Living in Algeria: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Algeria.
Located on North Africa, Algeria is a popular expat destination on the continent. The country seduces expatriates for its rich diverse culture and as it is greatly open to the world.
Large numbers of expatriates have already settled in Algeria to live and work, its economy offering job opportunities in oil, services and construction sectors. Mastering Arabic and French is a real asset to settle here.
The Democratic Republic of Algeria, or Algeria in short, is located in the middle of North Africa. It is deemed to be very conducive towards expatriation for various reasons. Algeria is one of Africa and Arabia's biggest countries. It is surrounded by Tunisia in the North-east, Libya in the East, Nigeria and Mali in the South, Mauritania and Western Sahara in the South-west and Morocco in the West. Thus, the country is known as a major gateway over the North-African region.
The country generally attracts qualified professionals for its developed economy thanks to its numerous economic pillars as well as national and international firms operating there. Culture is another aspect to be considered during your expatriation to Algeria. You are definitely not likely to be disappointed.
Features
Algiers is Algeria's capital city while Oran, Constantine and Annaba are its other major cities. In fact, located in the North of the Mediterranean Sea, Algiers is the Maghreb region's second major city after Casablanca in Morocco. It is also known to be Algeria's main port city thanks to its huge export center and industrial activities which are based on oil, metals and food. It also hosts the first Algerian university and an international airport.
Oran, for its part, is the country's economic, commercial, industrial, cultural and academic hub, also hosting the country's second largest port. As regard Constantine, its activities revolve around trade, industry, and crafts. It remains a key region in terms of trade and communication. Finally, Annaba hosts North-east Algeria's major port. Being the country's fourth major city, is has been submitted to an intensive urbanization for a few years. Hence, its population has known consequent growth lately. It is also a key industrial and commercial hub.
Demography and languages
As at January 2014, the Algerian population consisted of some 38.7 million inhabitants, including a large number of foreigners. Expatriates in Algeria indeed represent foreign expertise in various fields.
Classic Arab is the country's official language, but Arab Berber is recognized as the national language since 2002. In your everyday life in Algeria, you will come across people speaking Algerian Arabic and chatting in Dardja which is an Arabic dialect retaining some Berber words as well as some French, Turkish and Spanish terms.
In some regions, locals are more fluent in Berber. Note that the colonization period has strongly influenced the Algerian vocabulary. However, the government has been attempting to arabize the country since independence by recommending classic Arabic rather than Dardja and Berber.
Economy
Algeria is not only a member of the United Nations, but also of the African Union, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Arab League. In 1996, it has also joined the Petroleum Exporting Countries Organization of which it has remained an important and strategic member. Note that the country's economy mainly relies on tax revenues at some 97% on exports, 60% on tax revenues and around 35% on hydrocarbons. In short, Algeria enjoys financial and economic stability.
In 2013, the country's GDP amounted to some $ 209 billion. Unemployment rate, for its part, was at 9.7% of the active population, including 24.3% of youth.
Climate
Northern Algeria enjoys a Mediterranean climate while a desert climate prevails on the South. In general, the weather is rather sunny with variable winds in both areas. In the northern coastal regions, winter temperatures vary between 8 and 15 °C. In the Kabylia mountains, these can fall down to -7 °C. In the South, near the Sahara region, winter temperature range between 15 and 28 °C. In summer, temperatures can rise up to 40 and 45 °C against 25 to 30 °C from May to August in Northern Algeria's coastal regions.
Useful links:
Expat.com ' Algeria
Formalities
Find out more on visas, passports and entry requirements to travel to Algeria.
Traveling to Algeria
Do you intend to travel to Algeria? Find in this article useful information regarding formalities to be filled in.
Visas
All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Algeria.
Visas for Algeria
If you intend to travel to Algeria, you will probably need a visa. Find out how to obtain a visa in this article.
Work
Dive into the Algeria labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Algeria.
Work in Algeria
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Setting up a business in Algeria
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Jobs in Algeria
Discover professional opportunities in Algeria and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Algeria. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Algeria.
Study in Algeria
Do you wish to study further in Algeria? Find out in this article how to proceed with registration formalities and to obtain a visa.
Health care
Understanding the healthcare system in Algeria: public and private health system, health insurance...
Bank
Navigate the banking system in Algeria: how to choose a bank and open a bank account.
Tax
All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in Algeria.
Taxes in Algeria
Will you have to pay taxes in Algeria? What are the taxes and rates applied? Find the answers to your queries in this article.
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Algeria.
Transport in Algeria
What are the means of transport that are available in Algeria? Find an overview of the country's transport network in this article.
Driving
Essential information on driving requirements in Algeria, driver's license exchange and international permits.
Driving in Algeria
Driving in Algeria implies some conditions and regulations. Find out more about these in this article.
Removal
Moving to Algeria? Find useful information and tips to organize your move.
Moving to Algeria
Relocation will be an important part of your expatriation project to Algeria. Here are some ...
Traveling to Algeria with your pet
Pet import procedures in Algeria are quite different to those observed in most countries worldwide. ...
Free quotes for your move
Get the best offers to easily organize your relocation to Algeria.
Communications
Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in Algeria.
Phones and Internet in Algeria
How to obtain a land line in Algeria? What about Internet? Find out more about the Algerian telecommunications network in this article.
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Algeria.
Leisure in Algeria
Discover in this article how to keep yourself busy during your leisure time in Algeria if you are settling there.
Everyday life
Eager to discover what life in Algeria looks like? Here's a taste.
Lifestyle in Algeria
Being an African country, Algeria is a culturally rich and variable country, displaying different lifestyles. Find out more in this article.
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