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Background: After a century of rule by France, Algeria became independent in 1962. The surprising first round success of the fundamentalist FIS (Islamic Salvation Front) party in the December 1991 balloting caused the army to intervene, crack down on the FIS, and postpone the subsequent elections. The FIS response has resulted in a continuous low-grade civil conflict with the secular state apparatus, which nonetheless has allowed elections featuring pro-government and moderate religious-based parties. FIS's armed wing, the Islamic Salvation Army, disbanded itself in January 2000 and many armed militants surrendered under an amnesty program designed to promote national reconciliation. Nevertheless, residual fighting continues. Other concerns include Berber unrest, large-scale unemployment, a shortage of housing, and the need to diversify the petroleum-based economy
Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia
Capital: Algiers
Head of State: H.E. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika (1999)
Independence: Algeria was officially declared independent of France on July 3, 1962, but recognizes July 5 as its Independence Day.
Population 2006 (million): 32,9
Ethnic group: Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%
Religions: Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1%
Languages: Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects
Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, and zinc
Currency: Dinar
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