Country Profile

Algeria is a major producer of hydrocarbons, which are crucial contributors to the economy. It has the third-largest proven oil reserves on the continent, though it is facing substantial fiscal challenges due to the sharp fall in the international price of oil in 2014 and 2015. In contrast to many other countries in the region, Algeria has maintained its political stability, while its international profile is in the midst of gradual shift as it seeks to reduce industrial imports from traditional trading partners.

This chapter contains interviews with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika; Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister of Russia; Angelino Alfano, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy; and Lord Richard Risby of Haverhill, Special Envoy of the UK Prime Minister in Algeria.