# Annaba

> city in Algeria

**Wikidata**: [Q45942](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q45942)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annaba)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/annaba

## Summary
Annaba is a major city in northeastern Algeria, historically known as Bone, situated on the Mediterranean coast. As the capital of Annaba Province, it serves as an important port and cultural hub, blending ancient heritage with modern urban life. With a population exceeding 250,000 as of 2008, it is one of Algeria’s largest cities.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Coordinates 36.9°N, 7.7667°E; elevation 3 meters above sea level.
- **Population**: 257,359 (2008 census); 464,740 (2019 estimate).
- **Area**: 49 square kilometers.
- **Country**: Algeria (primary); historically part of France until 1962.
- **Capital Of**: Annaba Province, Annaba District, and formerly Bône Department (1955–1962).
- **Time Zone**: UTC+01:00.
- **Aliases**: Bone, Bône, Bona, ヒッポレギウス (Hippo Regius), عنابة (ʿunāba).
- **Demonym**: Annabien (masculine), Annabienne (feminine), عنابي (Arabic).
- **Twinned With**: Bizerte (Tunisia), Saint-Étienne (France, since 1982), Dunkerque (France), Yekaterinburg (Russia).
- **UN/LOCODE**: DZAAE.
- **Postal Code**: 23000.

## FAQs
- **Where is Annaba located?**  
  Annaba is in northeastern Algeria, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, near the Tunisian border.  

- **What is Annaba’s historical significance?**  
  Founded as Hippo Regius in antiquity, it was a key Roman and Byzantine city. It later became a French colonial outpost named Bône before reverting to Annaba post-independence.  

- **Why is Annaba important today?**  
  It is a major economic and cultural center, housing Algeria’s second-largest port and serving as a transportation nexus for the region.  

- **What are Annaba’s notable landmarks?**  
  The Basilica of St. Augustine, ancient ruins of Hippo Regius, and the Casbah of Annaba are prominent attractions.  

- **How has Annaba’s population changed?**  
  The population grew from 257,359 in 2008 to an estimated 464,740 by 2019, reflecting urbanization trends.  

## Why It Matters
Annaba holds strategic and historical importance as a Mediterranean port city, bridging trade routes across North Africa. Its layered history—from Punic and Roman eras to French colonialism—reflects broader regional shifts. As a modern industrial and tourism hub, it drives Algeria’s economy while preserving cultural heritage sites like the birthplace of St. Augustine.

## Notable For
- **Ancient Origins**: Founded as Hippo Regius in the 5th century BCE, later home to St. Augustine.  
- **French Colonial Legacy**: Renamed Bône during French rule (1848–1962).  
- **Strategic Port**: Algeria’s second-largest port, critical for trade and fishing.  
- **Cultural Blend**: Mix of Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean influences in architecture and festivals.  
- **Provincial Capital**: Administrative center of Annaba Province since 1984.  

## Body

### Geography and Climate  
Annaba occupies 49 km² in northeastern Algeria, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Tell Atlas mountains to the south. Its coordinates (36.9°N, 7.7667°E) place it near the Tunisian border. The city’s low elevation (3m above sea level) and coastal position contribute to a humid subtropical climate.

### History  
- **Ancient Era**: Established as Hippo Regius by Phoenicians, later a Roman and Byzantine stronghold.  
- **French Rule (1848–1962)**: Renamed Bône, developed into a major port and military base.  
- **Post-Independence**: Reverted to Annaba in 1962, becoming capital of Annaba Province in 1984.  

### Demographics  
As of 2008, the population was 257,359, rising to 464,740 by 2019. Residents are called *Annabien* (masculine) or *Annabienne* (feminine) in French, and *عنابي* in Arabic.  

### Administration  
Annaba serves as capital of Annaba Province, Annaba District, and was previously capital of Bône Department (1955–1962). It falls under the jurisdiction of Annaba District and historically belonged to Constantine Department (1848–1955).  

### Economy  
The city’s economy revolves around its port, which handles cargo and fishing. Industries include steel production, agriculture (olives, citrus), and tourism driven by historical sites.  

### Culture and Landmarks  
- **Basilica of St. Augustine**: 19th-century church built atop ruins of a 4th-century basilica.  
- **Hippo Regius Archaeological Site**: Features Roman-era baths, forums, and early Christian basilicas.  
- **Casbah of Annaba**: Ottoman-era fortress overlooking the old city.  
- **Festivals**: Annual Mediterranean Music Festival and cultural events celebrating Berber heritage.  

### International Relations  
Annaba is twinned with Bizerte (Tunisia), Saint-Étienne (France, since 1982), Dunkerque (France), and Yekaterinburg (Russia).  

### Transportation and Infrastructure  
- **Port of Annaba**: Algeria’s second-largest, handling international trade.  
- **Rabah Bitat Airport (AAE)**: Serves domestic and regional flights.  
- **Railways**: Connected to Algiers, Tunis, and other Algerian cities.  

### Education and Research  
The University of Annaba, founded in 1988, includes faculties of science, technology, and humanities. The city hosts research centers focused on marine biology and archaeology.  

### In Media and Literature  
Annaba is referenced in works by Albert Camus (*The Plague*) and historical texts like the *Encyclopædia Britannica*. It appears in travel literature for its blend of colonial and ancient architecture.  

### Names and Etymology  
- **Annaba**: Derived from Arabic *ʿunāba* (“grape” or “vine”), reflecting historical viticulture.  
- **Bone/Bône**: French colonial name, still used informally.  
- **Hippo Regius**: Latin for “Royal City of the Hippona Tribe” ( ancient name).  
- **Other Languages**: ヒッポレギウス (Japanese), 博纳 (Chinese), بونة (Ottoman Turkish).

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. MusicBrainz
3. [Source](http://www.ons.dz/collections/w23_p1.pdf)
4. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
5. GeoNames
6. BBC Things
7. [Source](https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/ippona/)
8. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
9. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
10. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Annaba;3869695.html)
11. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
12. Virtual International Authority File