1. Algeria

2. Algiers

3. A musician wearing traditional headdress performs at welcoming ceremony in Algiers. [© AP Images] Biyouna is an Algerian actress and singer who has starred in a number of French films.

5. Government President Bouteflika led his country out of the civil war that broke out when Islamists were denied an election victory; rebel activity surged again at the end of 2006 Ministry of Finance in Algiers

6. Modernity The Algerian government plans to parlay its considerable income from oil and natural gas into a modern skyscraper complex.

7. Skiing Snow heralded the return of skiers in 2003 after it was nearly deserted for the 10 years in civil conflict. The Atlas mountain resort of Chrea is mostly known as a ski area and nature reserve.

8. Chrea

9. Argélia Its geography consists of mostly high plateau and the Sahara Desert, including three large sand seas.

10. A Bedouin bakes his bread in the sand

11. Grand Erg