Algeria has remained uncharacteristically calm since the winds of change started sweeping across the Arab lands five months ago. But the country will not stay for ever immune from the clamour for change voiced by millions of younger people who cannot find employment and want a say in the running of countries characterised by ageing oligarchies. How the economy evolves and which policies will or will not be implemented in the coming months and years is critical to their future and to the survival of the ruling elite. This piece will focus on energy and economic challenges in a country which remains as totally dependant on the export of hydrocarbons as it did forty years ago.