Introduction Narrative Essay Example

Holy Roman Empire. Under Kahina's leadership, who claimed to have converted to Judaism, Berbers fiercely resisted this Arab invasion. Eventually, they surrendered to Umayyad Khalif in the 8th century and embraced Islam themselves.

Some Berber tribes adopted Shi'ism and established their own Islamic governments like the influential Rustamid Kingdom in central Algeria during the 8th and 9th centuries. Algeria then became part of powerful Berber empires such as Almoravids and Almohads that dominated regions like Magreb and Andalusia. Tlemcen emerged as an important center of Islam under Almohads' rule when it became the eastern capital.

Throughout this period, Algerian seaports like Algiers, Annaba, and Bijaya thrived through trade with European markets. The rise and fall of piracy between 1400 and 1830 occurred due to a power vacuum caused by the demise of the Almohad empire along the Barbary Coast. Coastal cities hired corsairs to capture merchant vessels in order gain an advantage in sea trade competitionSpain occupied pirate enclaves in response to North African piracy, such as Algiers. They also imposed blockades and forced them to pay tribute. The Muslims sought help from the Ottoman Khalif against Christian occupation, while the Barbarossas, who were two pirate siblings, requested assistance from the Ottoman Sultan. In response, the Sultan sent a naval fleet that expelled the Spanish from most of their occupied ports in North Africa.

In 1518, Khayrad'din Barbarossa became the official representative of the Sultan in Algeria. This resulted in Algerian corsairs dominating the Mediterranean with Ottoman protection for many centuries. It wasn't until the late 18th century that European powers were able to challenge Algerian pirates using superior naval power and artillery.

Captain Stephen Decatur led a US

naval squadron to attack Algiers in 1815 and compelled its governor to sign a treaty prohibiting piracy against American ships. Due to persistent attacks on European shipping, British and Dutch forces joined together in 1816 to fight against the Algerians. Their united efforts nearly annihilated Algeria's fleet, marking the beginning of its decline.

In 1830, French troops invaded Algiers and initiated a period of French occupation lasting for 132 years. Despite facing strong opposition, Algeria was integrated into France. The French government implemented programs aimed at resettling people and offered incentives to attract French citizens to this new colonyVarious measures were introduced by the colonizers to modernize Algeria, which included promoting European-style culture, developing infrastructure, stimulating economic growth and education advancement, making efforts towards industrialization, as well as establishing governmental institutions. The agricultural resources of Algeria were exploited by the colonizers for the benefit of France. The idea of French Algeria became deeply ingrained in the minds of French people. During this early period, the population of Algeria experienced a significant decline from 4 million in 1830 to 2.5 million by 1890. The French colonials considered the Muslim population inferior and imposed strict controls on them such as limitations on public gatherings, bearing arms, and movement outside their designated areas without permission from the government. Muslims could only attain citizenship if they renounced Islam and converted to Christianity despite being recognized as subjects of France. This oppressive and discriminatory rule greatly marginalized the Algerian population. The efforts made by French authorities to assimilate educated Algerian elites who had adopted French values further exacerbated tensions as they faced racism from their superiors and ultimately became pivotal figures

in the nationalist movement in Algeria. Initially focused on securing basic civil rights for indigenous Algerians between World Wars I and II, this movement encountered opposition from colonial reactionaries within the National Assembly who obstructed proposed concessions made by the French government.Non-violent activism was ineffective for two decades as colonials resisted granting equal rights to Muslims. In 1939, frustrated nationalists formed Friends of the Manifesto and Liberty, a militant anti-French party that united Islamic and communist factions. Post-World War II, the French government made efforts to involve Muslim Algerians in decision-making processes, but these attempts were insufficient and came too late to counter deep-rooted colonial attitudes and growing hostility between France and its Muslim subjects. Over time, Algerian Muslim sentiments hardened as more nationalists called for armed revolution. By the 1950s, revolutionaries were relentlessly pursued, driving them into exile or hiding and setting the stage for the Algerian War of Independence. In March 1954, Ahmed Ben Bella led a committee along with eight other Algerians in Egypt—this committee later became known as the foundation of the National Liberation Front (FLN). That same year on November 1st, FLN initiated an organized attack on various government buildings, military installations, police stations, and communications facilities across Algeria using guerrilla warfare tactics. This caused widespread chaos and prompted France to deploy a staggering 400000 troops in an effort to suppress the rebellion.However, due to their bravery and merciless tactics which included acts of terrorism, FLN fighters enticed France into a vicious cycle of brutal retaliations against innocent civilians. Paradoxically, these actions inadvertently strengthened the revolution. France's measures, such as establishing concentration camps and using torture techniques and mass killings

