Lakhdaria

Lakhdaria (ArB|الأخضرية, formerly known as Palestro) is a town in northern Algeria, in the Bouïra Province. It is located 50 miles (75 km) south east of Algiers.It is surrounded by the Kabylia mountains, and by a 3 miles long river named oued Isser, passing by rocky mountains called the grottoes of Lakhdaira.

History

The town was named Palestro when it was created in 1860 and named in honour of battle French troops fought and won with their Piedmontese allies against Austria in Palestro (Piedmont) in 1859 during the Second War of Italian Independence.The actual name is from Mokrani Rabah Lakhdar, named Si Lakhdar, a martyr of the Algerian Revolution.

Population

The population is now around 59 009 people. Farming, construction and transportation are the main sources of employment of the local population. Some residents also commute to Algiers for work.The city is very busy, people like to do shopping and meeting in coffee shops and mosques.

Agriculture

Agriculture prevails in the area, especially vegetables and olive trees on family farms, many located at the bottom of the mountains that surround the area.

Industry

A Telecommunication site is located in west of Lakhdaria that includes huge TV transmitters and receivers that is used by the Algerian television.