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Algeria profile

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(Last updated: 18 Mar 2009)

Current business situation

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Algeria. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

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Country facts

Capital city: Algiers
Surface area: 2,382,000 sq km
Population: 35.3 million
Official language(s): Arabic 
Head of State: President HE Mr Abdelaziz Bouteflika
Head of Government: Prime Minister HE Mr Abdelaziz Belkhadem
Australian exports to Algeria: A$70 million
Australian imports from Algeria: A$144 million
Algeria's principal export destinations: USA, Italy, Spain
Algeria's principal import sources: France, Italy, China
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)
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Economic climate

The current president is committed to further market reforms including privatising telecommunications and bringing investors into fixed-line and mobile phone operation systems, and allowing private investors to take up minority shares in state-owned companies and finance sectors.


Hydrocarbons are the backbone of the Algerian economy, accounting for roughly 52 per cent of budget revenues, 25 per cent of GDP, and over 95 per cent of export earnings. Algeria has the fifth largest reserves of natural gas in the world and is the second largest gas exporter; it ranks 14th for oil reserves.


For the latest key economic indicators and statistics, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet. 
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Political climate

Algeria gained independence from France in 1962. It is a multiparty democracy with an elected president and a 380-seat legislative house (the National Peoples’ Assembly). President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was re-elected by popular vote in 2004 for a second five-year term.

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Trade relations and statistics

Approximately half of Algeria’s trade is with European Union (EU) members. France is the largest single trading partner, followed by Spain, Italy and Germany. The USA is Algeria’s next most important trading partner after the EU members.


Algeria belongs to the Arab Maghreb Union, along with Libya, Morocco, Mauritania and Tunisia.


Please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet for key trade statistics.

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Austrade makes no warranty, express or implied as to the fitness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability for the accuracy or usefulness of any information contained in this document. Any consequential loss or damage suffered as a result of reliance on this information is the sole responsibility of the user.