The Nation of Algeria is known for being one of the largest countries in the world. Nearly four times the size of Texas, Algeria is one of the largest countries on the continent of Africa. Algeria's land boundaries equal a total of 6,734 km bordering Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Tunisia, and Western Sahara. Both the national and political boundaries of Algeria have remained generally consistent through the country's existence since it was built along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
Although Algeria has existed independently from France since 1959, the country has created its own national identity based on a combination of Berber and Arab cultures. The Ottoman empire was the first to establish colonization in the territory which Algeria now exists. However, the establishment of Algeria's political and national boundaries should be contributed to the French. The French took control of northern territory in Africa during the nineteenth century and maintained it for 132 years. During this time, the French continued to expand their influence and land holdings until Algeria reached the size and boundaries that it remains today.Algeria has conformed to include existing cultural boundaries due to its strong ties to other Arab nations in the world. The strong influence of Islam in Algerian life has created a specific sense of identity that connects Algeria to many other Arab nations. Also, Algeria's war for independence against the French was a unifying factor that helped bring a sense of cultural identity to Algeria.
The changes which have occurred in Algeria's boundaries over the years has helped to impact the nations stability by providing it with rich resources allowing the nation's economy to thrive. Without it's existing boundaries, Algeria would not be able to maintain its gas exports to Europe. This resource has been a constant support for Algeria's economy causing great stability within the nation. Algeria's political and national boundaries have helped to establish this African nation.
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David, I found it very interesting that the shared development of Algeria’s borders often emulates the broader Sino-Arab relationships in the region. Despite the necessity of trade and commerce routes, relationships between Algeria and her North African neighbors are often contentious or outright hostel. Do you think it has anything to do with the desire of neighboring Morocco to dominate the entire North African region? Likewise, what impacts do you think the Libyan regime under Muammar Qadhafi had on Algerian development along its eastern border? I wonder if it has gone further downhill following the ouster of Qadhafi and the ushering in of the al Qaeda threat.
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