Geography of Algeria

The country of Algeria is considered to be one of the largest countries of the world. Originally known as 'Al Jazair', the country derives its name from the Arab term 'Al Jazair' which inevitably refers to small islands near harbor. A comprehensive analysis of the geography of Algeria, gives us an insight into the different geographical features of the country. The country is located towards the northern part of Africa while sharing a vast coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. The northern portion of the country is primarily constituted of mountains, valleys, and plateaus strategically located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert, which is also known as the Maghreb. The African country of Algeria is actually bordered by Tunisia on the northeastern part, Libya towards the east, Niger along the southeastern part, Mali and Mauritania lies on the southwestern part while Morocco sharing its borders with the country to the west. Due to its vast and varied geographical features, the country of Algeria has been divided into different parts depending on its unique characteristics. The country shares a land boundary of 6,343 km.

Here's presenting you a glimpse of the prominent features of the physiological divisions of Algeria----

1. High Plateaus and the Saharan Atlas---

The region of High Plateaus and the Saharan Atlas stretches from the Moroccan border, spreading across 600 kilometers of area. The area is basically a steppes region particularly lying between the Tell and Saharan Atlas ranges. The height of the average plateaus of this region varies from 1,100 and 1,300 meters and consists of three chains of mountains as the Ksour mountain range near the Moroccan border, the Amour, and the Oulad Nail south of Algiers. Since it's basically a desert area, yet there supply of water usually procured through the oases located along the northern part of the desert. The most prominent among them are---Biskra, Laghouat, and Béchar.

2. Northeastern Algeria---

The eastern part of Algeria consists of mountains, plains, and basins. The region is home to the steep geological formation and long ridges of the Aurès Mountains. Also near the northern coast of the country lies the Petite Kabylie Mountains which are separated from the Grande Kabylie range at the eastward. The different port cities of Bejaïa, Skikda, and Annaba have led to the extensive growth of fishing occupation in these areas. There are extensive high plain areas along the Sétif and Constantine which are used as grazing grounds and some times agricultural activities are also marked.

3. The Sahara----

The Sahara extends towards the south of the Saharan Atlas covering an area of 1,500 kilometers from the Niger to the Mali frontiers. This particular desert holds much significance to the people of Algeria.

Majority of the geographical lands across Algeria experiences a Mediterranean type of climate. In the Tell region, temperature varies in summer vary between 21 and 24 °C while in winter it drops to 10 to 12 °C. The wild life of Algeria offers you amazing glimpses of species such as wild boars, jackals and gazelles, fennecs, jerboas, small panther, leopard and cheetah.

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