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Rivalry between French and Italian interests in Tunisia culminated in a French invasion in 1881, and the creation of a protectorate. Agitation for independence in the decades following World War I was finally successful and Tunisia became an independent state in 1956.
The country's first president, Habib Bourguiba, established a strict one-party state. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation.
In 1987, Bourguiba was declared medically unfit to continue as president and Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, was his successor. He has won every election since 1987, including his fifth term at the 2009 elections.
Although the parliament has passed laws that make Tunisia appear democratic, according to Amnesty International, "the Tunisian government is misleading the world as it conveys a positive image of the human rights situation in the country while abuses by its security forces continue unabated and are committed with impunity".
Ben Ali has diminished freedom of press, political pluralism and censorship is severe. Reporters without borders have included Tunisia in the country listing of “enemies of the internet.”
Tunisia is in the process of liberalizing its economy with exporting being its main source of income. It is ranked as the most competitive economy in Africa and has attracted international companies such as Airbus and Hewlett-Packard.
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- Official Name Republic of Tunisia
- Population 10,326,600
- Capital City Tunis (pop. 1,200,000)
- Currency Tunisian Dinar
- Currency Converter
- Languages Arabic (official), French
- National Day 20 March, Independence Day
- Religions Muslim
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- Land Area 155,360 sq km (59,984 sq mi)
- Highest Point Chambi (5,066 ft.) (1,544 m)
- Lowest Point Shatt al Gharsah, (-17 m)
- Land Divisions 24 governorates including: Ariana
(Aryanah), Beja (Bajah), Ben Arous (Bin 'Arus), Bizerte (Banzart), Gabes
(Qabis), Gafsa (Qafsah), Jendouba (Jundubah), Kairouan (Al Qayrawan), Kasserine
(Al Qasrayn), Kebili (Qibili), Kef (Al Kaf), Mahdia (Al Mahdiyah), Manouba
(Manubah), Medenine (Madanin), Monastir (Al Munastir), Nabeul (Nabul), Sfax
(Safaqis), Sidi Bou Zid (Sidi Bu Zayd), Siliana (Silyanah), Sousse (Susah),
Tataouine (Tatawin), Tozeur (Tawzar), Tunis and Zaghouan (Zaghwan)
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Tunisia is the northernmost country in Africa. It is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and Mediterranean Sea to the north and east.
Tunisia is dominated by the Atlas Mountains in the north and the Sahara Desert in the south.
The Atlas Mountains extend northeast from the Algerian border to the Mediterranean Sea. To the north and east of those mountains the topography is generally characterized by low, rolling hills and flat coastal areas.
The Sahara is the largest desert in the world, and a small part of it covers Tunisia. The Grand Erg Oriental is a large erg or "field of sand dunes" in central Tunisia.
The Kerkennah Islands are are a series of low-lying islands no more than 13 meters above sea level. Jerba Island, about 20x20 km in size, is connected to the mainland by a road originally built by the Romans.
The Medjerda River rises in Algeria and then flows through Tunisia before entering the Mediterranean Sea. With dozen of smaller tributaries and a length of 450 km (1,476 ft.), it is the longest river in Tunisia.
Lake of Tunis is a natural, shallow lagoon located between Tunis and the Gulf of Tunis (Mediterranean Sea). The lake is 37 sq km, (14 sq miles) in size.
A series of (mostly dry) salt lakes, known as shatts, lie in an east-west line at the northern edge of the Sahara. One of them, Shatt al Gharsah, is the lowest point in Tunisia at -17 m below sea level. |
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- Latitude/Longitude 36°
84' N, 10° 22' E
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With over 1200 kilometers of coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia is home to seemingly endless sandy beaches, and in the view of many travelers - perfect vacation weather.
Seaside resorts and towns offer a wide range of waterfront hotels, and activities like boating, fishing, sailing, scuba diving and windsurfing.
Tunis city center is a World Heritage 7th century old town of narrow streets and nail-studded doors. Additional features include a large street market (souk), stylish french architecture and the Bardo Museum.
Sousse is a very attractive seaside town with a large fort, mosque, massive city walls and an excellent museum specializing in 3rd century mosaics.
Douz, the gateway to the Sahara Desert, offer travelers a colorful market, camel riding and sand dune trekking. Note it's nearly a nine hour bus ride from Tunis to Douz.
Tunisia has a wealth of ancient history to discover. In addition to the well-known Roman ruins at Carthage (near Tunis), there's a wonderful collection of well-preserved Roman ruins near Dougga, just over 100 kilometers west of Tunis.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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Sahara Desert sand dunes, Tunisia ...
A colorful village street, Tunisia...
A young desert girl, Tunisia...
Children playing on a beach near Tunis... |
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