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Algeria

Capital : Algiers

Official Language : Standard Arabic

Currency : Algerian Dinar

Algeria the second largest country of Africa lies along the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia. Algeria is bordered by Mauritania and Mali on the southwest, by Niger on the southeast and by Libya on the west. The name Algeria is derived from an Arabic word aljazair that specifies the four islands that lay off the coast of the city of Algiers long times ago. Again many people believe that Algiers was derived from Ziriya Bani Mazghana that is linked with Algeria's founder the Amazigh king Ziri.

Major Cities

The principal cities in Algeria include Algiers, Oran, Constantine, Annaba, Blida, Setif and Sidi be Abbes. Chief tourist attractions include the Mediterranean coast, the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara desert.

Tourist Attractions

Algeria boasts of some marvelous architecture. Terrace-leveled architectures on Aures, colossal representations in the antique towns of Timgad and Casbah or the Mansourah are simply awe-inspiring. There are also magnificent beach resorts that lie along the coast of Algeria. Zeralda is a beach resort with a holiday village and a replica nomad village. Tipasa possesses exceptional Roman, Punic and Christian ruins.

The Turquoise Coast in the east of Algeria offers rocky coves and extravagant beaches equipped with sports, cruise and water sports facilities. Notable beaches in the western coast of Algeria include Ain El Turk, Les Andalouses, Canastel, Kristel, Mostaganem and Sablettes. The historical city of Tlemcen as well as the Grand Mosque, Almohad ramparts and Masourah Fortress are the worth seeing historical sites in Hauts Plateaux. Constantine, to the east, is a natural citadel lying across the River Rhumnel.

Sahara opens up a whole new world of attractions in Algeria. The holy town of Beni-Isguen with its well-guarded gate and auction market makes for an interesting stop. Ouargla or ' golden key to the desert' is a lovely town featuring a male kite minaret, market square and gorgeous architecture. The sudden glimpse of the Sahara through the El Kautara Gorges is breathtaking. Timimoun is a fairytale Saharan oasis town. Numerous palm trees lace it and there are views of an ancient salt lake and distant dunes from the edge. The architecture here is a magnificent terracotta color, with smooth shapes and soft lines curving around the windows.
Deeper into the south lies the town of El Golea, eulogized as 'the pearl of the desert' or 'the enchanted oasis' for its luxuriant vegetation and abundant water. Further south are the Hoggar Mountains, an eminent range reaching as far as Libya and surrounded by desert on all sides. The picturesque capital, Tamanrasset, situated at the heart of the Hoggar Mountains, is an important stopping spot for tourists.

Accommodation

The vast country of Algeria has quite a large number of airports. The main airports can be found at Algiers, Constantine, Annaba and Oran. These airports all airport services that cater for international as well as domestic flights. There are a fair number of great hotels in Algeria that provides comfortable accommodation. Bed and Breakfasts, hotels, guesthouses and self-catering accommodation are available in various cities in the country. Prices vary according to service and location but majority hotels are very reasonable. It is always a good idea to check what services and facilities are available before starting the journey. Accommodations are often scarce in oasis regions, and during the season it is advisable to book in advance. Air Algérie operates frequent flights from Algiers to Ghardaia, Djanet and Tamanrasset, as well as to several smaller towns, oases and oil settlements. There are a decent number of car rental companies, which operate in Algeria. Many of the companies are branches of a global chain but there are also some local companies. Some of the companies specialize in cheap car hire. Since Algeria is a warm country with sand dunes and deserts, it is a good idea to ensure that the hired vehicle has air conditioning and is comfortable in rugged surfaces.

Precautions

Once famed as one of Arabia's most beautiful cities, Algeria is never the same after years of colonial abuse. Though it is generally safe in Algeria with strict securities everywhere but unfortunately most points of interest off-limits to foreigners since the start of the troubles. Tourists from various parts of the world are requested to evaluate for their security and safety before deciding to travel to different parts of Algeria. Although the level of terrorist incidents in Algeria is lower than in recent years, unpredictable attacks continue to occur in crowded urban areas, in roadsides and on public transport. Nighttime travel outside the central urban areas should be strictly avoided. Visitors to the capital of Algeria should reside only in one of the several internationally recognized hotels where security is provided.

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