Algeria, located in Northern Africa, is officially known as the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. When it comes to land area, it is the 11th largest nation in the world, the 2nd largest African county and the largest nation of the Mediterranean Sea. Algeria took part in the formation of the Arab Maghreb Union. The country ranks the 8th largest in natural gas reserves in the world and it has the 14th largest reserves of oil. Algeria is known for the fertility of the soil. The main cereal crops raised are wheat, barley and oats. In Africa, the country stands as the largest oat market.