Algeria

General

Status: Semi-Presidential Republic
Area: 2,381,740 Sq. Km
Population: 32,930,091 (Estimate as of 2006-07)
Capital: Algiers
Languages:
- Arabic
- French
Religions:
- Sunni Muslim
- Catholic
- Protestant
- Jewish
Currencies:
- Algerian Dinar
Electricity:
- 220V @ 50Hz , European plug
Time zones:
- GMT +1
Post: Mail posted in any of the main cities along the coast takes three to four days to reach Europe; posted elsewhere, it could take much longer.
English Papers: 'Horizons' has an English section
Mobile Phone: Yes
International Dialling Code: 213
Internet: Yes
Web Domain: .dz

Healthcare

Full Medical Insurance is strongly recommended - note the Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently advise against non essential travel to Algeria and this may render Insurance null and void - check with the company.

Malaria: Yes
Entry Requirements: A Yellow Fever certificate is required if entering from an infected country but no vaccination is necessary for those travelling directly to and from the UK.
Recommended Immunisations:
- Diptheria
- Tetanus
- Hep A
- Hep B
- Rabies
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever
Food & Water: Mains water is chlorinated in cities. Treat water outside these areas with Iodine or Chlorine. Bottled water is available and recommended. Pasteurised dairy products, well cooked meat and seafood are normally safe. Wash fruit and vegetables.
Other Health Issues: Various insect borne infections such as Leishmaniasis may be present so personal protection measures against insect bites are highly recommended - see panel. In poor areas inhabited by rats' diseases such as leptospirosis and plague can occur. Fresh water lakes and slow running rivers may be infected with Schistosomiasis and it is best to avoid swimming or paddling in these.

Geography

Mostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow, discontinuous coastal plain.

Climate: Arid to semiarid; 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.

Transport

Air: Domestic airlines run frequent services from Algiers to Constantine, Gharaia, Oran, Tiemcen, Bejaia, Biskra, El Oued, Annaba and H. Messaoud
Rail: A daily service runs between Algiers and Oran, Bejaia, Skikda, Annaba and Constantine.
Road: Traffic drives on the right. Vehicles driving through the desert must be in good working order. Carry large supplies of fuel and water. National driving licence and proof of ownership required.
Sea: Ferries operate between main coastal ports.