Constantine, Algeria

Constantine
قسنطينة
Qusanṭīnah
View from the Bab El Kantra Bridge
Monument aux morts de Constantine
Central Constantine
Nickname: 
City of Bridges
Location of Constantine within Constantine Province
Constantine
Location within Algeria
Coordinates: 36°21′N 6°36′E / 36.350°N 6.600°E / 36.350; 6.600
Country Algeria
ProvinceConstantine Province
DistrictConstantine District
Cirta203 BC
Government
  PresidentC. Bensari (2022 - 2026)
Area
  Total
2,288 km2 (883 sq mi)
Elevation
694 m (2,277 ft)
Population
 (2008 census)
  Total
464,219
  Density200/km2 (530/sq mi)
DemonymConstantinian
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
Postal code
250xx
Area code(+213) 031
ClimateCsa
Historical population
YearPop.±%
1832 25,000    
1847 20,800−16.8%
1911 65,193+213.4%
1965 235,000+260.5%
1987 440,842+87.6%
Source: Cole

Constantine (Arabic: قسنطينة, romanized: Qusanṭīnah), also spelled Qacentina or Kasantina, is the capital of Constantine Province in northeastern Algeria. During Roman times it was called Cirta and was renamed "Constantina" in honour of Emperor Constantine the Great. Located somewhat inland, Constantine is about 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the Mediterranean coast, on the banks of the Rhumel River.

Constantine is regarded as the capital of eastern Algeria and the commercial centre of its region and has a population of about 450,000 (938,475 with the agglomeration), making it the third largest city in the country after Algiers and Oran. There are several museums and historical sites located around the city. Constantine is often referred to as the "City of Bridges" because of the numerous picturesque bridges connecting the various hills, valleys, and ravines that the city is built on and around.

Constantine was named the Arab Capital of Culture in 2015.