Hydrocarbons form the backbone of Algeria’s economy, accounting for roughly 60% of budget revenues, 30% of GDP and over 95% of export earnings. The country has the 10th-largest reserves of natural gas in the world and is the sixth-largest gas exporter. It ranks 16th in oil reserves. Strong revenues from hydrocarbon exports have brought Algeria relative macroeconomic stability, with foreign currency reserves approaching US$200 billion and a large budget stabilisation fund available for tapping.

Name People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria

Capital Algiers

Frequency of elections Every five years

Name of parliament National People’s Assembly of Algeria

Parliament website www.apn.dz

Languages Arabic, French, Berber dialects

Area 2 381 741 km²

Population 38 813 722 (July 2014 est)

Imports Capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods

Exports Petroleum, natural gas, petroleum products

Currency Algerian dinar

Source: CIA World Factbook
Image: Greatstock/Corbis