9. People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
Population: 39.67 million
Contrary to the state’s official title, the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria that ranks 9th in our list of biggest countries ruled by dictators is anything but democratic. Head of state Abdelaziz Bouteflika is also Commander-in-chief of the Algerian army and has wide-spread executive powers. He took power in 1999 and has emerged successful in multiple elections since then, all of which are highly controversial. He also amended the legislation, changing the limit to the number of times one can be President to indefinite. Although there is a Parliament, most power resides with the President, leaving the former with little control.
