Algeria in Perspective: Orientation Guide and Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Society, Security, Military, Religion, Traditions, Algiers, Sahara, Berbers, Terrorist Groups

These two unique guides produced by the Department of Defense provide comprehensive information about all aspects of life in Algeria, with a special emphasis on geography, history, the economy, society, security and military matters, religion, traditions, urban and rural life, ethnic groups, crime, the environment, government, holidays, gender issues and much more.

Orientation Guide:

Chapter 1 - Geography * Introduction * Geographic Regions and Topographic Features * The Tell * The High Plateaus and the Saharan Atlas Mountains * Northeastern Algeria * Sahara * Climate * Rivers and Lakes * Rivers * Cities * Algiers * Oran * Constantine * Annaba * Batna * Environmental Concerns * Natural Hazards * Chapter 2 - History * Introduction * Prehistory * The Carthaginians * Romans and Vandals * Arab Conquests * Berber Dynasties * The Ottomans * Barbary Pirates * The French Conquest * Colonial Algeria * Algerian Nationalism * The Algerian War of Independence * Independent Algeria * The Boumedienne Era * Sliding Toward Crisis * Reforms * The Algerian Civil War * Peace Measures * Recent Events * Chapter 2 Assessments * Chapter 3 - Economy * Introduction* Agriculture * Industry * Energy Resources * Natural Resources * Trade * Tourism * Banking and Currency * Investment * Transportation * Standard of Living * Organizations * Chapter 3 Assessments * Chapter 4 - Society * Introduction * Ethnic and Linguistic Groups * Religion * Gender Issues * Clothing * Arts * Music * Film * Sports and Recreation * Chapter 4 Assessments * Chapter 5 - Security * Introduction * U.S.-Algerian Relations * Relations with Neighboring Countries * Morocco * Mauritania, Mali, and Niger * Libya * Tunisia * Military * Terrorist Groups and Activities * Other Issues Affecting Stability * Political Reform * Water and Food * Chapter 5 Assessments * Final Assessments * Further Resources * Books * Films

Cultural Orientation: Chapter 1 - Profile * Introduction * Geography * Climate * Bodies of Water * Major Cities * History * Government * Media * Economy * Linguistic Groups * Chapter 1: Assessments * Chapter 2 - Religion * Overview * Major Religions * Role of Religion in the Government * Religion in Daily Life * Religious Events and Holidays * Buildings of Worship * Behavior in Places of Worship* Chapter 2: Assessments * Chapter 3 - Traditions * Introduction * Honor and Values * Formulaic Codes of Politeness * Hospitality and Gift-Giving * Eating Customs * Dress Codes * Nonreligious Celebrations * Berber Cultural Traditions * Dos and Don'ts * Chapter 3: Assessments * Chapter 4 - Urban Life * Urbanization * Urban Work Issues * Daily Urban Life * Urban Health Care * Education * Public Places * Markets and Lodging * Urban Traffic and Transportation * Street Crime * Chapter 4: Assessments * Chapter 5 - Rural Life * Land Ownership * Tribal Distribution * Rural Economy * Rural Transportation * Health and Education * Nomadic Way of Life * Who's in Charge? * Border Crossings and Checkpoints * Land Mines * Chapter 5: Assessments * Chapter 6 - Family Life * Typical Household and Family Structure * Roles and Responsibilities Within the Family * Status of Women * Married Life and Divorce * Family Events * Naming Conventions * Chapter 6: Assessments