Presentation of the wilaya

The wilaya of Tébessa (in Tamazight : ⵜⴰⵎⴰⵥⵍⴰⵢⵜ ⵏ ⵜⵉⴱⵙⵜ , Tamaẓlayt in Tibest ), is an Algerian wilaya located in the extreme northeast of the country.         

The wilaya of Tébessa is located in the far east of the country, bordering Tunisia. It has long had a dual mining vocation (exploitation of the OUENZA and BOUKHADRA iron mines and the DJEBEL ONK phosphate deposits) and agro-pastoral (including mountain agriculture). It is characterized by its location in the border area of ​​the Eastern Highlands of the country.

The wilaya currently has 28 municipalities grouped into 12 Daïras

GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION (Relief-Climate…) 

 The wilaya of Tébessa is located in the extreme east of Algeria , it is delimited : 

• to the north, by the wilaya of Souk Ahras ;  
• to the east, by Tunisia ;  
• to the west, by the wilayas of Khenchela and Oum El Bouaghi ;  
• to the south, by the wilaya of El Oued . 

relief:

The wilaya is made up of several geographical areas 3 :

• in the North: the mountains of Tébessa which are part of the Atlas , the High plateaus and the High plains.  
• to the south: the Saharan domain consisting of a Saharan plateau.  

Weather :

The wilaya of Tébessa is a meteorological transition zone, it is distinguished by four bioclimatic stages : 

• the Sub-humid (400 to 500 mm/year), very little extended, it is limited to the summits of a few reliefs (Djebel Serdies and Djebel Bouroumane); 
• the Semi-arid (300 to 400 mm/year), covers the entire northern part of the wilaya ;  
• the Sub-arid (200 to 300 mm/year), covers the steppe plateaus ;  
• the arid or mild Saharan (less than 200 mm/year), extends beyond the Saharan Atlas . 

ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

The economic base of Tébessa is relatively diversified, the city constitutes an important relay on the border axis Annaba - El-Oued . It is characterized by a strong tertiary sector, linked above all to commercial activities and services, the secondary sector, in particular construction , occupying 20 % of the active population 13 .    

Home to craftsmen, the city is also an important commercial, agricultural and agro-pastoral centre ; and has a large number of mining ( phosphate ) and forestry resources. The wilaya of Tébessa is home to the phosphate mines, the Djebel Onk mine . It also has several industrial units 5 .     

The city commands all of the southeast of eastern Algeria , and is an important relay on the Annaba - El Oued border axis .   

Agricultural Potentials

The wilaya has 312,175 ha of agricultural land (38% of the total area) of which nearly 14,225 ha is irrigated (i.e. 4.56% of the UAA) and 171,000 ha in logging and finally 280,000 ha as esparto areas.
On the other hand, the wilaya has a livestock estimated at 875,000 sheep and 152,000 goats.
Plant production is very diversified, winter cereals, dry fodder, market gardening, fruits, olives and dates.
Animal production is 80000 Qx of red meat, 15200 Qx of white meat.

Industry

The wilaya of Tébessa is considered the leading iron and phosphate producer in the country; notably at the iron mines of Ouenza and Boukhadra and the phosphate mines of Djebel-Onk.

ECONOMIC, ADMINISTRATIVE AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURES

Hydraulic 

The wilaya of Tébessa straddles two major hydrographic systems : the watershed of Oued Medjerda in the north and the watershed of Oued Melghir, which covers the southern part of the wilaya, the latter includes the following dams :        

• Felg Dam.
• Dam of Saf-Saf El Ouessra  .
• Ain Zerga dam.

Road network 

 Railway network:

■ TEBESSA ANNABA line (transport of passengers, phosphate and ore)

■ TEBESSA EL AOUINET-AINMLILA-DJIJEL line:

 Airport infrastructure:

■ 1 national airport in Tébessa with a capacity of 450,000 passengers/year

Education :  

Primary education: Has 446 primary schools.
Middle Education: This stage of education has 96 CEMs.
Secondary education: Currently has 90 high schools.

Health

The health structures are: 7 EPH, 1 ESH, 38 Polyclinic and 114 treatment rooms

• Alia Salah Hospital in Tebessa.
• Bouguerra Boulares Hospital in Tebessa.
• Morst Hospital.
• Hospital of El Aouinet.
• Bir El Ater Hospital.
• Chrea Hospital.
• Ouenza Hospital.

TOURIST ACTIVITIES

Roman name: Theveste. Today, everyone calls it Tébessa. Excavations carried out in the city center have brought to light vestiges dating back to the 3rd century BC. The region is rich in historical sites and monuments. Tébessa is ranked 2nd after Carthage for its archaeological remains and monuments.

The region of Tébessa is also known for the beauty of its landscapes and the hospitality of its inhabitants. In terms of craftsmanship, the traditional carpets of the Nemenchas are renowned. Tébessa is to be discovered as soon as possible, especially if you like archaeological sites and remains.