City in eastern Algeria with 530,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate),
situated on a plateau cut by a deep ravine, at an elevation of 640
metres above sea level.
It
is the capital of Constantine province with 910,000 inhabitants (2005
estimate) and an area of 2,187 kmē.
The
economic base is the manufacturing of leather, wool, and linen. Local
agriculture produces cereal grains in quantities large enough for
exporting. Constantine is the centre for commercial activities and has
Algeria and Tunisia as its markets.
Constantine
has excellent connections with other urban centres ins Algeria by road
and rail. There is an airport 15 km to the south. Annaba lies 150 km
northeast, and Algiers 430 km west.
The
deep ravine runs right through the city, creating a dramatic effect and
many beautiful sites. A number of bridges and a viaduct cross the ravine.
The ravine is today filled with garbage. The old Muslim parts are
dominated by narrow, winding thoroughfares and Oriental architecture.
The modern city surrounds it, with its French section as well as newer
quarters with modern Algerian buildings. Among Constantine's landmarks
is the kasbah, a Roman fortress, the 18th century Mosque of Sidi el-Kattani
and a 19th century palace.
Constantine
has one university, the University of Constantine, which was founded in
1969. There are museums and important historical sites around the city
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