A lot of interesting and amazing facts about Algeria aside the Sahara desert. The Largest country in the Africa has so much about its that it is unknown to people as it doesn’t get a lot of tourism attraction like its fellow Arabian/ North African brothers.
Just like Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, etc. North African countries most especially the Arab dominated ones share same similarities and differences. The similarities include religion, Arabian culture, language, and Sahara desert.
Here Are 7 Interesting Facts About Algeria;
Africa’s Largest country
Many people don’t know Algeria is the 10th biggest country in the world, the largest on the African continent. The country is about 2,381,741 square Kilometers.
However, the country with 44 million population are only housed in the 12% of the large country, as the remaining 78% is covered by the popular Sahara desert.
The Fennec Fox
The Algeria fennec fox is the smallest fox on earth. These foxes are found in the Sahara desert. They are always active in the night, as this helps them deal with the heat and other conditions in the desert.
In addition, they have 9.5 inches long tail on the average. The foxes are 15 inches long and average 2.5 pounds in weight. Futhermore, their long thick hairs help them against cold at night and extreme heat during the day. They also have fairy feet that protect them against the hot sand.
The distintive 6-inches ears they possess differentiate them significantly from other foxes on the planet. The Algerian Football National team is named after the foxes, Les fennics.
Djamaa El Djazair
The world’s third largest and Africa biggest mosque is situated in Algeria. The Djamma El Djazair has the world’s tallest minaret (tower) of about 869 feets. The just inauguarated mosque can accommodate over 120,000 at a go, third behind Saudi’s Medina and Mecca.
The mosque took 7 solid years for it to came to life fully. Although, its feets was dragged because of political wars in the country. A 70 acred modernist structure in wood and marble with Arabian and North African decorated beauty. The mosque has a one million book library with a helicopter landing pad.
However, it had been opened for tourism and state visits for five years and it first opened for prayers in October 2020
Algerian Sahara Desert
One of the major facts about Algeria is its being a huge chuck of the Sahara desert. The Sahara desert cuts across 11 African countries of about 9.2 million square kilometers with Algeria alone having over 1.6 million square kilometers in the Sahara.
The Algerian Sahara desert like any other desert in the world, is a difficult place for human beings to live life. However, this is not the case for wildlife animals such as camel, fennic foxes, addax antelopes, saharan cheetahs etc. It also contains sand seas, arid valleys, mountains, oases etc.
In addition, the Algerian Sahara desert contains 53.57% gravel and 46.43% sand compared to the 70% gravel the Sahara desert has. Also, hopping on camels, walking, visiting the Tasili n’Ajjer National park are some of the ways you can enjoy your stay in the desert.
Our Lady Of Africa
Notre Dame d’Afrique is a holy site for both christians and muslims in Algeria. It was completed in 1872 during the french rule in Algeria. The Basilica is written in french;
“Notre Dame d’Afrique priez pour nous et pour les Musulmans: Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims.”
In a country that is dominated by muslims, the balistica is held as a symbol of religious tolerance.
60% Speak And Undestand French
Another interesting facts about Algeria is the languages. Berber and Arabic are the official languages in the country. However, like most colonized countries especially in Africa, the colonizer’s language tend to become the general language thereafter. French language is mostly used in Algeria. It is the unofficial language across goverment, education and even the media.
As a result, 60% of Algerians speak and understand French language. 70% do understand Arabic while a small percentage of 20% speak and understand Berber.
Etzai, The Favorite Gift
Etzai is a popular mint tea across North Africa. Drinking the tea in Algeria is a culture as they used it to welcome their high esteemed visitors. It is seen as a disrespect when it is declined when offered.
The Arabic tea is made from the combination of black loose-leaf tea, fresh mint, sugar and honey.
As a result, there are many tea bars in the streets of Algeria.
Conclusion
Now you know some few things about Algeria and how it is so much than the desert it has been marked with since time immemorial.
The religious tolerance in Algeria will make it very accommodating for tourism as the people are very hospitable.
