Algeria (or El Djezaïr) is located in the north of the African continent bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and is part of the Arab Maghreb Union (AMG). Its surface area is 2,381,741 km². Algeria is the largest country in Africa, Arab world and Mediterranean Basin, and the tenth largest country in the world. It has 1,622 km of Mediterranean coastline. Algeria shares more than 6,385 km land borders with several countries. It has common borders with seven neighbouring countries, namely: Tunisia in the North-East. Libya in the East. Niger and Mali in the South. Mauritania and Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR.) in the South-West. and Morocco in the West. Algeria is divided into 58 provinces (wilayas) which are decentralized regional authorities of the State. They shall have legal personality and financial autonomy. They are also decentralised administrative districts of the State with two bodies: People's Provincial Assembly (APW), a deliberative body. The prefect (Wali), executive and representative body of the Government. Each province (wilaya) covers a specific number of municipalities. The Daïra (subdivision) is an administrative extension of the province. Thus, the 58 provinces include 1,541 municipalities and 535 Daïras. People's Provincial Assembly (APW), which is the deliberative body, decides by deliberation matters within its competence and on any matter of interest to the province. The Prefect (Wali), appointed by the President of the Republic, is a representative of the State and representative of the province. He ensures the enforcement of laws and regulations and ensures the implementation of decisions of the People's Provincial Assembly (APW). Each municipality has its own deliberative body, the People's Municipal Assembly (APC), which elects its own president, who serves as mayor. Algeria's urbanization rate is around 60% and is permanently growing. Algeria has more than thirty-seven urban areas with more than 100,000 inhabitants, almost all concentrated in the north of the country. The densely populated city is the capital Algiers, a megalopolis of more than six million inhabitants, making it the first town in the Maghreb. Algeria has a privileged geographical position and a considerable area. It is composed of different landscapes, mountains areas, Mediterranean scenery, vast semi-arid highlands, and lunar desert areas. In the north of Algeria, a Mediterranean climate dominates, with hot and humid summers and mild winters.
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