# Algiers

> capital city of Algeria

**Wikidata**: [Q3561](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3561)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algiers)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/algiers

# Structured Knowledge Entry: Algiers

## Summary
Algiers is the capital city of Algeria, officially founded in 944. Located on the Mediterranean coast in Central Algeria, it serves as the political, administrative, and cultural center of the country. The city has a complex history of governance, having been ruled by various dynasties and colonial powers—including the Zirids, Almohads, Ottomans, and French—before becoming the capital of independent Algeria in 1962.

## Key Facts
- **Foundation:** Established in 944.
- **Location:** Situated in Algiers Province, Central Algeria, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
- **Area:** 363 square kilometres.
- **Coordinates:** 36.776388888889, 3.0586111111111.
- **Elevation:** 0 metres above sea level.
- **Population:**
  - 1838: 30,395
  - 1881: 70,747
  - 1900: 97,000
  - 1940: 300,000
  - 1960: 900,000
  - 1963: 600,000
  - 1977: 1,523,000
  - 1987: 1,507,241
  - 1998: 2,086,212
  - 2008: 2,364,230
  - 2011: 3,415,811
- **Demonym:** Algérois (masculine singular), Algéroise (feminine singular).
- **Official Language:** Arabic, Standard Algerian Berber.
- **Timezone:** UTC+01:00.
- **Postal Code:** 16000–16132.
- **Local Dialing Code:** 021.
- **UN/LOCODE:** DZALG.
- **Head of Government:** Maahdia Benghalia (since 2021).

## FAQs
**When was Algiers founded?**
Algiers was founded in the year 944.

**What are the native names for Algiers?**
The city is known natively as الجزائر (Al-Jaza'ir), as well as Lezzayer, Alger, and Dzayer.

**Who currently governs Algiers?**
The city is governed by a mayor; the current head of government is Maahdia Benghalia, who assumed office in 2021. The office held by the head of government is the Mayor of Algiers.

**What is the membership status of Algiers in international organizations?**
Algiers is a member of the League of Historical Cities and the Organization of World Heritage Cities.

**What are the twin cities of Algiers?**
Algiers is twinned with numerous cities globally, including Montreal (since 1989), Casablanca (since 1963), Beijing, Berlin, Cairo, London, Moscow, New York City, and others.

## Why It Matters
Algiers holds immense significance as the political and cultural heart of Algeria. As the capital, it houses the central government and plays a pivotal role in the nation's administration. Its history as a strategic Mediterranean port made it a coveted territory for various empires, from the Zirids to the Ottomans and the French. This rich past has endowed the city with a unique architectural and cultural heritage, recognized by its membership in the League of Historical Cities and the Organization of World Heritage Cities. Its sustained population growth underscores its continued importance as a major urban center in North Africa.

## Notable For
- Being the capital city of Algeria since its independence in 1962.
- A history spanning over a millennium, with governance by the Zirid, Hammadid, Almohad, and Zayyanid dynasties, as well as the Regency of Algiers and France.
- Serving as the capital of French Algeria and a temporary capital of France during World War II (1942–1944).
- Its strategic coastal location on the Mediterranean Sea.
- Membership in the Organization of World Heritage Cities, highlighting its cultural significance.
- A dramatic population increase from less than 31,000 in 1838 to over 3.4 million in 2011.

## Body

### Governance and Political Status
Algiers is the capital of Algeria, a status it has held since 1962. It is located within and serves as the capital of Algiers Province. Historically, it was the capital of the Regency of Algiers (1515–1830) and French Algeria (1830–1962). Uniquely, it also served as the capital of France from 1942 to 1944 during World War II. The city's government is led by the Mayor of Algiers, with Maahdia Benghalia holding the position as of 2021.

### Historical Chronology and Sovereignty
The city's sovereignty has changed hands numerous times since its inception in 944:
- **Zirid Dynasty:** 973–1014
- **Hammadid Dynasty:** 1014–1152
- **Almohad Caliphate:** 1121–1235
- **Zayyanid Dynasty:** 1235–1556
- **Regency of Algiers:** 1515–1830
- **France:** 1830–1962
- **Algeria:** 1962–Present

Significant historical events include the Invasion of Algiers in 1830, various sieges, and the Algiers expedition.

### Geography and Demographics
Covering an area of 363 square kilometers, Algiers sits on the Mediterranean coast at an elevation of 0 meters. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 36.78°N, 3.06°E. The city has experienced substantial population growth over the last two centuries, evolving from a settlement of 30,395 in 1838 to a metropolis of 3,415,811 by 2011.

### International Relations and Twin Cities
Algiers maintains a vast network of sister city relationships, reflecting its global connections. These partnerships include:
- **Africa:** Dakar, Tunis, Tripoli, Casablanca (since 1963), Cairo, City of Tshwane (since 2001), Laayoune.
- **Asia:** Abu Dhabi (since 2009), Amman (since 1998), Damascus, Tyre, Surakarta, Pyongyang, Beijing.
- **Europe:** Berlin, London, Moscow, Amsterdam, Sofia, Brussels-Capital Region (since 2002).
- **The Americas:** New York City, Montreal (since 1989), Caracas, Asunción.
- **Oceania:** None listed.

### Cultural and Heritage Recognition
The city is recognized by its inclusion in the League of Historical Cities and the Organization of World Heritage Cities. Its cultural landscape is documented in various authoritative encyclopedias, including the Encyclopædia Britannica, Great Soviet Encyclopedia, and Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary. It also has dedicated entries in academic and library systems worldwide, such as the Bibliothèque nationale de France and the Library of Congress.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.algerie360.com/une-premiere-une-femme-elue-a-la-tete-de-la-mairie-dalger-centre/)
2. archINFORM
3. [Source](https://www.daejeon.go.kr/english/EngPartnerCities.do?menuSeq=7029)
4. BnF authorities
5. Lingua Libre
6. [Source](https://www.lhc-s.org/member_cities/index.php)
7. [Source](https://www.ovpm.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/liste-villes-en-regle-pour-page-web12-03-2024.pdf)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Czech National Authority Database
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. MusicBrainz
12. [Algeria: Provinces & Major Cities - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information. Citypopulation.de](http://www.citypopulation.de/en/algeria/cities/)
13. [El Djazaïr (Algiers, Algeria) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map, Location, Weather and Web Information. Citypopulation.de](http://www.citypopulation.de/en/algeria/eldjazair/_/160101__el_djaza%C3%AFr/)
14. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
15. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
16. GeoNames
17. BBC Things
18. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
19. [Source](https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/algeri)
20. Algiers. subreddit
21. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
22. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Algier;3867794.html)