Tunisia

Name: Tunisia — country profile data
Creator: CountryReports

Tunis

Capital:Tunis

Population:12.0M

Currency:Tunisian Dinar (TND)

Language:Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Tunisia.

Tunisia Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Most Tunisians are Muslim belonging to the Sunni school of Islam. Some Tunisians believe in evil spirits called jinn. To ward off the evil spirits they wear verses of the Koran on an amulet.

Land of Carthage and a Thousand Mosques

Social Customs & Etiquette

Greetings

Men shake hands with other men and with women. Two men who have not seen each other for a long time may kiss on the cheeks. Women shake hands with other women or kiss on the cheeks. Men and women do not kiss one another in public. Male and female relations are governed by the Islamic code of modesty.

Visiting

In Tunisia, visiting family and friends is an important part of the culture, and there are several traditions that are followed during these visits. One of the most important traditions is offering hospitality to guests, which involves serving tea, coffee, and other refreshments. This is usually accompanied by sweets, pastries, or other snacks, and is a way to show respect and appreciation to the guest.

Another important tradition in Tunisia is exchanging gifts during visits. It is common to bring small gifts such as flowers, sweets, or a small token of appreciation when visiting someone's home. This is seen as a way of showing gratitude and respect for the host and helps to strengthen relationships.

During these visits, it is also customary to engage in conversation about family, work, and current events. This is an opportunity to catch up on news and share stories, and is seen as a way of building and maintaining strong relationships with family and friends.

In addition, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting someone's home in Tunisia. This means wearing conservative clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, and avoiding revealing or provocative outfits. This is seen as a sign of respect for the host and their culture.

Personal Appearance

Western-style clothing is the norm. Traditional dress is common among the elderly and in rural areas. For men, traditional clothing includes a headdress called a chehia usually made of brown or red felt. They also wear a jalabiyya (long dress-like garment) and baggy pants. For women, traditional clothing would include wearing a sifsari (a long outer garment with loose folds and a head covering). Rural women wear a mellia(a large loose head covering).

Diet

Couscous is the most popular dish. Another popular dish is shish kebabs. Chakachoukaia is a popular salad made from tomatoes, onions, peppers and hard boiled eggs. Tunisians cook a variety of stews called tagines. Pork and alcohol are forbidden by the Islamic religious code.

Family

In most areas, the family consists of a father, a mother, and their immediate children. Women are legally equal with men for child custody, property ownership, and divorce rights. Marriages must have the consent of both parties. The minimum age for women to marry is 17. Men must be at least 20 years old.

Dating Customs

Dating and marriage customs in Tunisia reflect a blend of Arab-Islamic tradition and modern influences shaped by decades of progressive legislation. Tunisia stands out in the Arab world for having some of the most liberal family laws in the region, many of which were established through the Personal Status Code of 1956, introduced by President Habib Bourguiba shortly after independence.

One of the most significant legal distinctions in Tunisia is the prohibition of polygamy, which was formally banned under the 1956 Code — making Tunisia one of the only Muslim-majority countries in the world to have such a ban enshrined in civil law. The minimum legal age for marriage is 18 for both men and women, and marriages must be registered through civil authorities rather than conducted solely through religious ceremony.

Arranged marriages still occur, particularly in rural areas and more traditional families, though the practice has evolved considerably. In urban centers such as Tunis, Sfax, and Sousse, it is increasingly common for young people to meet potential partners through social networks, universities, and workplaces before seeking family approval. Family involvement in the marriage process remains important across most social settings, even in less formal arrangements.

Divorce has been legal and accessible to both men and women in Tunisia since 1956, a right that was groundbreaking for the Arab world at the time. Women may initiate divorce proceedings on equal legal footing with men, and courts handle matters of custody and property division. Tunisia's divorce rate has risen in recent decades, a trend observed in many urbanizing societies.

Islamic traditions still shape many wedding celebrations. A typical Tunisian wedding may span multiple days and include ceremonies such as the henna night, during which the bride's hands and feet are decorated with intricate henna patterns. Weddings are often large communal events involving extended family and neighbors, with music, dancing, and elaborate meals.

Pre-marital relationships, while not legally restricted, remain socially sensitive in more conservative communities. However, generational shifts — particularly among educated urban youth — have led to more open attitudes toward dating and companionship before marriage.

