. shoes. Hosts will often invite you to take more Men and women usually sit food, this is why begin with small separately. portions.

Dress modestly, especially if you are a When you have finished eating, leave a woman. little food on the plate, otherwise it will be refilled again. When entering a room, always greet the eldest people first.

If you are a woman it is considered polite to offer the host to help her with the serving and cleaning the table. Your proposal will most probably be refused, but will also be appreciated.

At the table

Table can be laid on a high table around which there are sofas or a low table around which people sit straight on the ground.

Wash your hands before and after eating.

17 BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Relationships It is better to avoid making meeting arrangements during Ramadan. The importance of personal relations should not be underestimated. Always Friday is a holy day for the Muslims and invest in building trust and friendship. most companies don’t work on this day.

You will notice that Algerians do not leave Try to be on time for the meeting, but be much personal space among them. If your prepared to wait. Algerian businessmen business partner is standing close to you or who are accustomed to working with is holding your hand, do not move away. foreign companies usually try to be on time for the meetings, but the local culture has its influence as well. Keeping one’s honor/ reputation is very important. Algerians would try to keep their reputation by telling you what they In general Algerians have an open door think you would expect to hear, even if it is policy even during meetings, which not true. means that your meeting might be interrupted many times. The principle “I will do for you, if you will It is also possible for an employee to do for me” is very strong. Whenever enter and start a conversation on a possible make favors for people, this completely different question. You can would mean they also owe you a favor. join the conversation but don’t try to get them back to your topics of discussion, before the newcomer has left the room. Business cards The formal languages used for business There is no specific ritual related to the meetings are French and Arabian, exchange of business cards. It is though although some companies use English. a good idea to have them translated in French or Arabian. Always use your right hand when handing or taking a business card.

Business meetings

It is necessary to arrange a meeting in advance. This should happen as early as possible and then the meeting has to be confirmed a day or two before the event.

18 Photo by adamr at freedigitalohotos.net