against suspected rebel supporters, caused them to lose favor globally. Their behavior drew unfavorable comparisons to regimes like Nazism. As a result, France found itself caught between its colonial policy rooted in racism and exploitation on one hand, and its reputation as a promoter of democracy on the other. While French colonials remained determined, the international community demanded an end to hostilities and a political resolution.

In 1958, colonials joined forces with French army officers in an alliance aimed at overthrowing the French government and reinstating General Charles De Gaulle. De Gaulle would lead France against Algerian Nationalists while maintaining control over French Algeria. Recognizing that victory in this war was unattainable, De Gaulle sought support from far-right factions and decided to conduct a referendum allowing Algerians to determine their own fate: either independence or remaining part of France. The move for independence from France was seen as betrayal by colonials, the extreme right, and certain sectors of the military.The formation of the OAS, a militant terrorist organization, was in response to the goal of removing De Gaulle from power. Despite carrying out a brutal campaign against the FLN and French government, the OAS ultimately failed. A ceasefire was negotiated in March 1962 between the French government and the FLN, followed by De Gaulle's referendum in July. The Algerian people voted overwhelmingly for independence, leading to most colonials leaving Algeria by year-end. On July 5, 1962, Algeria gained independence after signing the Evian Accords. During this time, over a million Algerians were killed and two million internally displaced due to the war of independence led by the FLN since 1954. In September 1963, Ahmed Ben Bella

became President under a draft Constitution establishing a presidential regime with only one political party -the FLN- which he introduced. However, Ben Bella was overthrown and arrested during Colonel Houari Boumedienne's coup in June 1965. Boumedienne then formed a Revolutionary Council and took on roles as Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. In December 1976, Boumedienne became President while an elected National People's Assembly consisting of 261 FLN members took office in March 1977. Following Boumedienne's death in 1978, Colonel Chadli Bendjedid succeeded him as President.
During the mid-1980s, strict socialist economic policies implemented by Boumedienne caused turmoil in the Algerian economy. These policies resulted in inefficiency in both industrial and agricultural sectors, high unemployment rates, inflation, and significant foreign debt. The situation worsened in 1986 when global oil and gas prices dropped, leading to increased food prices.

In October 1988, street riots erupted which prompted a violent crackdown by the armed forces and the declaration of a State of Emergency. However, despite these measures, disturbances persisted. As a response to ongoing unrest, the Ministry of Interior lifted the ban on new political parties in July 1989. This decision allowed politically independent parties to emerge that were not externally funded or based solely on religious, regional or professional interests.

Within just one year after opposition parties were permitted to participate in elections, more than 50 legal parties emerged in contemporary Algeria. Although Algeria is renowned for its successful fight for independence from French rule during the 1950s and 1960s; it currently faces its second devastating civil war within four decades.

The ongoing conflict between Islamic fundamentalists and military authorities has already resulted in over 60,000 casualties. Algeria finds itself

divided between two conflicting ideologies – a secular tradition influenced by French colonialism advocating for state-religion separation; and a desire for an Islamic state governed by Quranic law.Currently, there is no solution in sight regarding the ongoing violence in Algeria. In 1991, the army intervened as it became apparent that the Islamic Salvation Front had gained political support through elections. However, despite efforts to restore some form of political process through two elections, around 30,000 scattered Islamic guerrillas prevent the army from ending the relentless warfare. This violence has caused disillusionment and weariness among many. The acts committed in Algeria go beyond targeting soldiers; even secular intellectuals like writers and journalists have been brutally murdered in front of their families, and entire villages have been mercilessly massacred. The authorities' information blackout makes it difficult to determine the truth behind these horrific acts. Some believe that Islamic guerrillas commit these atrocities to regress Algeria into a dark era, while Islamists claim government forces infiltrate the guerrilla movement to tarnish their reputation. All parties involved bear guilt for the bloodshed taking place. At times, this conflict has posed a threat to Europe, as seen with bombings carried out by a group called the Armed Islamic Group in France in 1995 and an attempted airplane bombing in Paris.
Algeria, which gained independence from France in 1962, has a turbulent history. It once had a prominent position within the Third World and implemented ambitious economic and social plans focused on socialism to propel prosperity. However, these attempts to diversify the economy failed, leaving the country heavily reliant on oil exports for financial support. Areas affected by Islamic fundamentalism also face

