Algiers (Concert of Europe)

Algiers (French: Alger, Arabic: الجزائر al-Jazā’er) is the capital and largest city of. It is located on steep hills in the northern part of the country, on the Mediterranean shore, in the centre of the omonimous province. The first city in the region to be occupied by French forces in the 19th century, Algiers developed over the decades to become the main industrial centre of the country, and an important port as well. It is also the city that welcomed the most French immigrants in Algeria, which today form the majority of the population.

Founded in the Middle Ages, Algiers was the capital of an Ottoman vassal state before being seized by French forces on 4th July 1830; it endured severe urban fighting during efforts from Algerian nationalist organizations to attain full independence from France. Since then, the city has been rebuilt and renovated: native Algerians are a majority only in few city districts, and in most areas of Algiers the French population is prevalent. Once an important industrial centre, its economy now mostly revolves around its ports, and has recently become an important hub of culture, literature and art.