Sig, Algeria Explained

Sig
Settlement Type:Town
Population Total:70499
Population As Of:Census 2008
Coordinates:35.5278°N -0.1861°W
Pushpin Map:Algeria
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Algeria
Subdivision Type1:Provinces
Subdivision Name1:Mascara
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Sig

Sig (Sīq; called Saint-Denis-de-Sig under French rule;) is a town in northwestern Algeria. Formerly located in Oran Province and now located in Mascara Province, north-western Algeria. Its population was 61,373 in 2008.

The town's public garden is on the bank of the Sig River just down stream the confluence of the le-Mebtoûh and the Matarah. Sig is surrounded by fertile land irrigated by the Barrages des Cheurfas (dams) 25km (16miles) upstream with the overflow stored in the Petit Barrage (little dams) 3.2km (02miles) upstream from the town. The local land supports the growing of olives, cotton, flax, grains, tobacco, and wine, much of which is processed locally and exported. The other local industry is mineral mining, primarily for diatomite.

Sig is located about 29km (18miles) south the Gulf of Arzew, separated by the Sig plains and north-west of Mount Touakas (349m (1,145feet) high). Sig is about 44km (27miles) east of Oran and 450km (280miles) from Algiers. The temperatures usually rise from May to the end of August.

Notable people

See also