Algiers

Capital and main port of Algeria, situated on the narrow coastal plain between the Atlas Mountains and the Mediterranean; population (1998) city, 1,519,600; urban agglomeration, 2,135,600. It is a major commercial centre for trade in and export of grain, iron, phosphates, wines, citrus fruits and vegetables, as well as oil from central Algeria. The main industries are oil refining, petrochemicals, and metal working. The city is a popular winter resort.

History
Algiers was founded by the Arabs in 935. The old town is dominated by the Kasbah, the palace and prison of the Turkish rulers who took the town in the early 16th century. The new town, constructed under French rule after 1830, is in European style. The Battle of Algiers, between the Algerian nationalist population and the French army and settlers, took place here during the Algerian War of Independence 1954–62.