various social problems such as high unemployment rates, scarcity of goods, inadequate urban housing and amenities, and widespread corruption hindering progress. Recently released from prison are Abbasi Madani and Abdel-Kadir Hashani, two Islamic leaders involved in the civil war that followed the election. Nonetheless, it is uncertain whether they can end the conflict even if they desire to do so. The FIS gained popularity during the 1990s by organizing mosques and Islamic groups to provide grassroots welfare services and promote social justice through Sharia law. Initially scheduled for June 1991, elections were postponed due to protests against electoral restrictions. This led to a state of siege declaration with enforced curfew resulting in the arrest of FIS leaders Madani and Belhadj.On December 26th, 1991, general and presidential elections were held in Algeria with multiple political parties participating. In the initial round of voting, the FIS won 188 out of 231 seats while FLN only secured 15 seats. President Chadli resigned on January 11th due to pressure from the army, which opposed power sharing with the FIS. On January 14th, an interim High Council of State was established with Boudiaf serving as President. The second round of elections originally scheduled for January 16th were ultimately canceled as control over Algeria shifted to the army.

Algeria is located in Northern Africa and shares borders with the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco, and Tunisia. It also has land boundaries with Libya (982 km), Mali (1,376 km), Mauritania (463 km), Morocco (1,559 km), Niger (956 km), and Tunisia (965 km). The country has a coastline of 42 km. Climates in Algeria range from arid to semiarid. Winters along the coast are mild and

wet while winters on the high plateau are colder and summers hotter.

Algeria's exclusive fishing zone extends from 32-52 nm and its territorial sea reaches 12 nm. During summer, a hot wind known as Sirocco blows carrying dust and sand. The terrain primarily consists of high plateaus rich in natural resources such as petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead,and zinc.The land use in Algeria includes3%arable land ,0%permanent crops ,13%permanent pastures ,and2%forests and woodland .The majority of remaining land in the country is classified as "other" uses, according to estimates made in 1993. The region has natural hazards such as mountainous areas that are prone to severe earthquakes and mudslides. Current environmental issues include soil erosion caused by overgrazing and poor farming practices. Desertification is also a challenge, along with pollution from raw sewage dumping and industrial effluents that contaminate rivers and coastal waters. Additionally, the Mediterranean Sea suffers from pollution due to oil waste runoff resulting from soil erosion and fertilizer runoff. The country also faces insufficient potable water supplies.

In terms of international agreements, the country is a party to various treaties like Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, and Wetlands. However, it has signed but not ratified the Nuclear Test Ban agreement.

Geographically speaking, this country is the second-largest in Africa and shares borders with Morocco,Tunisia,Lybia,Niger,Mali,and Mauritania.The population statistics from July 1998 estimated around 30,r480,o93 people living in this country at that time.The age structure of the population breaks down as follows: 0-14 years:38%(male5,r923,o87;female5,r709,o14),15-64 years:58%(male8,r931,o96;female ,r752,o14),and those aged over65 accounted for another4%( male542,i12;female [unspecified]).In total,females were estimated at approximately62,i70The population growth rate during

