Algiers is the capital of the French colony of Algeria in northern Africa. The city lies on the Mediterranean (md -tr-´ n-n) Sea, almost due south of Marseilles. It is almost as large as Columbus, Ohio, with a population of 175,000. One-fourth of these are foreigners, mostly Spaniards and Italians. Another fourth are Mohammedans (m-hm´ d an) , and there are some 15,000 Jews. Algeria would make 6 states the size of Iowa. It may be roughly divided into 3 sections. The part along the coast contains forest and farming land. A section south of this is fit only for grazing. The third part is in the Sahara Desert, and is fit for nothing. The country is agricultural. Vineyards rank high in importance. From these vineyards are made annually about 200,000,000 gallons of wine. Olives, figs, cotton, tobacco, camphor, and roses are produced widely. Algeria makes about 15,000,000 gallons of olive oil every year. You know from this what is shipped out of the port of Algiers. All kinds of manufactured goods are imported. Algiers is one of the 5 important ports of northern Africa. Can you name the other 4? The harbor consists of a natural bay protected by breakwaters. One of the parts contains over 200 acres of water. Others are being built. You will observe that the port is equipped with modern machinery, railway switches, derricks, etc. Algiers figured slightly in Roman history. From the 16th to the 19th century it was a nest of pirates. The city was bombarded 14 times in 300 years by the nations of Europe. The United States once took a hand in whipping out the pirates of Algeria and Tripoli. You should read an account of Bainbridge's sea fights on this northern coast of Africa. Keystone ID: 17000 Note: All titles, descriptions, and location coordinates are from the original Keystone Slide documentation as supplied by the Keystone View Company. No text has been edited or changed.