Recreation

Football (soccer) is the national sport. Other sports include horseback and camel riding and enjoying the beaches along the Mediterranean Sea. Socializing in hammams or public bathhouses is popular. The bathhouses have separate hours for men and women. Listening to Malouf a Tunisian type of music that is played on lutes, guitars, violins, and drums and is also popular.

Holidays

Independence Day
3/20
Independence Day

Dates of Interest

March 20th
Tabarka Jazz Festival (July): This music festival features jazz musicians from around the world, and takes place in the coastal town of Tabarka.

How do people greet each other in Tunisia?

Men shake hands with other men and women, while women shake hands or kiss on the cheeks with other women; male-female relations follow the Islamic code of modesty.

Shake hands when greeting
Kiss on the cheeks with same-sex friends you haven't seen in a while

Don’t

Don't kiss between men and women in public

What are the eating customs in Tunisia?

Couscous is the most popular dish, along with shish kebabs, chakachoukaia salad, and stews called tagines.

Don’t

Don't expect pork or alcohol, as both are forbidden by the Islamic religious code

What should I know about visiting and hospitality in Tunisia?

Visiting family and friends is an important part of the culture, with hosts offering hospitality such as tea, coffee, refreshments, and sweets.

Bring a small gift like flowers, sweets, or a token of appreciation
Engage in conversation about family, work, and current events
Accept offered tea, coffee, or snacks

Good to know

Exchanging gifts and sharing news helps strengthen relationships

How should I dress in Tunisia?

Western-style clothing is the norm, while traditional dress is common among the elderly and in rural areas; modest dress is expected when visiting homes.

Dress modestly and cover shoulders and knees when visiting someone's home

Don’t

Don't wear revealing or provocative outfits

Good to know

Traditional men's dress includes a chehia headdress, jalabiyya, and baggy pants
Traditional women's dress includes a sifsari or, for rural women, a mellia

What is family life like in Tunisia?

The family usually consists of a father, mother, and their immediate children, and women are legally equal with men in custody, property, and divorce rights.

Good to know

Marriages require the consent of both parties
Minimum marriage age is 17 for women and 20 for men

What do people do for fun in Tunisia?

Football (soccer) is the national sport, alongside horseback and camel riding, enjoying Mediterranean beaches, and listening to Malouf music.

Good to know

Socializing in hammams (public bathhouses) is popular, with separate hours for men and women
Malouf music is played on lutes, guitars, violins, and drums

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Tunisia

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency: Tunisian dinar (TND)
Time Difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Climate: Tunisia's climate is temperate with generally mild winters and hot summers. The countryside is quite green in winter and spring; and becomes dry and brown in summer. Winters are are short, rainy, humid and chilly. The temperature is rarely below freezing. Snow falls in the northwestern mountain region. Summers in Tunis are characterized by high temperatures, occasionally reaching 120°F, with an average humidity of 60% to 70% during June, July, and August; evenings are pleasant. From mid-May until mid-October, the sky is usually cloudless and little rain falls. In an average year, only 120 days have any rainfall.
Airports: 30

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Recipes

Featured Dish

Mechouia (Grilled Vegetable Salad)

Side Dish

Browse all 6 recipes

History

Historical Eras

Phoenician & Carthage
814 BCE – 146 BCE
Phoenician settlers founded Carthage near present-day Tunis in 814 BCE, traditionally attributed to Queen Dido. Carthage grew into a dominant Mediterranean naval and commercial power, establishing colonies across North Africa, Sicily, and Iberia. Its rivalry with Rome culminated in the three Punic Wars, ending with the total destruction of Carthage by Roman forces in 146 BCE.
Roman & Vandal Rule
146 BCE – 647
Rome rebuilt Carthage as a provincial capital and Tunisia — known as Africa Proconsularis — became one of the empire's most productive agricultural regions, supplying grain to Rome. Roman culture, cities, and Christianity took deep root across the territory. Following the Western Empire's collapse, the Vandals seized the region in 429 CE before Byzantine forces recaptured it in 534, holding it until the Arab conquest.
Arab & Islamic Era
647 – 1574
Arab Muslim forces invaded in 647 CE, and by 670 the garrison city of Kairouan was founded, becoming a major center of Islamic scholarship and culture. Successive dynasties — the Aghlabids, Fatimids, Zirids, Hafsids, and others — ruled the region, overseeing a flourishing of Arab learning and architecture. The Aghlabids extended Muslim influence into Sicily and Malta, while the Hafsid sultanate presided over a prosperous, autonomous North African state.
Ottoman Tunisia
1574 – 1881
Ottoman forces incorporated Tunisia in 1574, though the territory retained considerable autonomy under local beys who increasingly governed as de facto independent rulers. The Husainid dynasty, established in 1705, cultivated a distinct Tunisian identity while maintaining nominal Ottoman suzerainty. Waves of Andalusian Moors and Jewish refugees from Spain enriched the cultural and demographic fabric of the region.
French Protectorate
1881 – 1956
French troops occupied Tunis in 1881 and imposed the Treaty of Bardo, making Tunisia a protectorate while preserving the Husainid bey as a figurehead. French settlers, infrastructure investment, and administrative control transformed the economy, but also fueled a growing nationalist movement. The Neo-Destour party, led by Habib Bourguiba, spearheaded the independence struggle, which succeeded on March 20, 1956.
Independent Tunisia
1956 – present
Tunisia declared independence in 1956 with Bourguiba as prime minister; the monarchy was abolished in 1957 and a republic established with a constitution adopted in 1959. Bourguiba's secular, modernizing rule gave way in 1987 to Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's authoritarian presidency. The 2011 Jasmine Revolution ousted Ben Ali, triggering the broader Arab Spring and leading to a new democratic constitution in 2014, though political instability has continued.

