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Urbanization in Algeria: Toward a More Balanced and Sustainable Urban Network?

Author

Listed:
  • Feyrouz Ahlam Saidi

    (Department of Social Geography and Regional Development, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Kwanele Phinzi

    (Department of Physical Geography and Geoinformatics, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Ernő Molnár

    (Department of Social Geography and Regional Development, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

Abstract

Before colonization, Algeria was primarily a rural country with a nomadic and semi-nomadic population. However, significant changes occurred during and after the colonial era as modernization efforts were implemented. This paper provides a regional overview of Algeria’s pre-and post-millennium urban development based on census population data expressing the quantitative side of urbanization. Our analysis focuses on three aspects: regional structural tendencies of urbanization, sources of urban growth, and the current state of Algeria’s urban network. We contextualize our findings by comparing them with the existing literature and the priorities outlined in the country’s National Spatial Development Plan 2025. Our research suggests that: (1) First-stage (concentration) and second-stage (suburbanization) urbanization features, as well as internally and externally determined development, characterize Algeria’s urban network. (2) A decreasing and regionally differentiated urban growth rate indicating a moderate shift towards non-coastal regions and the above-average dynamics of large cities and smaller towns can be observed. (3) The significance of natural growth as a source of urbanization is higher than the contributions of rural-urban migration and new “de jure” towns. However, these factors are differentiated among the regions, highlighting the secondary role of rural-urban migration in the internal peripheries and the importance of new “de jure” towns in the densely populated and urbanized northern regions. (4) Algeria’s urban network is divided into three sharply differentiated zones that have experienced only moderate changes. We regard this shift toward a spatially more balanced urban network as a factor supporting but not guaranteeing sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Feyrouz Ahlam Saidi & Kwanele Phinzi & Ernő Molnár, 2023. "Urbanization in Algeria: Toward a More Balanced and Sustainable Urban Network?," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-19, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:12:y:2023:i:3:p:174-:d:1096977
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Cohen, Barney, 2006. "Urbanization in developing countries: Current trends, future projections, and key challenges for sustainability," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 28(1), pages 63-80.
    2. Jerome G. Manis, 1959. "Annexation: The Process of Reurbanization," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 18(4), pages 353-353, July.
    3. Reeitsu Kojima, 1996. "Introduction: Population Migration And Urbanization In Developing Countries," The Developing Economies, Institute of Developing Economies, vol. 34(4), pages 349-369, December.
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