Annaba

Seaport in Algeria; population (1998) 348,600. It is situated in Annaba department close to the Tunisian border. Major industries include an iron and steel complex, railway workshops, and aluminium and chemical works. Iron ore, phosphates, and other minerals, extracted in Tébessa to the southeast, are exported, as are wine and cork.

Annaba's exceptionally fine harbour first attracted the Phoenicians in the 12th century. Destroyed by the Vandals in the 5th century, Annaba was rebuilt by the Arabs. It was subsequently occupied by Italians, Spaniards, and Genoese before being captured by the French in 1832. Some 2 km/1.2 mi to the south of the modern city lie the ruins of the ancient town of Hippo (or Hippo Regius), the home and seat of the bishopric of St Augustine.

Notable buildings of the old town include the Mosque of Sidi Bou Merouan, built in the 11th century with materials from Roman ruins, and the Mosque of Salah Bey, dating from 1787. The new town, built from the late 19th century, includes the cathedral, the basilica of Saint Augustin, and the Hippo Museum.

Annaba

Province in northeast Algeria, bordering on Tunisia in the east; area 24,760 sq km/9,560 sq mi; population (1994 est) 522,000. It stretches south from the Mediterranean to the Saharan Atlas. The capital is Annaba.