Thus, in approving this Constitution, the people are, more than ever, decided to consider
the law above everything.
The Constitution is above all, it is the fundamental law which guarantees the individual
and collective rights and liberties, protects the principle of the people’s free choice and
gives the legitimacy to the exercise of powers. It helps to ensure the legal protection and
the control of the public authorities in a society in which lawfulness and man’s progress
prevail in all its dimensions.
Strong with their deeply rooted spiritual values and preserving their traditions of
solidarity and justice, the people are confident in their ability to participate efficiently in
the cultural, social and economic progress of the present and future world.
Algeria, being a land of Islam, an integral part of the Great Maghreb, an Arab land, a
Mediterranean and African country is proud of the radiance of its 1st of November
Revolution and is honoured by the respect the country gained and knew how to preserve
it through its engagement towards the just causes in the world.
The pride of the people, their sacrifices, their sense of responsibility and their ancestral
attachment to freedom and to social justice are the best guaranty for the respect to this
Constitution which they adopt and transmit to future generations, heirs of the freedom
pioneers and the builders of free society.
PART ONE: GENERAL PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE ALGERIAN SOCIETY
CHAPTER I: Algeria
Article 1 - Algeria is a People’s Democratic Republic.
It is one and indivisible.
Art. 2 - Islam is the religion of the State.
Art. 3 - Arabic is the national and official language.
Art. 4 - The capital of the Republic is ALGIERS.
Art. 5 - The national flag, the State seal and the national anthem are defined by the law.
CHAPTER II: The people
Art. 6 - The people are the source of any power.
The national sovereignty belongs exclusively to the People.