Religion

This can be seen as one of unique cultural characteristics of Algeria. Algeria's religion is dominated by Muslims, with over 98 percent of the population adhering to Sunni Islam of the Maliki school of thought as of 2020. Other Islamic schools and branches, as well as Christian groups, make up the remaining. Roman Catholics, Seventh-day Adventists, the Protestant Church of Algeria, Lutherans, Anglicans, Egyptian Copts, Bahás, and Jews are among the religions represented. The estimated Christian population ranges from 71,000 (in 2010) to 200,000. (2018 report).

In Algeria, Islam plays a significant political role, and three perspectives can be recognized. The first is the Islamist viewpoint, in which Islam is seen as all-encompassing and must be present in all aspects of life, both private and public. The second viewpoint is secular, in which Islam is viewed as a guideline that allows for certain deviations. The third perspective is that of the elderly and rural populations.

With Islam being the most widely practiced religion in Algeria, travelers must be cognizant of local norms. When entering a mosque, it is customary to remove your shoes, and women should always dress modestly. You will avoid offending anyone if you learn a few basic norms of etiquette and Islamic principles.

In addition to Islam, Christianity and Jewish minority exists in Algeria. Arrived in North Africa during the Roman Christian era. Its power waned during the chaotic period of Vandal invasions, but it was restored during the Byzantine period, only to fall to seventh place during the Arab invasions of the century. Algeria's Jewish community has a long history, with some people claiming ancestry from Roman-era immigrants from Palestine. The bulk are descended from exiles fleeing Spanish persecution in the early fifteenth century.