The constitution of 1989 provides for universal adult suffrage every five years to elect a president and a 296 member National Assembly.
But in 1992 the constitution was suspended and power seized by a military High Committee of State.
|RDefense:|N Conscription is for 18 months, 6 months basic military training and 12 months civilian tasks at the age of 19.
The strength is about 140 000 men, including conscripts.
|RNational holiday:|N Anniversary of the Revolution, November 1.
|RNature and climate:|N In the north is the Mediterranean Sea. Just south of the coast line are several chains of the Atlas Mountains reaching 2328 m.a.s.l. In the southmost part the Ahaggar and Tassali mountains. Highest point 2918 m.a.s.l. And between these mountainchains the Sahara Desert.
Mediterranean climate by the coast and desert climate south of the Atlas mountains.
In the north +10°C in January and +25°C in July, and in the desert 15°-20°C in January and 35°C in July with big variations between day and nights.
Average rainfall in the north between 400 and 800 mm, and in the desert areas below 50 mm.
|RPeople:|N Hamitian Berbers and Tuaregs. Besides that a great amount of Frenchmen, Jews and Spaniards. Approximately one million Algerians live and work in other countries, especially France.
|REducation:|N In theory education is compulsory between 6 and 15.
Algeria has 10 universities and five institutes of university status.
|REconomy:|N Close to half the population is occupied in agriculture which accounts for less than 10% of GNP. Most important crops are wheat, corn, oats and wine. Furthermore citrus fruits, olives, figs, dates and tobacco.
Algeria is rich on minerals, especially iron ore, phosphates, oil and natural gas. 95% of the export incomes come from oil and natural gas. Most of these incomes are invested in heavy and capital intensive industry.
|RHistory:|N Todays Algeria covers approximately the same area as ancient Numibia. That nation developed to a prosperous colony.
Vandal-empire during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD with cultural decline.
Conquered by the Moors in the 5th century who brought islamic religion that forced away Christianity.
Developed to a feared nation of pirates.
Under Turkey from the 14th century.
1830 France conquered the capital Alger and 1857 the rest of the country.
In 1945 an uprising was organized but failed. In 1954 a new uprising was organized by FLN with strong support from Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, China and the Sovjetunion. This revolt led to some selfgoverning in 1958 and finally to complete independence in 1962.
First president Ahmed Ben Bella.
The independence was the start of a vast socialization of industries and property owned by Europeans. Mines and oilfields were nationalized 1966.
Severe riots against economic hardship 1988. New constitution in 1989 guaranteed multiparty system and "fundamental rights" for all Algerians.
General elections were held in late 1991 and the first round was decissively won by the Islamic Salvation Front, FIS. The president resigned in january 1992 and the second round of the elections were cancelled and by a court order FIS was dissolved.
The presidential functions were assumed by a High Committee of State.
After this muslim fundamentalists launched a campaign of terrorism that has since then continued and in the late 90:ies been escalated.
