# Aïn Beïda

> commune and city in Oum El Bouaghi Province, Algeria

**Wikidata**: [Q2088349](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2088349)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aïn_Beïda,_Oum_El_Bouaghi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ain-beida

## Summary
Aïn Beïda is a commune and city located within the Aïn Beïda District of Oum El Bouaghi Province, Algeria. Situated at an elevation of 1,020 meters, it serves as the district capital and had a recorded population of 116,064 according to the 2008 census. The city is historically distinguished by its transition from French administration to the sovereign state of Algeria in 1962 and maintains a twinning relationship with Figueres.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Aïn Beïda is both a city and a commune of Algeria.
- **Location**: It is located in the Aïn Beïda District of Oum El Bouaghi Province, Algeria.
- **Population**: The city has a population of 116,064 (recorded in the 2008 census).
- **Elevation**: The city sits at an elevation of 1,020 meters above sea level.
- **Area**: It covers a total area of 53.73 square kilometers.
- **Capital Status**: It serves as the capital of the Aïn Beïda District.
- **Geography**: The city shares a border with Berriche.
- **Coordinates**: 35.7963° N, 7.3927° E.
- **Postal Code**: 04201.
- **Historical Affiliation**: Previously part of France until July 3, 1962; currently part of Algeria.
- **Twin City**: Twinned with Figueres.
- **Native Names**: Also known as عين البيضاء and ⵜⴰⵍⴰ ⵜⴰⵎⵍⵍⴰⵍⵜ.
- **Time Zone**: UTC+01:00.

## FAQs
**What is the geographical location of Aïn Beïda?**
Aïn Beïda is situated in northeastern Algeria within the Oum El Bouaghi Province. It lies at coordinates 35.7963° N, 7.3927° E and shares a border with the neighboring location of Berriche.

**What demographic and physical data exists for Aïn Beïda?**
As of the 2008 census, the city recorded a population of 116,064. The commune covers an area of 53.73 square kilometers and is positioned at an altitude of 1,020 meters above sea level.

**What is the administrative history of Aïn Beïda?**
The city currently serves as the capital of the Aïn Beïda District. Historically, it was administratively part of France until sovereignty changed to Algeria on July 3, 1962.

**Are there any international connections for the city?**
Yes, Aïn Beïda maintains a municipal partnership as it is twinned with the city of Figueres.

## Why It Matters
Aïn Beïda functions as a critical administrative hub within the Oum El Bouaghi Province, serving as the capital of its designated district. Its demographic weight, with a population exceeding 100,000 residents as of 2008, marks it as a significant urban center in the region. The city's high elevation of over 1,000 meters contributes to its distinct geographic profile within Algeria. Furthermore, its history encapsulates a major geopolitical shift, transitioning from French colonial territory to an integral part of independent Algeria in 1962, while its twinning with Figueres highlights its modern engagement in international municipal cooperation.

## Notable For
- **High Elevation**: At 1,020 meters, it is a prominent high-altitude city in the region.
- **Administrative Center**: Serves as the capital of the Aïn Beïda District.
- **Historical Transition**: Shifted from French to Algerian sovereignty in 1962.
- **International Twinning**: Maintains a formal twinning relationship with Figueres.
- **Substantial Population**: A major population center with over 116,000 residents recorded in 2008.
- **Multilingual Heritage**: Recognized by Arabic and Tifinagh native names (عين البيضاء and ⵜⴰⵍⴰ ⵜⴰⵎⵍⵍⴰⵍⵜ).

## Body

### Geography and Location
Aïn Beïda is a large human settlement classified as both a city and a commune. It is geographically positioned in the Aïn Beïda District of the Oum El Bouaghi Province. The precise coordinates for the city are latitude 35.796388888889 and longitude 7.3927777777778. The city occupies a land area of 53.73 square kilometers. It is notable for its high elevation, sitting 1,020 meters above sea level. The territory of Aïn Beïda shares a border with Berriche.

### Demographics and Statistics
According to the 2008 census, the population of Aïn Beïda was recorded as 116,064. This data serves as the primary reference for the city's demographic size.

### Administration and Governance
The city functions as the administrative capital of the Aïn Beïda District. Its postal code is 04201, and it operates within the UTC+01:00 time zone. Aïn Beïda holds the status of a "commune of Algeria." The city engages in international municipal relations through a twinning agreement with Figueres.

### History
The political affiliation of Aïn Beïda has shifted in the modern era. While it is currently a valid part of Algeria, historical records indicate it was formerly part of France. This status ended on July 3, 1962.

### Identity and Nomenclature
The entity is identified by multiple names and aliases across different languages and platforms. Native labels include "عين البيضاء" and "ⵜⴰⵍⴰ ⵜⴰⵎⵍⵍⴰⵍⵜ." It is also referred to as "Aïn-Beida" in certain encyclopedic references.

### Digital and Database Presence
Aïn Beïda is cataloged extensively across various knowledge bases and digital platforms.
- **Wikimedia**: The city has a Wikipedia title "Aïn Beïda, Oum El Bouaghi" and is represented in 37 sitelinks across languages including English, French, Arabic, German, and Spanish. Its Commons category is "Aïn Béïda (Oum El Bouaghi)."
- **Identifiers**: The city possesses a GeoNames ID of 2508287, a Freebase ID of /m/0h073r, and a Who's on First ID of 421177627. Its OpenStreetMap node ID is 442688335.
- **Other Catalogs**: It is listed with an Encyclopædia Britannica Online ID "place/Ain-Beida" and a Quora topic "Aïn-Beïda-Oum-El-Bouaghi." It also has a specific SNARC ID listed as "Boeing 737."

### Visual and Media Resources
Visual documentation of the city includes a locator map image hosted on Wikimedia Commons (`Dz_-_04_-_Aïn_Beida.svg`), which depicts the city's position within the province. Additionally, an image file (`عين_البيضاء_1.JPG`) provides a view of the city center.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Aïn Béïda (Aïn Béïda / Fkirina, Oum El Bouaghi, Algeria) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map, Location, Weather and Web Information](http://citypopulation.de/en/algeria/oumelbouaghi/a%C3%AFn_b%C3%A9%C3%AFda_fkirina/040201__a%C3%AFn_b%C3%A9%C3%AFda/)
3. GeoNames
4. Quora
5. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
6. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File