Béchar Province, Administrative province in southwestern Algeria
Béchar Province is an administrative region in southwestern Algeria that spreads across arid plains and desert landscapes. The territory is sparsely populated and shaped by dry, open terrain with little vegetation.
The province took its current form following Algeria's independence, but was soon shaped by armed conflict with Morocco in 1963. This clash, called the Sand War, resulted in border changes that define the region today.
The region is home to Amazigh-speaking communities in several oases, particularly Ouakda and Lahmar, where local languages coexist alongside Arabic in daily life.
The region connects through main roads and a regional airport, making travel between settlements and to other parts of Algeria possible. Visitors should prepare for extreme heat and limited services outside the main towns.
The Saoura valley contains several oases where date palms and grains are grown despite the surrounding desert, showcasing how communities adapt to harsh conditions. These oases rely on underground water sources to sustain farming in otherwise barren land.
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