Top5 Amazing Facts About Algeria That Will Shock You

In this article we will explore amazing facts about Algeria. Algeria is a fascinating country with unique customs. Dirty cars can be fined, men may need to cover their faces, and taxis might not allow men inside. Pork is banned, and kissing in public is illegal. So let’s begin.

5) Amazai Community

One of the amazing facts about Algeria is that in Algeria, a unique community called the Amazai, or Berbers, has existed for over 3,000 years. These indigenous people, who refer to themselves as Imazigen meaning “free people,” have a distinct way of life and cultural practices that differ from the majority Arab society. In this community, women hold significant power; they can propose to men, manage property, and control food storage. Marriage customs are also unique, with women having the right to give gifts and propose without family approval.

One notable event is the Day of Reversal, where men are excluded, allowing women to celebrate as ancient warriors, share stories, and dance in elaborate dresses. The Amazai have rich cultural symbols, including a flag and their own calendar. Women are often adorned with heavy silver jewelry, symbolizing independence and strength in their culture, making the Amazai a remarkable example of a “country within a country. “

4) GDP

One of the amazing facts about Algeria is that Algeria is one of the few countries with very little foreign debt, having nearly zero owed to other nations. In the past, Algeria faced a foreign debt of 75% of GDP, but through spending cuts, increased oil and gas exports, and aggressive debt repayment, it reduced this debt significantly within 15 years.

Currently, Algeria’s foreign debt is under 2% of GDP, much lower than countries like the US and Japan. However, despite being debt-free, around 25% of Algeria’s population lives in poverty, indicating that wealth from oil and gas is not evenly distributed, and many people, especially in the Sahara and Kabili mountains, still struggle.

3) Irrigation System

One of the amazing facts about Algeria is that Algerians have transformed their desert land, mostly the Sahara, into fertile orchards, growing grapes, olives, wheat, and particularly delicious dates, which are exported to over 40 countries. This success relies on an ancient irrigation system called fogaras, which are hand-dug tunnels that transport underground water.

These tunnels, functioning like an underground plumbing network, draw water from deep aquifers to irrigate oases without needing electricity or causing soil erosion. Fogaras sustain thousands of acres of fruit trees despite extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall.

2) Men’s Lifestyle

One of the amazing facts about Algeria is that Algerian men have a tradition of wearing makeup and perfume, which is visible in both cities and small towns. Many men use moisturizer and lip balm, and the scent of their perfume can be recognized from afar. Surveys show that over 65% of regular buyers of skincare and perfume are men, and Algeria has the highest perfume consumption in the region. Some men own more than 20 bottles of different scents. This beauty culture dates back to ancient times and has evolved, blending with modern fashion to create a generation of well-groomed Algerian men.

1) Natural Gas

One of the amazing facts about Algeria is that Algeria is a significant player in the global energy market, ranking as the world’s sixth largest natural gas exporter and among the top ten for gas reserves. It has over 4.5 trillion cubic meters of confirmed gas and is known as the energy gold mine of the Mediterranean. Following the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Algeria became an important supplier to Europe, delivering gas through pipelines to Spain and Italy. Additionally, it has some of the lowest gasoline prices globally, at around $1.30 per gallon.