Overview

Modern Tunisians are the descendents of indigenous Berbers and of people from numerous civilizations that have invaded, migrated to, and been assimilated into the population over the millenia. Recorded history in Tunisia begins with the arrival of Phoenicians, who founded Carthage and other North African settlements in the 8th century BC. Carthage became a major sea power, clashing with Rome for control of the Mediterranean until it was defeated and captured by the Romans in 146 B.C. The Romans ruled and settled in North Africa until the 5th century when the Roman Empire fell and Tunisia was invaded by European tribes, including the Vandals. The Muslim conquest in the 7th century transformed Tunisia’s and the make-up of its population, with subsequent waves of migration from around the Arab and Ottoman world, including significant numbers of Spanish Moors and Jews at the end of the 15th century. Tunisia became a center of Arab culture and learning and was assimilated into the Turkish Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. It was a French protectorate from 1881 until independence in 1956, and retains close political, economic, and cultural ties with France.

Nearly all Tunisians (98% of the population) are Muslim. There has been a Jewish population on the southern island of Djerba for 2000 years, and there remains a small Jewish population in Tunis which is descended from those who fled Spain in the late 15th century. There is no indigenous Christian population. Small nomadic indigenous minorities have been mostly assimilated into the larger population.

Timeline of Key Events

814 BCE
Foundation of Carthage by Phoenician settlers led by Queen Dido.
Foundation of Carthage by Phoenician settlers led by Queen Dido.
670
The city of Kairouan in what is now Tunisia is founded.
The city of Kairouan in what is now Tunisia is founded.
868
Aghlabid dynasty of Tunisia takes Malta.
Aghlabid dynasty of Tunisia takes Malta.
1600
Tunisia becomes part of the Turkish Ottoman empire, but has a high degree of autonomy.
Tunisia becomes part of the Turkish Ottoman empire, but has a high degree of autonomy.
1881
French troops occupy Tunis.
French troops occupy Tunis. France controls economic and foreign affairs; Tunisia is a French protectorate from 1883.
1942
World War II.
World War II. German troops arrive to resist allied forces in Algeria. Allied forces drive German, Italian troops out in 1943.
1956
Tunisia becomes independent with Bourguiba as prime minister.
Tunisia becomes independent with Bourguiba as prime minister.

View full timeline (12 events)

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Interesting Facts

There is a first celebration when the baby starts having teeth. The family meets and covers the baby with sweets and gifts are offered to the parents. When a child loses a tooth, it is kept in a little bottle to compare it with friends and classmates but no specific feast or gifts.
Dido, a princess of the Phoenician city-state of Tyre, is said to have been the first queen of Carthage. At the end of the Third Punic War, Carthage was destroyed and its inhabitants sold into slavery.

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Geography and Environment

The Republic of Tunisia lies at the northernmost tip of Africa, a strategic location that throughout history has made it a crossroads between Europe and the Middle East. Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and northwestern Libya form the Maghreb (the West, in Arabic), an area of common history, language, ethnic groups, and culture. Tunisia has 1,000 miles of Mediterranean coastline. Northern Tunisia is the most heavily populated part of the country, mountainous (although elevations rarely reach 3,000 feet), and relatively fertile; this area was the breadbasket of the Roman Empire. The north also claims Tunisia's one major river, the Medjerda. Central Tunisia is a semi-arid highland with poor soil, little rainfall, and scant population. The south is arid and barren, except for occasional oases, as it merges with the Sahara.

