Holidays & Observances in Algeria

Algeria is a country in Northern Africa bordering the Mediterranean. The population is almost entirely Muslim, with Arabic as its official language. France also had an impact on Algeria, ruling it from 1830 until 1962. Algeria now has several official holidays celebrating the period during which they gained independence from France, such as their independence day on July 5th. Most of the holidays in Algeria are Muslim, due to the large Muslim population, but unlike most Islamic countries they also celebrate the Gregorian calendar’s New Year’s Day, most likely because of its connection to Europe.