Algeria
one of the Barbary states of north Africa, belonging to France, extending from 20° W. to 10° E. longitude. Area, 184,474 square miles. It is divided into the three departments of Oran, Constantine, and Algiers. It is regarded as part of France, but has a civil governor-general and a Council. The principal rivers-none of which are navigable-are the Shelif, Wadel-Kebir, and Seybus. There are several saltwater lakes, some of which are temporary; the largest of these is Shot Melrhirh, 100 feet below sea-level. In the district of the Tell Atlas, grain, sorghum, vegetables, and tobacco are produced; on the slopes the vine is cultivated, the wine being exported to France for reexport as French wine. The chief products of the country are wheat, barley, ALGIERS oats, wine, oil, vegetables, tobacco, fruit, iron, lead, zinc, and other minerals.
During the war considerable progress was made in the development of coal and lignite. The fisheries are important.
The imports in 1919 amounted to £37,- 727,000, and the exports to £53,760,000.
The principal imports were cotton, paper, coal, sugar, and coffee. The chief exports were wine, fruit, tobacco, oats, and barley . The customs receipts in 1919 amounted to about $1,300,000.
There are about 2,500 miles of railway.
The chief cities are Algiers, Oran, Constantine, and Bone. There are about 1,300 primary schools with about 4,000 teachers and about 150,000 pupils.
History. The country, which was in- 1,300 primary schools with about 4,000 teachers and about 150,000 pupils. conquered by Carthage, and after the fall of the latter came into the hands of Rome, under which it flourished until its conquest by the Vandals (450 A. D.).
In the 7th century it was conquered by the Saracens. In 1516 the country was seized by Horuk Barbarossa, a renegade Greek corsair, who, as well as his successors (until 1710), recognized the suzerainty of Turkey. For three centuries the pirates of Algeria terrorized the Mediterranean. They became bolder in the 19th cer Napoleon, and in 1815 were compelled by the United States squadron for peace. In 1827, the French, after a three years' blockade of the ports, captured it. After A the Franco-Prussian century, but were checked by on to sue War there was a considerable immigration of Alsatians who preferred to remain under French rule. The administration of the count under a governor-general, assisted by a consultative council. country is The executive power is vested in the governor-general, who has charge of all services except that of the treasurer, justice, public instruction, and worship. The budget which is prepared by the governor-general is voted by the Financial Delegation and the Superior Council. The delegations represent the French colonists, the power is vested in the governor-general, who has charge of all services except that of the treasurer, justice, public in- struction, and worship. The budget which and native Moslems. The Superior Council consists of elected members and the higher officials. The legislative power is vested in the French Parliament to which each department sends one senator and two deputies. Algerian troops fought bravely for France in the World War. Pop. about 5,600,000.