The top-level domain (TLD) referred to as “.DZ’‘ is the country code TLD (ccTLD) for Algeria. Top-Level Domain (TLD) is the highest level of domain names in the root zone of the Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS). TLDs are mainly classified into two categories: generic TLDs (such as .com, .net, .edu, .gov) and country-code TLDs (such as .dz for Algeria, .us for United States, .uk for United Kingdom).
According to the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), which coordinates these unique identifiers across the world, .DZ was delegated on September 10, 1994, and the sponsoring organization is “CERIST”, Center for Scientific and Technical Research in short (source: IANA’s Database). CERIST is a public scientific and technological institution specializing in research, development, and promotion of scientific research, development, and dissemination in the field of information technology and communication.
.DZ is used by entities that are connected with Algeria. This could include businesses that operate within Algeria, educational institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and individuals residing or having significant ties with Algeria, among others. For example, the official governmental portal of Algeria “www.gov.dz” uses this ccTLD. Similarly, many Algerian universities maintain a web presence using this ccTLD, like the University of Science and Technology of Oran at “www.univ-usto.dz”.
Further evidence of the utilization of the domain is verified when exploring World Bank’s Open Data (data.worldbank.org), indicating a rising trend of individuals using the internet in Algeria from 5% of the total population in 2005 to over 50% by 2017, and many of them use .DZ domain for their websites.
The registration process for the .dz domain is governed by the Network Information Center Algeria (NIC.DZ). There are restrictions on who can register .DZ domains. For instance, the registrant must either be located in Algeria or have a trademark valid in Algeria. The domain name must be similar or identical to the registrant’s name or trademarks and is subject to specific conditions laid down by NIC.DZ.
To summarize, the top-level domain (TLD) .DZ is the internet country code for Algeria. It is managed by CERIST and used by organizations, businesses, and individuals with a significant connection to Algeria.
Sources used:
- IANA’s Database
- CERIST
- Network Information Center Algeria (NIC.DZ)
- World Bank’s Open Data.
