Official name

Al-Jumhuriya al-Jazairia ash-Shaabiya

Chief of state

President Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (since April 28::SUP 1999)

Head of government

Prime Minister Ahmed BENBITOUR (since 2 December 1999)

Capital

Algiers (population over 3 million)

Other cities

Oran (pop. over 1 million)
Constantine (750,000)
Annaba (450,000)
Tizi Ouzou (350,000)

Population

28,784,000 (1994)

Languages

Arabic (official), and Berber in some areas. Many people speak French, but Arabic has gradually been replacing it in education and public administration.

Religion

Islam

National holiday

November 1^st, Anniversary of the Revolution (1954)

Electricity

220 volts (110 volts in some areas). A continental adapter is necessary.

National dialing code

+213

Time zone

GMT + 1 hour

Business hours

Government offices: 8am-12 noon & 2pm-5.30pm Sat to Wed; 8am-12 noon Thurs.

Private businesses generally close between noon and 3pm, but this is not fixed.

Banks: 9am-3pm Mon. to Thurs. Some banks close for lunch. Ramadan hours are shorter.