this same period was 2.4%. The birthrate stood at 27.5 births per 1,000 population, and the death rate was 5.3 deaths per 1,000 population. The net migration rate was -0.2 migrants per 1,000 population. Algeria's nationality and adjective are both Algerian. The ethnic groups consist of a mostly Arab-Berber majority (99%) and a minority European group (less than 1%). Sunni Muslim is the major religion (99%), with Christian and Jewish populations comprising less than 1%. Arabic is the official language, but French and Berber dialects are also spoken. The literacy rate for the total population in Algeria is 61.6%, with males having a rate of 73.9% and females at 49% (1995 est.). It is a democratic and popular republic, with Algiers as its national capital. Algeria has a division into provinces known as wilayas: Adrar, Ain Defla, Ain Temouchent, Alger, Annaba,Batna ,Bechar ,Bejaia,Biskra ,Blida,Bordj Bou Arreridj,Bouira,Boumerdes, Chlef ,Constantine,Djelfa ,El Bayadh ,El Oued ,El Tarf,Ghardaia,Guelma,Illizi,Jijel,Khenchela,Laghouat,Mascara Medea,Mila Mostaganem,'M'Sila',Naama Oran,Ouargla,Oum el Bouaghi',Relizane,Saida,'Setif','Sidi Bel Abbes' ,'Skikda','Souk Ahras' 'Tamanghasset',Tebessa,Tiaret,Tindouf,'Tipaza','Tissemsilt' Tizi Ouzou,Tlemcen.Algeria gained independence from France on July 5th, 1962.Algeria celebrates its National holiday on November 1st to commemorate the Revolution of 1954. The constitution of Algeria was established on November 19th, 1976 and went into effect on November 22nd of the same year. It has been revised multiple times on November3rd1988, February23rd1989, and November28th1996. The referendum approving these revisions was signed into law on December7th1996. The legal system in Algeria is based on socialism and influenced by French and Islamic law. Legislative acts are subject to judicial review by an ad hoc Constitutional Council composed of various public officials including several Supreme Court justices.

The political structure of Algeria consists of

the executive and legislative branches. President Liamine ZEROUAL, who was appointed on January 31, 1994, and elected on November 16, 1995, leads the executive branch. Prime Minister Ahmed OUYAHIA has been serving as the head of government since December 31, 1995. The cabinet is formed by the Council of Ministers selected by the prime minister.

The president is chosen through popular vote for a five-year term with the latest election held on November 16, 1995. Consequently, the next presidential election will take place in2000. The appointment of the prime minister lies in the hands of the president.Liamine ZEROUAL won the previous election with a majority vote share of61.3%.The legislative branch in Algeria operates under a bicameral system. It consists of two main bodies, the National People's Assembly (Al-Majlis Ech-Chaabi Al-Watani) with 380 seats, and the Council of Nations with 144 seats. Members of the National People's Assembly are elected by popular vote every four years. The Council of Nations has one-third appointed by the president and two-thirds elected through an indirect voting process. The Council serves six-year terms and was established in November 1996 after constitutional revision.

The last National People's Assembly elections occurred on June 5, 1997, and the next ones are scheduled for next year in 2001. Regarding the Council of Nations, two-thirds were last elected on December 25th ,1997, and their subsequent election is set to occur in 2003 (specific date unavailable).

In Algeria's political landscape, there are multiple parties led by respective leaders. The Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), led by Ali BENHADJ, Dr.Abassi MADANI, and Rabeh KEBIR (currently self-exiled in Germany). The National Liberation Front (FLN) has Boualem BENHAMOUDA as secretary general. The Socialist

Forces Front (FFS) is headed by Hocine Ait AHMED (currently self-exiled in Switzerland). Mahfoud NAHNAH leads the Movement of a Peaceful Society (MSP or Hamas), while Said SAADI heads the Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD).

Additionally, Algeria has a judicial branch known as the Supreme Court or Cour Supreme.
Noureddine BOUKROUH chairs the Algerian Renewal Party (PRA), while Abdallah DJABALLAH serves as president of the Nahda Movement (Al Nahda). Abdelkader BENSALAH acts as chairman of the Democratic National Rally (RND), Ahmed Ben BELLA leads the Movement for Democracy in Algeria (MDA), Louisa HANOUN heads the Workers Party (PT), Khadir DRISS leads the Republican Progressive Party, Mouley BOUKHALAFA leads Union for Democracy and Freedoms, and Ahmed KHELIL is at the helm of Liberal Social Party. It should be noted that a multiparty system was established by government decree in September 1989 with over 50 legal parties existing in Algeria as of December 31st, 1990. A new party law was enacted in March 1997.

The hydrocarbons sector plays a crucial role in Algeria's economy. It contributes approximately 57% to government revenues, 25% to GDP, and nearly all export earnings. Algeria holds significant reserves of natural gas, ranking fifth globally, and is also the second largest gas exporter. Additionally, it holds fourteenth place for oil reserves.

