Hey there! Let’s learn about Algeria, the biggest country in Africa, with 80% of its land covered by the Sahara Desert.
Official Name: People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
Population: Approximately 45.6 million
Currency: Algerian dinar
Independence Date: Algeria gained independence from France on July 5, 1962.
Algeria’s official languages are Arabic and Tamazight.
What does the Algerian flag symbolize: The Algerian flag has two vertical bands of green and white. In the middle, there’s a red crescent and a star. The colours have meanings too! Green is for Islam, white is for purity and peace, and red is for liberty. The crescent and star are also special symbols in Islam.
The capital city of Algeria is Algiers.
What does Algeria mean?: The name “Algeria” comes from the city of Algiers. Algiers comes from the Arabic word “Al-Jazā’ir,” which means “the islands.” This is because Algiers has four islands off its coast. So, the country’s name is kind of like saying “the land of islands.”
Fun fact: Algeria has been host to many empires and cultures over the centuries, such as the Numidians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arab and Amazigh dynasties, as well as Spaniards, and Ottoman Turks.