Amalou (Arabic: ãàçÃÂÃÂ; Kabyle: Amalu) is a commune and town in northern Algeria. It is located in the Seddouk District of Béjaïa Province, within the Kabylie region.
Amalou lies in the Soummam Valley in northern Algeria, a region known for its Mediterranean climate and hilly terrain. The commune covers an area of approximately 57.14 kmò and sits at an elevation of about 430âÂÂ490 m above sea level.
The town is surrounded by other settlements and localities such as Akourma, Bouhamza, and Seddouk.
According to the 2008 census, the population of Amalou was 8,602. Historical demographic information shows some fluctuation in population over time.
Amalou is administered as a commune within the Béjaïa Province (Wilaya de Béjaïa), adhering to AlgeriaâÂÂs standard municipal governance structure. It has its own PeopleâÂÂs Municipal Assembly (Assemblée Populaire Communale) that manages local administrative matters.
The commune of Amalou includes several smaller villages and localities, which are part of its administrative territory. Some of these include Ighil Igueni, Ath Djemhour, Thaddart Ouadda, Ighil N Tala, Akourma, Timesririne, Biziou, and Tizi Larbaa, among others.
The name Amalou is derived from a Berber (Tamazight) root ML, which can mean âÂÂthe less sunny slopeâ or a place that remains shaded longer, reflecting its geographical character.
As part of the Kabylie region, AmalouâÂÂs economy is traditionally based on agriculture, small-scale trade, and artisanal activities typical of rural Algerian communes. The town and its surroundings also exhibit Kabyle cultural traditions, including language and social customs.