As in other Maghreb countries, the majority of people from Algeria are Berbers in origins, and many of them identifies with an Arabic-based culture. Even if nine out of ten algerians live along the northern coastal region, in the Saharan regions of the south there are still some nomadic or semi-nomadic communities. Most people speak a North African dialect of Arabic known as darja, but education and the written language are in classical Arabic. Because Algeria sits at the crossroads of three worlds, Arab, Mediterranean and African, the traditional Algerian clothes has long been influenced by the fact that its unique location has been a place of historic meetings and exchanges. Women's costume in particular, successfully combines the modesty required under the Islamic law, with the flamboyance, utility and elegance. There is a strong emphasis on intricate decoration and colors. The use of colorful fabrics for clothing stands out against the predominant surrounding earth tones and the Algerian woman has kept her love for color and brightly colored patterns. Reds, yellows, greens and blues as well as many other color combinations are combined and finely embroidered with gold and silver threads.
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