Reviews research and observations on the association between cultural factors and the rates and symptoms of mental illness in AlgeriIn addition to traditional concepts and practices, modern psychiatric services and the classification of mental illness are discussed. Research on depression, schizophrenia, drug abuse and alcoholism are reported. Two major sociocultural factors related to mental illness are emphasized: the Muslim religion and social changes during both the colonial and post-colonial eras. Many culture-specific family stresses (e.g., polygamy) are also related to mental illness.