Presentation of the wilaya

The wilaya of Biskra is an Algerian wilaya located in the center-east of Algeria at the gates of the Sahara.

The wilaya of Biskra is the result of the administrative division of 1974 and currently comprises 12 dairas and 33 municipalities.  

GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION (Relief-Climate…) 

The wilaya of Biskra is located in southeastern Algeria between the Aurès region and the Zibans and covers an area of ​​nearly 2,167.20 km ² . It is delimited :       

·         to the north by the wilaya of Batna ; 

·         to the east by the wilaya of Khenchela ; 

·         to the northwest by the wilaya of M'Sila ; 

·         to the west by the wilaya of Djelfa ; 

·         to the southeast by the wilaya of El Oued ; 

·         to the south by the wilaya of Ouargla . 

Weather :

Biskra has a hot desert climate typical of the region in which it is located. The city has long and extremely hot summers and mild winters  . The average annual temperature is 21.8 °C.   

The climate is very arid and most of the time very clear. Precipitation is limited to only 128.8 mm per year. Precipitation is quite rare despite some showers generally recorded during the coldest months, mainly November  . The extreme heat that reigns during the summer can cause violent thunderstorms at the end of it, which generally occur in September, when the humidity level of the air becomes significantly higher, the annual average rate is 41 % humidity. The month with the highest rate in Biskra is December with 59 % humidity, July is the least heavy month with only 27 % on average per year.       

Apart from precipitation or humidity, winds are frequent during two periods of the year : relatively humid winds during the winter, and sandstorms during the spring. 

ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

Agricultural Potentials

First national supplier of agricultural products, the region of Biskra has become, in a decade, the vegetable garden of the country which provides most of the vegetables that garnish the plate of the Algerian. The Biskra region has become the leading national producer of agricultural products. It contributes 6.74 % nationally. This reputation as a national production center is based on three key products : the Deglet Nour date from Tolga , mutton from Ouled Djellal and market garden produce (peas, carrots, broad beans, zucchini, tomatoes, cucumber, eggplant, garlic, onions, lettuce...) .       

The Biskra region is famous for its dates , considered by some to be the best in the world. The date palm heritage is estimated at 4.2 million date palms in 2011, of which 2.6 million provide the Deglet Nour variety . Date production for the 2011/2012 season reached more than 2.9 million quintals    

Industry

The wilaya has a diversified industrial fabric with 7 public sector institutions and 60 private establishments as well as 26 mines used.
The production of the industry sector concerns building construction materials, milling, the agro-food industry, embroidery, weaving, handicrafts, wood, paper and printing.

Biskra has an industrial zone, located to the west of the city : woolen mill, shoe unit, cables, telephones, energy and chemical and plastic industries (injected articles, glues and adhesives, articles for medical use). The majority of industrial units in the wilaya are concentrated in this area 

ECONOMIC, ADMINISTRATIVE AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURES

Hydraulic 

This wilaya includes the following dams :     

·         Foum El Gherza Dam

The city of Biskra is crossed by the Biskra wadi which has its source in the Aurès and flows into the chott Melrhir , after a course of about 194km. The wadi is usually dry in Biskra, the contribution specific to each flood can remain relatively low   

Road network 

Railway network:
The railway crosses the wilaya from north to south over a length of 130.13 km. Interspersed with three stations, including a major in Biskra, the second in Loutaya and the last in El Kantara. It contributes to the revitalization of economic movement between the various wilayas of the south-east and the north. The tonnage transported in 2010 is estimated at 7,092 tonnes outward and 276,957 tonnes return

Airport transport:
Existence of an international airport in Biskra

Health

·         Bachir Bennacer Hospital in Biskra.

·         Dr. Saadane Hospital in Biskra.

·         Ouled Djellal Hospital.

·         Tolga Hospital.

·         Hospital establishment specializing in ophthalmology - El Boukhari Biskra Hospital.

TOURIST ACTIVITIES

The wilaya of Biskra is home to important archaeological sites, notably at El Kantara , Djemorah , Tolga , Sidi Okba , Filiach , etc. In addition to their historical value, these sites are also distinguished by their beauty.     

The significant tourism and craft potential of the region calls for an enhancement of this heritage, notably allowing the creation of substantial jobs.