Algeria's declining birth rate aligns with North African trends, INED report shows
via Algérie3602 min read
Algeria, once a demographic outlier in North Africa, is now experiencing a significant and sustained decline in its birth rate, according to a recent report from the National Institute of Demographic Studies INED. This trend brings Algeria in line with Morocco and Tunisia, which have seen consistent drops in fertility. While Tunisia reached the generational replacement threshold by the end of the last century and Morocco shows a steady decline, Algeria had a resurgence in birth rates during the 2000s and 2010s, driven by increased marriages linked to housing and employment access. However, this surge has ended. Currently, Rabat records 1.97 children per woman, Tunis is at 1.53, and Algiers, though slightly higher, has seen a continuous drop in fertility since 2017. This decline reflects deep societal changes, including women's prolonged access to higher education, delayed entry into the job market, and a rising age for marriage. Despite higher education levels for women, their professional integration is not sustained, with many facing domestic constraints after age 30, leading to inactivity. Only a quarter of Algerian women aged 40 to 44 are employed. This highlights institutional challenges in balancing family life and professional aspirations. The impending challenge for Algeria is an aging population. While Tunisia 17% seniors and Morocco 13.8% are ahead, Algeria 10.5% faces an inevitable acceleration. Public policies, traditionally focused on a large youth population, mu
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Must ReadThéniet El Had National Park, located in the Tissemsilt wilaya of Algeria, has been officially classified as a biosphere reserve under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere MAB program. This recognition places the park among 13 other newly recognized natural sites globally, acknowledging its rich ecological value. The director of the park announced the official classification, highlighting the site's exceptional ecological value, rich biodiversity, and preserved forest landscapes. This designation is seen as a consecration of the site's environmental importance and underscores ongoing efforts in its protection and sustainable management. Beyond symbolic distinction, this international recognition opens new avenues for the park's management, including strengthening protection policies and valuing natural heritage for local populations. The park will now play an even more significant role in biodiversity preservation and environmental education. This UNESCO labeling is also expected to promote responsible ecological tourism in the region. Local authorities and park managers hope this recognition will boost conservation efforts and raise awareness about the importance of Algeria's natural heritage, marking a significant step for Algeria in environmental protection and positioning Théniet El Had Park as a strategic site in global biodiversity preservation efforts, while fostering more sustainable and regulated development.
FIFA has announced a record prize money distribution for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The total prize pool for the 48 qualified teams is $871 million, a 15% increase from initial projections, driven by the commercial success of the competition. The champion will receive an unprecedented $50 million, while the finalist will get $33 million. Even teams eliminated in the group stage will receive $10 million. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expects the event to generate $8.9 billion in revenue. Meanwhile, Algeria has qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a 12-year absence, marking their fifth participation in the tournament. They secured their spot by defeating Somalia 3-0. Algeria is placed in Group J alongside Argentina, Austria, and Jordan. Their group stage matches are scheduled for June 16 against Argentina in Seattle, June 23 against Jordan in San Francisco, and June 27 against Austria in Vancouver. The team's coach, Vladimir Petkovic, announced a 26-player squad, with Riyad Mahrez as captain and Mohamed Amoura leading the attack. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed pride in the team's qualification. Matches will be broadcast in Algeria on beIN Sports and ENTV.
Oil prices dropped over 2% on Friday for the second consecutive session, driven by easing tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude for August 2026 delivery fell 2.19% to $88.40, while West Texas Intermediate WTI for July 2026 delivery decreased 2.08% to $85.89. Despite this decline, the oil market remains sensitive to political and security developments. Seven OPEC+ member countries, including Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Oman, and Russia, have agreed to collectively increase their oil production by 188,000 barrels per day starting in July. This decision, made during a videoconference meeting of the Declaration of Cooperation DoC signatories, aims to align with global energy market trends. Algeria's share of this increase will be approximately 6,000 barrels per day. The Ministry of Hydrocarbons confirmed this adjustment. The participating countries reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination and continuous monitoring of the international oil market to maintain stability and balance. This gradual approach seeks to prevent sharp imbalances between supply and demand, considering the influence of international tensions, global growth, and energy consumption forecasts on oil prices. Algeria also participated in other ministerial meetings within OPEC and the OPEC+ Declaration of Cooperation. The 193rd OPEC Conference reviewed the general secretariat's operations, strategic priorities, and medium to long-term directions. The 66th meeting of the Joint Minist