Algeria's predominantly young population currently stands at around 32 million. The rapid birth rate of the seventies has been reduced to about 2.3% per annum. Over 50% of the population is under 20 years old. About 90% of Algeria's population live along the mediterranean coastline where the country's industry and agriculture are concentrated and where the major cities are located.

The urbannization rate is 51%. Algiers, the capital, has an estimated population of 4 million. Oran, the country's second city has a population of 2 million while Constantine and Anaba have estimated population of 1 million each.