Terrain: mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges into the Sahara
Climate: Tunisia's climate is temperate with generally mild winters and hot summers. The countryside is quite green in winter and spring; and becomes dry and brown in summer. Winters are are short, rainy, humid and chilly. The temperature is rarely below freezing. Snow falls in the northwestern mountain region. Summers in Tunis are characterized by high temperatures, occasionally reaching 120°F, with an average humidity of 60% to 70% during June, July, and August; evenings are pleasant. From mid-May until mid-October, the sky is usually cloudless and little rain falls. In an average year, only 120 days have any rainfall.
Natural Hazards: NA
Current Environmental Issues: toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and poses health risks; water pollution from raw sewage; limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)

Arabic
French
Tunisian (Arabic Dialect)

Population

Population: 12,048,736
Population in Major Urban Areas: TUNIS (capital) 790,000
Nationality Noun: Tunisian(s)
Ethnic Groups: Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Education

Literacy Definition: age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth: Life expectancy at birth in Tunisia stands at approximately 74 to 75 years overall, with women typically outliving men by several years. Female life expectancy hovers around 76 to 77 years, while male life expectancy falls closer to 72 to 73 years. These figures place Tunisia among the higher-performing nations in the North Africa and Middle East region when it comes to population health outcomes. Tunisia's relatively strong life expectancy reflects decades of investment in public health infrastructure, expanded access to healthcare services, and improvements in maternal and child health. The country has maintained a functioning national health system with both public and private sector providers, and it has seen significant reductions in infant and child mortality rates since the mid-twentieth century. Vaccination programs, improved sanitation, and broader access to clean water have all contributed to longer lifespans across the population. Chronic non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, have become the leading causes of death as infectious disease burdens have declined. This epidemiological transition mirrors trends seen in many middle-income countries and places new demands on Tunisia's healthcare system in terms of long-term disease management and elderly care. Urbanization has played a role in health outcomes as well. Residents in major cities such as Tunis, Sfax, and Sousse generally have greater access to hospitals, specialists, and preventive care compared to those in rural interior regions, where health services can be more limited. This urban-rural divide remains one of the persistent challenges in achieving uniform health outcomes across the country. Tunisia's Human Development Index scores have historically reflected its above-average regional standing in health, education, and income, and life expectancy is a key driver of those scores. Continued investment in primary healthcare, management of chronic conditions, and reducing regional disparities will be important factors in sustaining and improving life expectancy figures in the coming decades.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth: Life expectancy at birth in Tunisia stands at approximately 74 to 75 years overall, with women typically outliving men by several years. Female life expectancy hovers around 76 to 77 years, while male life expectancy falls closer to 72 to 73 years. These figures place Tunisia among the higher-performing nations in the North Africa and Middle East region when it comes to population health outcomes. Tunisia's relatively strong life expectancy reflects decades of investment in public health infrastructure, expanded access to healthcare services, and improvements in maternal and child health. The country has maintained a functioning national health system with both public and private sector providers, and it has seen significant reductions in infant and child mortality rates since the mid-twentieth century. Vaccination programs, improved sanitation, and broader access to clean water have all contributed to longer lifespans across the population. Chronic non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, have become the leading causes of death as infectious disease burdens have declined. This epidemiological transition mirrors trends seen in many middle-income countries and places new demands on Tunisia's healthcare system in terms of long-term disease management and elderly care. Urbanization has played a role in health outcomes as well. Residents in major cities such as Tunis, Sfax, and Sousse generally have greater access to hospitals, specialists, and preventive care compared to those in rural interior regions, where health services can be more limited. This urban-rural divide remains one of the persistent challenges in achieving uniform health outcomes across the country. Tunisia's Human Development Index scores have historically reflected its above-average regional standing in health, education, and income, and life expectancy is a key driver of those scores. Continued investment in primary healthcare, management of chronic conditions, and reducing regional disparities will be important factors in sustaining and improving life expectancy figures in the coming decades.

