Kabylia

the general name for the strongly dissected mountain massifs on the Mediterranean coast in Algeria, between Algiers and Annaba. The massifs are composed chiefly of Paleozoic deposits and metamorphosed granite intrusions and have an average elevation of 800–1, 200 m. The region comprises the massifs (from west to east) Grande Kabylie, including the Djurd-jura chain in the south (highest point, 2, 308 m); Petite Kabylie, including the Babor massifs (highest point 2, 004 m); Kabylie de Collo; and Edough.

Kabylia, with an annual precipitation of 800–1, 700 mm, is themost humid region in Algeria. The subtropical evergreen forestshave been preserved only at elevations of more than 1, 200 m. Theinhabitants of the region, a Berber people called Kabyles, arechiefly engaged in agriculture (grain and fruit) and in livestockraising.