Algeria statistics — population, economy, trade and telecom

As Africa’s largest country by land area and one of its most significant hydrocarbon exporters, Algeria occupies a pivotal position in both continental and global economic conversations. In 2026, with energy transition pressures reshaping global commodity markets and the Sahel security environment continuing to evolve, understanding Algeria’s demographic trajectory, fiscal position, and sectoral composition is essential for investors, policymakers, and researchers tracking North African and broader African development trends.

Population and Demographics

Algeria’s population is estimated at approximately 46 to 47 million as of 2025, making it the ninth most populous country on the African continent. The United Nations Population Division projects continued growth at a rate of roughly 1.5 to 1.7 percent annually, though this figure has moderated compared to earlier decades as fertility rates gradually decline. Urbanisation is advancing steadily, with World Bank estimates placing the urban population share at approximately 75 percent — one of the higher urbanisation rates in Africa — concentrated heavily around the northern coastal corridor, particularly Greater Algiers, Oran, and Constantine. The median age sits at roughly 29 years, reflecting a relatively young but maturing population pyramid. This demographic profile presents both an opportunity in the form of a growing working-age cohort and a structural challenge, given the economy’s historical difficulty in generating sufficient formal employment to absorb new labour market entrants.

Economic Indicators

Algeria’s nominal GDP is estimated by the IMF at approximately 230 to 250 billion US dollars for 2024, positioning it among the five largest economies in Africa. GDP per capita in purchasing power parity terms is roughly 12,000 to 13,000 international dollars, placing Algeria in the upper-middle tier of African economies by this measure. Real GDP growth recovered meaningfully following the COVID-era contraction, with IMF projections for 2024 and 2025 suggesting growth in the range of 3 to 4 percent annually, supported by elevated hydrocarbon revenues and a degree of public investment stimulus. Inflation has been a persistent concern; consumer price inflation ran at approximately 7 to 9 percent in recent years, driven by food prices and import costs, though authorities have taken steps to contain it through price controls and subsidy mechanisms. Official unemployment stands at roughly 11 to 12 percent nationally, but youth unemployment is considerably higher — industry and academic sources suggest figures exceeding 25 percent among those aged 15 to 24. The Algerian dinar remains a managed currency, with the central bank maintaining significant foreign exchange reserves, estimated at roughly 60 to 70 billion US dollars as of late 2024. Public debt-to-GDP remains relatively contained by regional standards, with IMF data suggesting a ratio in the range of 55 to 65 percent, though quasi-fiscal liabilities and subsidy obligations add complexity to the full fiscal picture.

Trade and External Accounts

Algeria’s trade profile is heavily shaped by hydrocarbons. Crude oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products collectively account for roughly 90 to 95 percent of total export revenues, according to national customs data and IMF Article IV assessments. The European Union — particularly Italy, Spain, and France — remains Algeria’s dominant export destination, with natural gas pipeline infrastructure cementing these commercial ties. On the import side, Algeria is a significant buyer of capital goods, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and manufactured consumer products, with China, France, Italy, and Turkey among the leading suppliers. The current account balance fluctuates considerably with global energy prices; periods of elevated oil and gas prices have produced surpluses, while price downturns have pushed the account into deficit. World Bank estimates suggest the current account was broadly in positive territory during 2022 and 2023 on the back of strong energy prices, though the medium-term outlook depends heavily on global hydrocarbon demand trajectories and Algeria’s ability to sustain export volumes.

Key Sectors

The hydrocarbon sector — encompassing oil extraction, natural gas production, and petrochemical refining — remains the structural backbone of the Algerian economy, contributing an estimated 20 to 25 percent of GDP directly and a far larger share of government revenues and export earnings. Sonatrach, the state energy company, is the dominant actor and one of the largest corporations in Africa. Agriculture employs a significant share of the rural population and contributes roughly 10 to 12 percent of GDP; key products include cereals, vegetables, dates, and olives, though Algeria remains a substantial net food importer. The services sector accounts for the largest share of GDP in non-hydrocarbon terms, driven by public administration, retail trade, and financial services, but remains underdeveloped relative to Algeria’s income level. Manufacturing outside hydrocarbons is limited, though the government has pursued import substitution strategies in automobiles, steel, and construction materials with mixed results. Tourism, while geographically and historically rich — encompassing Saharan landscapes, Roman ruins, and Mediterranean coastline — contributes a relatively modest share of GDP compared to regional peers such as Morocco and Tunisia, partly due to visa policy and infrastructure constraints. Mining beyond hydrocarbons includes iron ore, phosphates, and zinc, with industry reports suggesting growing investor interest in Algeria’s largely underexplored mineral endowment.

Telecommunications and Digital

Algeria’s telecommunications sector has expanded substantially over the past decade. ITU and GSMA data suggest mobile penetration rates of approximately 100 to 110 percent of the population — meaning active SIM connections roughly equal or slightly exceed the total population — reflecting multi-SIM usage patterns common across the region. Internet penetration has grown rapidly, with estimates placing the share of the population using the internet at roughly 65 to 70 percent as of 2024, though fixed broadband infrastructure remains less developed than mobile connectivity. The three principal mobile operators are Mobilis (state-owned), Djezzy (majority-owned by Veon), and Ooredoo Algeria, which together account for virtually the entire mobile market. 4G LTE coverage has expanded significantly, and authorities have signalled ambitions around 5G deployment, though timelines remain subject to spectrum allocation decisions. Mobile money and digital financial services remain at an early stage relative to sub-Saharan African markets; Algeria’s banking sector is predominantly state-owned and cash-reliant, and while fintech activity is growing, mobile wallet adoption lags behind regional innovation leaders.

Sources and Methodology

The data and estimates presented in this dashboard draw on a range of authoritative international and regional sources. Macroeconomic indicators — including GDP, inflation, debt, and current account data — reference the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook database and Algeria Article IV Consultation reports. Population and demographic figures are sourced from the United Nations Population Division and World Bank World Development Indicators. Trade data draws on IMF Direction of Trade Statistics and Algeria’s national customs authority (Direction Générale des Douanes). Telecommunications and digital statistics reference the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), GSMA Intelligence, and operator-level disclosures where available. Sectoral assessments are informed by World Bank country reports, African Development Bank country strategy papers, and industry analyses from energy and mining research firms. Where precise figures could not be verified with confidence, ranges and approximating language have been used deliberately to reflect data uncertainty. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources directly, as national statistics in Algeria are subject to periodic revision and methodological updates by the Office National des Statistiques (ONS).

For deeper qualitative and strategic analysis of Algeria’s political economy, investment environment, and regional role, visit the Algeria expert briefing. To compare Algeria’s indicators with those of other African nations, explore all African country statistics on this platform. For broader context on continental economic trends shaping Algeria’s outlook, see our African economy pillar coverage.