The country's commitment to reform its centrally planned economy stemmed from a severe recession caused by a collapse in world oil prices in 1986. In response, an IMF-supported program was initiated by the government in 1989 to stabilize the economy and introduce market mechanisms. Unfortunately, political turmoil disrupted these reforms in 1992.In September 1993, a new government prioritized resuming and expediting structural adjustments. To address

its large foreign debt burden, Algiers entered into a one-year standby arrangement with the IMF in April 1994, followed by a three-year extended fund facility. Despite facing challenges, there has been progress in economic reform since 1995. This includes debt rescheduling with the Paris Club in 1995 and growth within Algeria's oil and gas sector that greatly contributed to its recovery. Investments aimed at developing hydrocarbon resources are expected to ensure continuous growth and earnings from exports. The government has also made systematic efforts to attract domestic and foreign investments across various sectors for diversifying Algeria's economy while addressing issues like high unemployment rates and declining living standards. However, these problems persist despite overall economic improvement. The GDP was estimated at $120.4 billion (1997 est.) based on purchasing power parity with a real growth rate of 2.5% (1997 est.). The GDP per capita, also based on purchasing power parity, was $4,000 (1997 est.). The composition of the GDP by sector was: agriculture accounted for 12%, industry for 50%, and services for 38% (1995 est.). The consumer price index in Algeria reached 7% (1997 est.).In 1996, the labor force in Algeria consisted of approximately 7.8 million individuals. Various occupations were represented, with government workers accounting for 29.5%, agriculture comprising 22%, construction and public works making up 16.2%, industry representing 13.6%, commerce and services accounting for 13.5%, and transportation and communication making up 5.2% (1989). The unemployment rate was estimated at 28% in 1997.

In terms of budget figures, revenues amounted to $13.7 billion while expenditures were $13.1 billion, including capital expenditures worth $5.1 million (1996 est.).

Algeria's industries include petroleum, natural gas, light industries, mining, electrical, and petrochemical

sectors along with food processing. Agriculture products consist of wheat barley oats grapes olives citrus fruits, with sheep and cattle being exported from Algeria amounting to a total value of $13 billion (f.o.b.,1997 est.). Petroleum and natural gas account for 97% of the exports.

Major export partners include Italy(18·8%), US(14·8%), France(11·8%), Spain(8%)and Germany(79%). On the other hand imports amount to a total value of $10 billion (f.o.b.,1997 est.) and include capital goods, food and beverages,and consumer goods.

France(29%), Spain(10·5%),Italy (8·2%).US(8%)and Germany (5-6%) are the main import partners.

In 1997, Algeria had an estimated external debt of $33 billion.In the same year, Algeria received economic aid known as Official Development Assistance (ODA) amounting to $420 million.
The Algerian dinar (DA) is the country's currency, with 1 dinar equal to 100 centimes. Exchange rates for Algerian dinars per US dollar were: 158.969 (January 1998), 57.707 (1997), 54.749 (1996), 47.663 (1995), 35.059 (1994), and 23.345 (1993). Algeria's fiscal year aligns with the calendar year.

Unlike neighboring countries Morocco and Tunisia, Algeria has not developed a tourism industry due to its hardline Arab socialist policies and animosity towards the West since gaining independence. This lack of development includes limited construction for coastal tourist resorts and underutilization of the country's cultural heritage to attract tourists. Currency restrictions and difficulties in obtaining tourism visas further discourage tourism.

In terms of numbers, tourist receipts amounted to less than $150 million in 1990, largely affected by political violence targeting foreigners in subsequent years. While recent elections offer hope for an end to extremist violence along with some political and structural reforms, it is expected that tourism will continue to have minimal impact on Algeria's economy in the foreseeable future.

As

of 1991, there were approximately 862,000 telephone lines in Algeria regarding communications The telephone system in Algeria provides good service in the northern regions but is less developed in the south.The country has 12 existing earth stations for its domestic satellite system and plans to add 20 more.Algeria is connected internationally through five submarine cables and uses microwave radio relay to establish communication links with Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia. It also benefits from coaxial cables connecting it to Morocco and Tunisia as part of the Medarabtel telecommunications network. There are two satellite earth stations located in the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean, as well as one Intersputnik station and one Arabsat station. In terms of radio broadcasting, Algeria has 26 AM stations but lacks FM or shortwave stations. Approximately six million radios were recorded in 1991. For television broadcast stations, there are 18 with an estimated two million televisions in 1993.

