It has been ranked as the second largest country in Africa, the eleventh largest in the world. Algeria covers a total land of about 2,381,751 square kilometers. The size of Algeria can be compared to that of Texas which is four times the size of Texas. Algeria borders to the west Morocco and Western Sahara; to the east, Tunisia and Libya; to the south, Niger, Mali and Mauritania; and to the north, Mediterranean Sea.

The population in Algeria has been estimated to be over 32.3 million. Arabs comprise the largest population in this country at 84 percent followed by the Berber at 16 percent and European at 1 percent. Arabic is the official language followed by French as the second language and Berber dialects.

Language and Religion in Algeria

Algeria gained independence in the year 1962, July 5 from the French colonizer.

In terms of religion, Sunni Islam (the state religion) comprises the higher percentage at ninety-nine percent followed by Christianity and Judaism at 1 percent.

The original language that was spoken in Algeria was Berber. Afterwards, it was followed by the Arabic language of which the Arabs introduced their culture and the Muslim religion. France introduced its language as the colonizer together with Christianity. Although French is mainly used in business and technical fields and taught as a second language in schools, Arabic and Berber are the most spoken languages.

Marriage in Algeria

Like most of traditions in African countries, marriage in Algeria is arranged by the parents of the couple. In some circumstances where a young man wants to marry a certain lady, he has to get consent from his mother. His mother would investigate or look at the family closely. If she is satisfied of that lady’s family, then the groom’s family would visit the woman’s family to propose. If approved, the engagement would take place at the mosque.

Inheritance and Death in Algeria

Algeria inheritance is the same as the rest of African countries. It is the eldest son who inherits his father’s property. In cases where the man had no children, after death it would be divided or distributed among family members.

In the case of death, it is usually marked by a family visiting the other family of the deceased. The members of the family visiting the deceased family are dressed in black. Death in Algeria is not only mourned at society level but also at national level. This is part of Islamic New Year’s celebration called Ashura. The Muslims visit cemeteries as a way of passing the old year and ushering the new one.

Most of traditions practiced in Algeria are similar to other African countries. These include welcoming the visitors. This is an African culture which goes, ‘Visitors First.’ Being offered a tea and refusing it is regarded as being rude which also carry other meanings. Greetings are the norm of the day. This goes without saying that the health or well-being of one’s family will be asked.