Algiers is the capital of Algeria. The city derived its name from its location on the slopes of the "Sahel" hills. It was founded by Buluggin ibn Ziri, the founder of the Zirid-Senhaja dynasty, in 944. Right from the beginning, it was the chief seat of the Barbary pirates. A British squadron under Lord Exmouth attacked the city in1816. The country had to suffer the loss of thousands of its people, during the course of the independence struggle in 1962. The country gained independence form France in 1962.
Area & Location: Located in North Africa on the slopes of the "Sahel", a chain of hills, Algiers is situated at 36°47' Latitude North and 3°4' Longitude East. Around three million people reside in the city.
Tourist Attractions: The city, that has many buildings, mosques and churches are often visited by tourists.
Transportation: The city often faces traffic congestion in its prime locations. A tramway that can carry 150,000 passengers is being planned.
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The work of the underground path that can also carry around 150,000 passengers daily has started.
This can really reduce the traffic congestion in the city. Houari Boumediene Airport is the international airport in Algiers that serves the city.
Hotels:The city hotels aimed at tourists offer all types of dishes catering to the needs of its guests. The famous hotels in Algiers include El Aurassi Hotel, Sofitel Alger, Sheraton Club des Pins Resort and Towers, Hilton Algiers and Grand Hotel Mercure Alger Aeroport.
Places of Attraction: Casbah quarter and the Martyrs Square are the important landmarks of the city. Ketchaoua Mosques, the Roman Catholic cathedral of Notre Dame d'Afrique, the Bardo Museum, the old Bibliotheque Nationale d'Alger - a Turkish palace, The Grand Mosque -the oldest mosque in Algiers, The New Mosque in the form of a Greek cross and The Ketchaoua mosque are the famous mosques in the city that attract pilgrims. One of the chapels that contain a tomb containing the bones of San Geronimo, draws in visitors. The miraculous church of the Holy Trinity is also a place of worship for the visitors.
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