Algeria is the second largest country on the African continent. Most of the coastal area is hilly, sometimes even mountainous, and there are a few natural harbors. Algeria is famous for its of strong cultural identity, Sahara desert, beautiful oasis and mountains.

POPULAR ATTRACTIONS:
Most famous cities of Algeria are Oran, Algiers, In Salah, El golea, Constantine, Bejaia, Tamanrasset, Laghouat, Taghit, Tlemcen, Annaba and Boghni.

Algers, the capital city, has a maze of pretty small alleys and whitewashed houses.Constantine has some museums and deep gorge protects the city on almost all sides. Taghit is popular among tourists for its oasis and dunes. Oran is an important city and a busy port. Tlemcen has nice mixture of Islamic and French architecture.

Natural attractions in Algeria include Kabylia and the Chiffa Gorges. Boghni is located next to the enormous and magnificent Jurjura mountains. Laghouat is an oasis town, it is where the Sahara desert really starts. The holy town of Beni-Isguen with its well-guarded gate and auction market, makes for an interesting stop.

Tassili n'Ajjer is a famous archaeological site, erosion in the area has resulted in nearly 300 natural rock arches being formed. The M'zab is a limestone plateau, centered around the Wad M'zab and also a world heritage site.

SAFETY CHECK:
Algeria, has been battered by violence and civil unrest over the past half-century. It is IMPORTANT to check the travel.state.gov website for most current safety warnings and which areas have been declared safe for travel. You should also check the Algerian tourism authority and consulate for travel and safety recommendations.

POPULAR THINGS TO BUY:
Dates, leather goods, carpets, jewelry, pottery and paintings.

CLIMATE:
Arid to semi-arid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer.

CULTURE:
The majority religion is Islam and the normal Islamic ethics apply in most of the country. Keep in mind to only drink at home or in a bar, never on the street.