also today: American Samoa, Andorra

7 The active mission force

a) Relief work - an urgent priority

b) Christian music

c) Work among the children of Christians

d) Protection for those who witness in the course of their daily routine

e) The leadership of the Algerian church in Europe, and for missionary calls to their homeland

f) The spiritual and financial support of local missionaries and their fruitfulness in ministry

g) Local leadership training - vital for the development of a strong indigenous church

h) The Berbers, who have the potential to sweep across the whole of North Africa with the gospel!

8 Bible translation and distribution is fraught with obstacles and restrictions

9 Christian literature in the national languages and French is often requested but hard to supply

10 Algerians in Europe may number 2.5 million

11 Christian media are important in this internally restrictive situation

a) Radio

b) Audio-visual

c) Satellite TV programmes

d) Use of cassettes

also today: American Samoa, Andorra

Politics

French colony for 132 years.

Religion

Since independence, the government has actively encouraged the development of an Islamic Arab socialist state.

Churches in Algeria

Missionaries from Algeria

15, in 4 agencies.

Expatriates to Algeria

Most are based outside the country.

Geography

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Area 2,381,741 sq.km. Agriculture is possible on the Mediterranean coast, in the Atlas mountains and at oases; 80% is desert.

Population (2000) 31,471,278 +2.32%AGR

Capital Algiers 4,447,000.

Peoples

Arabic-speaking 77.1%; Berber 22%; Other 0.9%.

Literacy 61.6%. Official language Arabic. Berber, French and increasingly, English are widely used and 25% speak one of the Berber languages. All languages 17. Languages with Scriptures 2Bi 2NT 5por 2w.i.p.

Economy

Heavily dependent on oil exports. Unemployment 22%. HDI 0.665; 109^th/174. Public debt 65% of GNP. Income/person $1,500 (4.8% of USA).

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