Algiers is the capital, main port and largest city of Algeria. It was founded by the Phoenicians in 1200 BC. Algiers was known to the Carthaginians and the Romans as Icosium. In myths, Icosium is thought to be the city which was established by friends of the Hercules. Destroyed in the 400s by the Vandals, Algiers then became part of the Byzantine empire in 146 BC, was controlled by the Arabs in 650, and, as part of the Berber dynasty the 900s, became a focal point for Mediterranean trade. The city name is derived from the Arabic word al-jaza’ir, that is translated as the islands, referring to the four islands which lay off the city's coast until becoming part of the mainland in 1525.
The climate of Algiers varies nearly as much as its geography. Due to its coastal location, temperatures in Algiers range from about 12°C (53.6°F) in the wintertime to about 25°C (77°F) in the summer. The average rainfall during the winter season, from the beginning of November to the end of April, is about 29 inch.
Algiers is an important economic, financial and commercial center. It is a major commercial centre for trade in and export of grain, phosphates, iron, wines, citrus fruits and vegetables, as well as oil from central Algeria. The main industries are oil refining, petrochemicals and metal working. The city is a popular winter resort.
The working week in Algeria is from Saturday to Thursday like in most Islamic countries. Credit cards are not much used here, cash is a better option.
Algeria’s Algiers International Airport receives airlines from many world destinations and it is the country’s premier airport. Municipal bus and tram services operate in Algiers, its suburbs and the coastal area. All taxis are metered and are plentiful in most cities and major towns. Traffic drives on the right. Road surfaces are reasonably good.
The educational system is structured into primary foundation school for nine years, followed by secondary education school for three years, and then the tertiary (university) level. Elementary education is mandatory under the constitution. In general, education is free of charge but private schools and universities, authorised by law in 1988, are allowed to charge fees for tuition. Primary education is organized into three cycles, each comprising of three years. There are two types of secondary education: technical and general. Higher education is comprised of universities, national institutes for higher education, engineering schools, and teachers colleges. Algiers possesses a college with schools of law, medicine, science and letters.
Algiers is divided into three parts. The lower part is French areas, which were erected after the demolition of the traditional quarters. The French parts are made up of high French style buildings, with wide boulevards, cathedrals, theatres, opera and museums. The upper part is known as the kasbah. The kasbah stands in one of the finest coastal sites on the Mediterranean, overlooking the islands where a Carthaginian trading-post was established in the 4th century BC. There are three masonries and many mosques that belong to the 17th century: Ketchaoua mosque, mosque el Djedid, El Kebir, Ali Betchnin mosque, Dar Aziza and many more. The third part is made up of the large suburbs surrounding the city, which date to the post-colonial period. These suburbs now cover most of the surrounding Metidja plain.
Algiers, is Islamic city, followed the Islamic codes for religious dress. All Muslims were required to follow certain regulations for their clothing. Upon entering a mosque, all Muslims had to remove their shoes so that they didn't bring in anything impure from the soles of their shoes. For this reason, gravediggers also had to go without footwear at graves.
