Tunisia

Overview

Tunisia is located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. Its Cape Angela is African northernmost point. The capital is Tunis.

The major tourist attraction in the country is prehistoric ruins of Carthage, Djerba Arab and Jewish quarters, the beautiful beaches, Bardo National Museum exhibiting the ancient Roman mosaics.

The city of Carthage was owned by the Romans in 146 BC. There was a war with the Berbers Arabs as they tried to snatch the country from the Romans. Later on, in 1883, Tunisia became a French protectorate until it received its independence.

The country gained independence in 1956 with Habib Bourguiba as the prime minister. In 1957, the kingdom was resolved and the country became a republic. Kais Saied took over the presidency since 23rd October 2019 after the death of President Beji Essebei.

Beach at Al-Marsā, on the Gulf of Tunis, northeastern Tunisia

As of 2019, it had a population of 11.78 million. It has an area of 164,150 km2.

The country’s official language is Modern Standard Arabic.

The education system comprises of six years of primary education, four years of lower secondary and three years of senior secondary level.

The predominant religion is Islam.

The most popular sport in the country is football followed by handball, basketball, volleyball and tennis.

It has a hot-summer climate at the north, with winters of moderate rain and hot and dry summers. The best time to visit the country is during spring from March to June or autumn from September to October. The major cereal crops grown are wheat and barley. Olives, dates are also common in the country. The major export products are clothing, textiles, and semi-finished goods.

Tunisia is bordered on the west and southwest by Algeria, on the southeast by Libya and the north and east by the Mediterranean Sea. It also shares a maritime border with Italy.

History

Carthage dominated the Mediterranean before Rome destroyed it in 146 BC. Arab and Ottoman rule followed, then France, before independence in 1956. The Arab Spring began in Tunisia in 2010.

Food & culture

Couscous, brik (fried pastry), lablabi and harissa are Tunisian staples.

Wildlife

Ichkeul National Park is a vital wetland for migratory birds.

Festivals & events

The International Festival of Carthage and the Sahara Festival in Douz are held each year.

Things to see

The ruins of Carthage, the amphitheatre of El Jem, Sidi Bou Said, the medina of Tunis and the Star Wars sets near Tozeur.

Interesting facts

The amphitheatre of El Jem is one of the largest Roman amphitheatres ever built.

Tunisia

At a glance

Before you go