Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1%
Languages
French (official); note - each ethnic group has its own language
Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects
Exports
petroleum, natural gas, and petroleum products 97%
External Debt
$4,699,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
Algerian dinars (DZD) per US dollar - 63.25 (2008 est.), 69.9 (2007), 72.647 (2006), 73.276 (2005), 72.061 (2004)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
3.300%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
0
2
Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone
Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia
Area
245,857 km sq
2,381,741 km sq
Coastline
320 km
998 km
Climate
generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds
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
