Algeria population (live estimate)

Algeria has a complex linguistic landscape shaped by Arabization policies, Berber heritage, and colonial history. Modern Standard Arabic is the official language of the state, while Algerian Arabic serves as the main spoken vernacular in daily communication. Berber (Amazigh) languages, including Kabyle, Chaouia, Mzab, and Tuareg varieties, are also indigenous to the country and enjoy constitutional recognition as national and official languages. French, although not an official language, remains widely used in administration, higher education, media, and business. Most Algerians are at least bilingual, often combining Algerian Arabic or a Berber variety with French, and some also have knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic for formal domains.

Algeria is one of the largest countries in Africa by area and has a relatively young population, with a significant proportion living in the narrow northern coastal strip. Urban centers such as Algiers, Oran, and Constantine host dense populations, while the interior and Sahara regions are sparsely populated. The majority of citizens identify as Arab or Arab-Berber, with substantial Amazigh communities particularly in Kabylie, the Aurès, and parts of the Sahara. Migration from rural to urban areas and from interior regions to the coast has reshaped local language use, often strengthening Arabic–French bilingualism and influencing patterns of Berber language transmission.

The cities shown here represent major urban centres with populations over 50,000, as defined by the UN Degree of Urbanisation (DEGURBA) methodology. Smaller towns and rural settlements are not included.