Presentation of the atlas of Algeria and Tunisia

Summary

This paper presents the Atlas of Algeria and Tunisia, a comprehensive thematic atlas initiated by the Government General of Algeria with financial support from the Tunisian government. The project was driven by the recognized need for systematic cartographic documentation to optimize land use in this predominantly agricultural region, following the recommendations of geographers Bernard and Ficheur. The atlas is structured into seven sections: Geology, Hypsometry, Climatology, Vegetation, Demography, Economic Geography, and Administrative Geography. Methodologically, the hypsometric map was produced through a multi-stage reduction of topographic contours to preserve accuracy at 1:1,500,000 scale, while climatological maps rely on 45-year records from 377 stations, achieving a rainfall accuracy of 3.5%. The vegetation section, co-authored by botanist René Maire, presents a novel phytogeographic regionalization. Demography and economic geography maps trace population distribution and agricultural production, with the vine cultivation map already completed. Administrative maps will include both contemporary divisions and historical evolution since 1830. A key feature is the uniform scale across all plates, ensuring cross-map comparability; rainfall patterns emerge as central explanatory variables for demographic densities, agricultural production, and colonization patterns. Beyond its scientific inventory function, the atlas represents a significant instance of scientific and industrial decentralization, largely executed by Algerian administration and local industry. The completed work will offer an integrated visual synthesis of Algeria’s and Tunisia’s physical and human geography, serving as an indispensable tool for informed governance and development planning.