Constantine Travel Guide, Algeria

Constantine, Algeria: Overview

Location: Constantine is the name of the capital city of Constantine province in north eastern Algeria. It is situated at a distance of about 80 km from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Constantine is also popularly known as the capital city of the eastern Algeria. It is also the third biggest city in Algeria next to Algiers and Oran. Constantine is located on a high plateau and its altitude is 640 m above the sea level. The city has a picturesque view with many beautiful bridges and a railway bridge crossing the narrow valley.

Population: Constantine has a population of about 500,000 inhabitants according to a recent study. An official demographic survey has also recorded that Constantine is inhabited by around 750,000 people including the agglomerates. The majority of the inhabitants in Constantine are Algerian and they consist of around 70% of the total population. The minority are mostly Cyprus, Turkish and Tunisians. The whole population is again divided into Arab, Berber or Sunni Muslims.

Transportation: Constantine has efficient means of transportation and the roads are well maintained inside the city. It is linked with major cities in Algeria through electrified railways transport. Currently, a new railway track of 204 km is under construction and it will link Constantine to cities like Tebessa and Oued Smar. In early 2009, a light rail route of 16.3 km is also going to be introduced in Constantine linking it to Carl Ruisseau and Bordj El Kiffan. Many government operated buses and trolleys are available for public transportation inside the city. Moreover, there are many private taxis that provide effective public transportation in Constantine.

Economy: Crude oil and Natural gas are the main resource for the economic stability of Constantine. In Algeria, there are around 456 km pipeline for crude oil, 298 km of petroleum pipeline and 2,948 km for natural gas. Although Constantine lacks the production of agricultural goods, it has a stable economy because of its natural resources. The fossil fuel plays a vital role in improving the economy of the Algerian capital.

Weather: Constantine has a moderate climate in summer and the temperature may rise up to 94 degrees Fahrenheit on the hottest day. The winter months in Constantine are very windy and the average temperature is around 46 degrees Fahrenheit.

Culture and people: The people of Constantine are religious and they believe in one God. Moreover, there are many religious and cultural centers associated with the history of Algeria. Some famous cultural associations in Constantine include Al Jahidhiya Arabic Literary association, Algerian Astronomy association and Aquastat association.