============================== ALGERIA ============================== Algeria is a huge country in northern Africa, which fringes the Mediterranean Sea. Over four-fifths of Algeria is covered by the Sahara Desert. Near the north coastal area the Atlas Mountains run east- west in parallel ranges. The climate in the coastal areas is warm and temperate with most of the rain falling in winter. Inland conditions become more arid, and temperatures range from 49C during the day to 10C at night. Most of Algeria is unproductive agriculturally, but it does possess one of the largest reserves of natural gas and oil in the world. Area (Sq. Km.): 2,378,896 Population: 25,174,000 Capital: Algiers Language: Arabic Religion: Sunni Moslem Government Type: Military Currency: Algerian dinar Embassy: 54 Holland Park London W11 3RS 0171-221-7800 Travel to Algeria seems to be limited to business trips and the country's political stability is precarious, discouraging tourism. The British visitor however and other EEC nationals do not require a visa although this situation does fluctuate - check before travelling! National Airline: Air Algeria from which further info can be obtained at: Air Algerie, 10, Baker Street, London W1M 1DA «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Foreign Office Advice: Visitors should not travel to Algeria in view of the increased security threat to foreigners. Remaining British residents should review their position and unless their circumstances afford them effective protection, should make arrangements to leave. Those who nevertheless decide to remain should make their whereabouts known to the British Embassy (Tel: 605038), where further advice is available. Over eighty foreign visitors and residents, including one British resident, have been killed since September 1993. Further attacks on the foreign community must be expected. Further threats to the lives of Westerners in Algeria have been received. There is a curfew between 2330 and 0400 in Central Algeria. The land border between Algeria and Morocco is closed. For more information ring: Foreign Office Travel Unit 0171-270-4129