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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name: Tunisia
Full Country Name: Tunisian Republic
Local - Long: Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah
Local - Short: Tunis

Government Structure

Government Type: republic
Legal System: based on French civil law system and Islamic law; some judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint session
Executive Branch: chief of state: President Kais SAIED (since 23 October 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed HACHANI (since 1 August 2023) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 6 October 2024 (next to be held in 2029); prime minister appointed by the president election results: President Kais SAIED reelected for a second term; percent of vote - Kais SAIED 90.7%, Ayachi ZAMMEL 7.4%, Zouhair MAGHZAOUI 1.9%
Legislative Branch: Tunisia's legislature has undergone significant transformation following the 2022 constitutional referendum, which established a new unicameral parliament replacing the previous bicameral structure. The current legislature is the unicameral Assembly of the Representatives of the People (Majlis Nawwab al-Sha'b), consisting of 161 seats. Members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms. A second chamber, the National Council of Regions and Districts, was also established under the 2022 constitution as an upper advisory body, with 77 members representing Tunisia's regions and districts. Elections for the reconstituted Assembly of the Representatives of the People were held in December 2022, the first under the new constitutional framework. Voter turnout was notably low. The elections were largely boycotted by major opposition parties and civil society groups, resulting in a chamber composed predominantly of independents aligned with President Kais Saied's political agenda. A second round was held in January 2023 to resolve seats where no candidate achieved a majority in the first round. The 2022 constitution, approved by referendum in July 2022, significantly expanded presidential powers and reduced the legislature's role compared to the post-2011 democratic transition framework. The previous bicameral structure — consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Chamber of Advisors — had itself been suspended in July 2021 when President Saied invoked emergency powers and dissolved the sitting parliament.
Judicial Branch: Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation
Suffrage: 20 years of age; universal
Constitution: 1 June 1959; amended 12 July 1988
Independence: 20 March 1956 (from France)
National Holiday: Independence Day, 20 March (1956)

Capital City

Capital Name: Tunis
Capital - geographic coordinate: 36 48 N, 10 11 E
Capital Time Difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

three possibilities exist for the derivation of the name; originally a Berber settlement (earliest reference 4th century B.C.), the strategic site fell to the Carthaginians (Phoenicians) and the city could be named after the Punic goddess Tanit, since many ancient cities were named after patron deities; alternatively, the Berber root word "ens," which means "to lie down" or "to pass the night," may indicate that the site was originally a camp or rest stop; finally, the name may be the same as the city of Tynes, mentioned in the writings of some ancient authors

Military

Branches: Tunisian Armed Forces (Forces Armees Tunisiens, FAT): Tunisian Army (includes Tunisian Air Defense Force), Tunisian Navy, Republic of Tunisia Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Jamahiriyah At'Tunisia)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy in Tunis

Les Berges du Lac

1053 Tunis, Tunisia

Telephone: (216) 71-107-000, Fax: (216) 71-964-360

Email: consulartunis@state.gov

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Economy

Tunisia operates a diversified, lower-middle-income economy that blends agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tourism, and services. With a gross domestic product of roughly 50 billion US dollars and a population of about 12 million, the country has long been considered one of North Africa's more industrialized economies, though it has faced persistent challenges since the 2011 revolution, including slow growth, high public debt, and unemployment hovering around 16 percent, with youth joblessness exceeding 35 percent.

The services sector accounts for more than 60 percent of GDP and employs roughly half the workforce. Tourism is a critical component, historically drawing millions of visitors annually to coastal resorts in Hammamet, Sousse, and Djerba, as well as to Roman-era heritage sites such as Carthage and El Jem. The sector rebounded strongly after pandemic-era declines, with arrivals surpassing nine million in recent years.

Manufacturing is anchored by textiles, leather, footwear, automotive components, and electrical machinery, much of which is produced for European markets. The European Union absorbs around 70 percent of Tunisian exports, with France, Italy, and Germany serving as the leading trading partners. Phosphate mining and processing remain economically significant, as Tunisia is among the world's larger phosphate producers, though output has declined sharply from pre-2011 levels due to labor unrest in the Gafsa region.

Agriculture contributes about 10 percent of GDP and employs roughly 14 percent of workers. Olive oil is a flagship export, with Tunisia ranking among the top global producers, alongside dates, citrus fruits, cereals, and seafood. Hydrocarbons, including modest oil and natural gas reserves, play a smaller role than in neighboring Algeria and Libya.

