Oasis town and communications and administrative center, 190km (118 miles) south-west of Constantine, just south of the Aures Mountains. Biskra is situated at the start of the main eastern Algerian route to the far south and marks the start of the trans-Saharan route which cuts through the Ahagar Massif to the Niger River. Since Roman times, when it was the military base of Vescera, Biskra has been a fashionable resort because of its pleasant climate and hot springs. The Hammam E'Salihine spa at the entrance to the town is famous for its sodium sulphate waters, the hottest in the world after those of Iceland. Two large salt lakes, Melrhír and Merouane, lie almost entirely below sea level. The remains of the Roman town as well as a number of ancient dolmens (prehistoric stone tombs) are nearby. Huge palm groves, consisting of about 150.000 palm trees along the course of the oasis covering an area of 3,250 acres (1,300 hectares), are a tourist attraction.

Popularion: (Estimated) 180.000