Blida, town, northern Algeria, capital of Blida Province, on a tributary of the Chelif River, at the base of the Atlas Mountains, near Algiers. Blida is the trading center for the surrounding region, in which oranges and wheat are grown. Industries in the city include the manufacture of building materials, flour products, and olive oil. A mosque, built by the Barbary pirate Barbarossa II.
French in character, the town is surrounded by orchards, trades in oranges and flour, and has light manufacturing. The Wadi el-Kebīr, an affluent of the Wadi Chiffa, supplies water for fountains and gardens in the town and is a source for hydropower.The city was founded in the 16th century and was occupied by the French in 1838. It was twice destroyed by an earthquake, in 1825 and 1867.
Crops grown in adjacent areas of the Mitidja plain include wheat, barley, citrus fruits, vegetables, tobacco, and olives. There are also vineyards in the area. Population: 170,935.