Tamanrasset
Tamanrasset (/ˌtæmənˈræsət/; Arabic: تامنراست), also known as Tamanghasset or Tamenghest, is an oasis city and capital of Tamanrasset Province in southern Algeria, in the Ahaggar Mountains. It is the chief city of the Algerian Tuareg. It is located an altitude of 1,320 metres (4,330 ft). As of the 2008 census, it has a population of 92,635, up from 72,741 in 1998, with an annual growth rate of 2.5%.
Tamanrasset
تامنراست | |
|---|---|
Location of Tamanrasset commune within Tamanrasset Province | |
Tamanrasset Location of Tamanrasset within Algeria | |
| Coordinates: 22°47′20″N 5°31′32″E | |
| Country | Algeria |
| Province | Tamanrasset Province |
| District | Tamanrasset District |
| Area | |
| • Total | 37,713 km2 (14,561 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,320 m (4,330 ft) |
| Population (2008) | |
| • Total | 92,635 |
| • Density | 2/km2 (5/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| Postal code | 11000 |
| Area code | (+213) 29 |
| PMA seats (as of 2007) | 11 |
| ONS code | 1101 |
| Climate | BWh |
Tamanrasset was originally established as a military outpost to guard the trans-Saharan trade routes. Surrounded by the barren Sahara, very high temperatures of over 47 °C (117 °F) have been recorded here. Tamanrasset is located at an oasis where, despite the difficult climate, citrus fruits, apricots, dates, almonds, cereals, corn, and figs are grown. The Tuareg people were once the town's main inhabitants. Tamanrasset is a tourist attraction during the cooler months. Visitors are also drawn to the Museum of the Hoggar, which offers many exhibits depicting Tuareg life and culture.
The city is served by Tamanrasset Airport and the Trans-Sahara Highway.