Tobacco and smoking in Algeria (a historical and economic study)

Abstract

The phenomenon of tobacco and smoking is one of the negative phenomena known to various peoples and affecting various groups and ages, as its origins go back to ancient times. It included various regions of the world, and spread after the tobacco herb was discovered in South America, and moved to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Despite its drawbacks and effects, tobacco cultivation has witnessed great development and spread, due to its income and profits, to the point that it replaced currency in some historical periods in some regions.

Algeria is among the countries in which the phenomenon of smoking and tobacco cultivation has spread, as some inhabitants have been eating this plant since the Ottoman era, and then it witnessed development, expansion and spread during the colonial period within the framework of the policy of directing the Algerian economy to serve France. After Algeria's independence, despite the decline in tobacco production and cultivation, its consumption has increased significantly and continuously, which will negatively affect the economy, the individual, and society.