Tunisia

At a Glance

Official Name: Republic of Tunisia

Continent: Africa

Area: 59,985 square miles (155,360 sq. km)

Population: 9,705,102

Capital City: Tunis

Largest City: Tunis (674,100)

Unit of Money: Tunisian dinar

Major Languages: Arabic (official), French (commerce)

Natural Resources: Petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt

The Place

Tunisia is the northernmost country in Africa, with a tip of its land only 85 miles (137 kilometers) from Sicily. The Mediterranean Sea forms Tunisia's northern and eastern coasts, which have many inlets and harbors. The coastline is 715 miles (1,150 km) long. Tunis is the capital and largest city of Tunisia.

The Atlas mountain range, which crosses northwestern Africa, extends into Tunisia, although few of its peaks reach more than 2,000 feet (610 meters). The highest peak, Mount Chambi, is 5,066 feet (1,544 meters) above sea level. The Majardah River is the only river in Tunisia that does not dry up in summer.

Tunisia has hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters. Average coastal temperatures there are 79 °F (26 °C) in summer and 52 °F (11 °C) in winter. In the southern desert, temperatures average 89 °F (32 °C) during the summer and 53 °F (12 °C) in the winter.

Tunisia is a leading producer of phosphates for fertilizers, which are mined near Gafsa. The country also has petroleum resources that are used for its own needs as well as for export. Oil and gas are important exports for the country. Tunisia's primary farm products include wheat, barley, grapes, olives, olive oil, and dates.

The People

Almost all of Tunisia's people are of Arab or Berber descent, however small groups of Jewish and Christian people also reside there. French culture has influenced many aspects of Tunisian life, including its architecture and food, and many Tunisians even speak French as a second language.

Tunisia's cities are generally divided into old and new sections.

In the past, rural dwellings in Tunisia included many mud huts and tents, but today, most rural houses are made of stone or concrete.

Many people in the rural areas continue to wear traditional Arab clothing—a turban or skullcap, and a long, loose gown or a long coat-like garment with long sleeves—while city dwellers dress in Western-style clothes.

Almost 40% of Tunisia's population is under 15 years of age, and the country's annual rate of population growth is high by world standards but is relatively low for the Middle East and North Africa. The government has recently made efforts to promote family planning and emigration, which are helping to slow Tunisia's population growth. Life expectancy is 73 years.

Education

Tunisia's government considers education a top priority, and puts one-fourth of the national budget toward it. Tunisian schools are free. About 80% of school-age children attend primary school and 44% attend secondary school in Tunisia. There are 6-year primary, 7-year secondary, and 3-year vocational schools in Tunisia. School is usually taught in Arabic for lower grades and then replaced by French for later grades. The University of Tunis, founded in 1958, is one of 2 universities in Tunisia. Tunisia's literacy rate is about 80% for males and almost 50% for females.

Government

Type: Republic

Structure: Executive Dominant

Leader: President/Prime Minister

Defense

27,000 army personnel

84 tanks

0 major ships

32 combat aircraft

Popular Culture/Daily Life

Tunisia was at one time a center of ancient Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman, Berber, and Arabic power. This legacy has left many architectural remains, particularly in the northern portion of the country.

Tunisia has 3 major libraries, including the National Library, which has a collection of more than 700,000 volumes.

The Musée National duBardo, founded in 1888, houses collections of Punic, Greek, Roman, and Islamic art. Tunis also has a state-supported municipal theater. The Carthage Festival, an international arts festival, is held in Tunisia each year.