Historical Overview of Military Personnel in Algeria (1990-2016)

Algeria's military personnel levels remained relatively stable during the 1990s, hovering around 126,000, despite the nation's civil war (1991–2002). The armed forces were critical in maintaining state security, but personnel numbers slightly fluctuated, dropping to 119,000 in 1996 before recovering in subsequent years. Post-war, Algeria expanded its military, peaking at 147,000 from 2008 to 2011, reflecting increased investment in national defense against regional threats such as terrorism in the Sahel region.

From 2012 onward, personnel numbers were adjusted downward to 130,000, reflecting strategic restructuring and a shift towards modernizing equipment and focusing on regional security challenges. The steady workforce underscores Algeria’s commitment to maintaining a robust military presence while balancing modernization and operational efficiency.