Algeria: environment

What are Algeria's CO2 emissions?

Algeria's carbon dioxide emissions were 3.98 tonnes per person in 2024, excluding land use, according to World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026. Total greenhouse gas emissions, including methane and nitrous oxide, were 252.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Total greenhouse gases add methane and nitrous oxide, converted to CO2 equivalent, to carbon dioxide. The figures exclude land use, land-use change and forestry. They come from international emissions databases rather than Algeria's national inventory.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions per capita, Algeria · World Bank: total greenhouse gas emissions, Algeria

How much of Algeria's electricity is renewable?

0.91% of Algeria's electricity came from renewable sources in 2021, the latest figure on World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026. Access to electricity was 100% in 2024.

The 2026 budget allocates 133.7 billion dinars to the Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies, according to the 2026 finance bill report. Newer figures on solar capacity may be published by the ministry.

Official sources: World Bank: renewable electricity output, Algeria · World Bank: access to electricity, Algeria

How many people in Algeria have safe drinking water?

69.0% of Algeria's people used safely managed drinking water in 2024, according to WHO and UNICEF data on World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026.

Safely managed means water from an improved source that is on the premises, available when needed and free from contamination. The 2026 budget allocates 531.0 billion dinars to water resources (hydraulique), and lists desalinated water among the goods it subsidises, according to the Ministry of Finance's 2026 finance bill report.

Official sources: World Bank: safely managed drinking water, Algeria · Ministry of Finance (DGPP): 2026 finance bill presentation report

What is the air quality in Algeria?

People in Algeria were exposed to an average of 16.5 micrograms of fine particles (PM2.5) per cubic metre of air in 2023, according to World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026.

PM2.5 are particles small enough to reach deep into the lungs. The figure is a population-weighted annual average modelled from satellite data and ground monitors, so it smooths out daily peaks and local differences. It is not a reading from a national monitoring network; none could be read on official Algerian sites checked on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: PM2.5 air pollution, Algeria

How much of Algeria is forest?

Forest covered 0.71% of Algeria's land area in 2024, according to Food and Agriculture Organization data on World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026.

The figure counts land with trees taller than 5 metres covering more than 10% of the ground, over at least half a hectare. It comes from national reports to the FAO and is updated every few years.

Official sources: World Bank: forest area, Algeria

What are Algeria's CO2 emissions per person?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 4.0 tonnes. Its high point since 2005 was 2019, at 4.2 tonnes; its low point was 2005, at 3.1 tonnes. It is 11th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 3.6 tonnes. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 63rd highest.

How much greenhouse gas does Algeria emit?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, total greenhouse gas emissions in Algeria was 253 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. Since 2005 it has ranged from 159 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (2005) to 259 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (2023). Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 103 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Algeria is 7th highest of 22. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 33rd highest.

How much renewable energy does Algeria use?

In 2021, the renewable share of final energy use in Algeria was 0.1%, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 17th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 3.4%. Of 191 countries with 2021 data, 184th highest.

What is Algeria's forest cover?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 0.7%. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 16th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 1.6%. World rank, highest first: 183rd of 190.

What is air pollution like in Algeria?

According to the Global Burden of Disease study, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Algeria was 16.5 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 14.9 micrograms per cubic metre (2005) to 19.2 micrograms per cubic metre (2022). Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 40.3 micrograms per cubic metre; Algeria is 21st highest of 22. Worldwide: 105th of 192.

What share of Algeria is protected land?

According to the UN Environment Programme, the share of land in protected areas in Algeria was 4.7% in 2025. The peak was 7.5% in 2013 and the low 4.6% in 2020. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 9.8%, and Algeria placed 15th highest of 22. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 167th highest.

Is Algeria short of water?

According to the FAO, water stress in Algeria was 144.8% in 2022. Since 2005 it has ranged from 92.5% (2005) to 149.6% (2020). It is 7th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 116.7%. Of 175 countries with 2022 data, 7th highest.