Algeria, officially known as the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, is a country in North Africa on the Mediterranean coast. It is the tenth-largest country in the world and the largest in Africa and the Arab world. The capital and most populous city is Algiers, located in the far north of the country on the Mediterranean coast. With a population of over 40 million people, Algeria has a diverse society, with Arabic and Berber as the official languages and French also widely spoken. The country has a semi-presidential republic form of government with the president as the head of state and the prime minister as the head of government. Algeria's landscape is varied and striking, with the Sahara Desert covering more than four-fifths of its territory. It is known for its rich history and has been home to many empires and dynasties, including the ancient Numidians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arab Umayyads, and the Berber Almohads and Hafsids. The northern part of the country is part of the Maghreb region and includes the Tell Atlas and Saharan Atlas mountain ranges, which run close to the coast and are part of the larger Atlas mountain system. The Hoggar Mountains and the Tassili n'Ajjer are located in the central Sahara in the south of the country. Algeria's economy is heavily reliant on hydrocarbons, and the country is one of the largest oil producers in Africa. The government has, however, been working on diversifying the economy by investing in the agricultural and industrial sectors. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various civilizations that have inhabited the region throughout history. This is reflected in Algeria's architecture, music, literature, and cuisine. The country has also been a key player in regional and international affairs, being a member of the United Nations, the Arab League, the African Union, OPEC, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Algeria played a significant role in the fight for decolonization in Africa and has continued to be an advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people. Despite its wealth in natural resources, Algeria faces several social and economic challenges, including unemployment and the need for political and economic reforms. The country has also experienced periods of civil unrest, most notably during the Algerian Civil War in the 1990s. More recently, the Hirak protest movement that began in 2019 has called for comprehensive political change and greater economic opportunities. Algeria's landscape offers a variety of activities for tourists, from trekking in the Atlas Mountains to exploring the vast expanse of the Sahara. The country's long history is showcased in numerous archaeological sites, such as the Roman ruins at Timgad and Djémila. The Mediterranean coast provides opportunities for beach tourism, with resorts and picturesque coastal towns. Algeria's cultural festivals, such as the Festival of the Desert, also attract visitors interested in the music and traditions of the region.