Algeria is located in Northern Africa bordering the Mediterranean Sea and Morocco. The terrain consists mostly of high plateaus and deserts, with some mountains. The climate ranges from mild and wet along the coast to cold winters and hot summers inland. Algeria gained independence from France in 1962 after an eight year war and continues to experience some political instability and violence. The majority of the population is Muslim and Arabic is the most widely spoken language. Algeria has a developing economy based around oil and natural gas exports.