In terms of transportation infrastructure, Algeria's railway network spans a total distance of 4,772 km including standard gauge railways (3,616 km), electrified tracks (301 km), double tracks (215 km), and narrow gauge railways (1,156 km) with a gauge measuring at 1.055-m. Additionally, the country's highway system covers approximately102,424 km in length. Algeria's road network measures around 70,570 km with approximately 608 km designated as expressways. An estimated 31,854 km of roads remain unpaved as of 1995.

The country also boasts a pipeline network consisting of a crude oil pipeline spanning 6,612 km and a petroleum products pipeline covering 298 km. Additionally , Algeria has natural gas pipelines stretching across2 ,948km .Algeria is home to several ports and harbors, including Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Beni

Saf, Dellys, Djendjene,Ghazaouet,Jijel Mostaganem Oran Skikda,and Tenes. The merchant marine fleet in Algeria had a total of 78 ships in 1997 with a combined tonnage reaching 928965 GRT/1094104 DWT. These ships were classified into various types such as bulk carriers (9), cargo ships (27), chemical tankers (7), liquefied gas tankers (11), oil tankers (5), roll-on/roll-off cargo vessels (13) , short-sea passenger ships (5), and specialized tankers(1).

In terms of transportation infrastructure,A lgeria had an estimated136 airports and one heliport in 1997.Military-wise,the armed forces included the National Popular Army,Navy,Air Force,Territorial Air Defense,and National Gendarmerie. Military service eligibility started at the age of19.Based on estimates from1998,it was found that there were about7949708 eligible males aged between15-49 for military service.Outof these individuals ,around4871931were deemed fit for military duty.Additionally,a pproximately347952males reached military age annually during that year.

Algeria's military expenditure in 1994 amounted to $1.3 billion, which represented about 2.7% of the country's GDP. Since November 1995, Algeria has been under the leadership of a popularly-elected president.In June 1997, national legislative elections were held with participation from multiple political parties.However, there have been reports of irregularities during the election process, both from foreign and domestic observers. Nevertheless, many Algerians see these elections as an important step towards achieving a more representative democracy. There are two legally recognized Islamist parties that hold a significant minority in parliament, with members from one of these parties serving as ministers in a coalition government. Municipal elections are scheduled for October 1997, and the newly approved constitution will establish the Senate as a second legislative chamber.

Since parliamentary elections were canceled in January 1992, Algeria has faced security challenges. Armed Islamist groups have targeted not only

security services but also civilians from different backgrounds including journalists, intellectuals, government officials, the elderly, women and children. It is estimated that around 60,000 Algerian lives have been lost due to violence over the past five years. Additionally, since December 1993 approximately 120 foreigners have been murdered within Algeria's borders.

In April 1996, a notable incident occurred in southern Algiers where seven French monks were decapitated. Approximately six months later in Algiers' park area another incident took place where an Eastern European national was killed by having his throat slit; this person had previously served as a military attache and became a businessman.The group responsible for these killings has issued threats against Algerians and foreigners working in the hydrocarbons sector. Despite a decline in violence since 1994-1995, terrorists have carried out brutal attacks on civilians within the past year. Meanwhile, the Algerian government is currently implementing a structural adjustment program with support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. At the macroeconomic level, Algeria has not only met but exceeded the performance criteria established by the IMF. In 1996, Algeria successfully stabilized its national currency, reduced inflation rates, and achieved a positive balance of payments. Despite challenges such as high unemployment rates and ongoing terrorism, adhering to this program has resulted in Algeria's strongest economic performance in over ten years. Real economic growth alone has surpassed 3.5 percent within the last two years. However, if terrorist violence persists, it is unlikely that the economy will expand enough to generate jobs for most of its 2.2 million unemployed individuals.Algeria's advancement in industrial restructuring and privatization has been sluggish with limited efforts made.However,the privatization law

in Algeria presents advantages for private investors including tax incentives, deferred payments,and an option for employee ownership.Moreover,the investment code they have provides opportunities for foreign companies interested in entering either the Algerian or regional market .Algeria implemented a free-trade zone in Bellara in April 1997 as part of its economic reforms. The United State