A Sojourn in Algeria

Algeria, while not the richest country of the African continent, is able to claim the title of Africa's geographically largest nation. Understandably, the country is extremely diverse in its vast terrain, which makes Algeria an ideal ecotourism location. The weather, which is similar to that of Southern California, also makes the country a prime tourist destination.

Aures Mountains

The country borders the Mediterranean Sea to the north, which makes this part of the country suitable for agriculture. In the northwest, the Tell Atlas mountain chain extends into the country from the Moroccan border. Algiers, the capital city, is located at the base of this mountain chain. Another geographical formation found in this part of the country is the High Plateaus, which also originates from the Moroccan border. To the extreme northeast lies the Aures Mountains, while plains make up the interior of the region. The southern region of the country is covered by the Sahara Desert. Even with all the natural beauty found in the country, Algeria has dedicated several plots of land to be used as national parks. This includes the Belezma National Park, which is not only home to a beautiful forest, but also home to Roman ruins.

Belezma National Park

Algeria's tourist opportunities go beyond that of its natural habitats, as the country is home to six UNESCO Heritage Sites. These sites include Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad, Djemila, Casbah of Algiers, M'Zab Valley, Timgad, and Tipasa. Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad is a walled Muslim fortress built by the Arab-Berbers and was mandated by the founder of Algiers. Djemila is a village in the mountains of Algeria that is also home to Roman ruins, that include temples, basilicas, and a theatre. The Casbah of Algiers is the famous citadel found in the capital city. Beyond its importance as a Muslim stronghold and center of the movement for Algerian independence from France, it was also the inspiration for the song "Rock the Casbah," by The Clash. The M'Zab Valley has been designated a Heritage Site due to its well preserved architecture that displays the harmonious combination of pragmatism and usage of natural materials. Timgad and Tipasa are well known for their well preserved Roman ruins.

Casbah of Algiers

Although there are many places that must be visited when one travels to Algeria, it is its hybrid culture which has Muslim, Arabian, Berber, French, and African influences, that makes the country worthy of an extended visit.

M'Zab Ghardaia

Timgad

Mystical Algerian Tourism Video

Sources

CIA World Factbook, Algeria: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ag.html

UNESCO Heritage List: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/

Aures Mountains: http://www.world-travel-photos.com/photos2/algeria/aures-mountains-9394.jpg

Belezma National Park: http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpimg/28098/28098-27/preview.jpg

Casbah of Algiers: http://www.hoteldealsafrica.com/media/upload/image/africacity/Algiers/algiers-casbah.jpg

M'Zab Ghardaia: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Mzab_Gharda%C3%AFa.jpg

Timgad: http://www.wallpaperstravel.com/wallpapers/arch-timgad-algeria-1024x768.jpg

Algeria Tourism 90 sec: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Do2te5UhU0