The Tunisian dinar is the national currency, managed by the Central Bank of Tunisia. The country has pursued multiple agreements with the International Monetary Fund to address fiscal deficits, subsidy reform, and balance-of-payments pressures. Remittances from Tunisians living abroad, particularly in Europe, provide a steady inflow of foreign currency, typically exceeding two billion dollars annually. Structural reforms, governance issues, and regional disparities between the developed coastal areas and the interior remain central concerns for long-term economic stability.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code: Tunisian Dinar (TND)
GDP — official exchange rate: $30,940,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate: -0.4%
Gini Index: 40

Banknotes

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year: calendar year
Annual Budget: $8,304,000,000 (USD)
Public Debt (% of GDP): 58.7%
External Debt: $18,910,000,000 (USD)
Investment (% of GDP): 21.8%
Economic Aid: $378,000,000 (USD)
Current Account Balance: -$492,000,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation: services 55%; industry 23%; agriculture 22%
Household Income — highest 10%: 31.8%
Industries: petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore), tourism, textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverages
Agriculture Products: olives, olive oil, grain, dairy products, tomatoes, citrus fruit, beef, sugar beets, dates, almonds
Export Commodities: textiles, mechanical goods, phosphates and chemicals, agricultural products, hydrocarbons
Export Partners: France 31.3%, Italy 21.6%, Germany 11.5%, Spain 4.8%, Libya 4.7%, Belgium 4.3%
Import Commodities: textiles, machinery and equipment, hydrocarbons, chemicals, food
Import Partners: France 25.6%, Italy 19.5%, Germany 8.9%, Spain 5%

Energy

Oil Production: 76,000 bbl/day
Oil Consumption: 90,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves: 1,700,000,000 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production: 2,150,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption: 3,840,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Imports: 1,580,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Exports: 0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves: 77,870,000,000 cu m

Communications

Telephone System: general assessment: above the African average and continuing to be upgraded; key centers are Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, and Tunis; telephone network is completely digitized; Internet access available throughout the country domestic: in an effort to jumpstart expansion of the fixed-line network, the government has awarded a concession to build and operate a VSAT network with international connectivity; rural areas are served by wireless local loops; competition between the two mobile-cellular service providers has resulted in lower activation and usage charges and a strong surge in subscribership; a third mobile, fixed, and ISP operator was licensed in 2009 and began offering services in 2010; expansion of mobile-cellular services to include multimedia messaging and e-mail and Internet to mobile phone services also leading to a surge in subscribership; overall fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity has reached about 125 telephones per 100 persons international: country code - 216; a landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable system that provides links to Europe, Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria and Libya; participant in Medarabtel; 2 international gateway digital switches
Internet Country Code: .tn

News & Weather

Current Weather

Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

Tunisia's climate is temperate with generally mild winters and hot summers. The countryside is quite green in winter and spring; and becomes dry and brown in summer. Winters are are short, rainy, humid and chilly. The temperature is rarely below freezing. Snow falls in the northwestern mountain region. Summers in Tunis are characterized by high temperatures, occasionally reaching 120°F, with an average humidity of 60% to 70% during June, July, and August; evenings are pleasant. From mid-May until mid-October, the sky is usually cloudless and little rain falls. In an average year, only 120 days have any rainfall.

Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Tunisia?

The population of Tunisia is approximately 12.0M.

How do people greet each other in Tunisia?

Men shake hands with other men and women, while women shake hands or kiss on the cheeks with other women; male-female relations follow the Islamic code of modesty. Do: Shake hands when greeting Kiss on the cheeks with same-sex friends you haven't seen in a while Don't: Don't kiss between men and women in public

What are the eating customs in Tunisia?

Couscous is the most popular dish, along with shish kebabs, chakachoukaia salad, and stews called tagines. Don't: Don't expect pork or alcohol, as both are forbidden by the Islamic religious code

What should I know about visiting and hospitality in Tunisia?

Visiting family and friends is an important part of the culture, with hosts offering hospitality such as tea, coffee, refreshments, and sweets. Do: Bring a small gift like flowers, sweets, or a token of appreciation Engage in conversation about family, work, and current events Accept offered tea, coffee, or snacks Exchanging gifts and sharing news helps strengthen relationships

How should I dress in Tunisia?

Western-style clothing is the norm, while traditional dress is common among the elderly and in rural areas; modest dress is expected when visiting homes. Do: Dress modestly and cover shoulders and knees when visiting someone's home Don't: Don't wear revealing or provocative outfits Traditional men's dress includes a chehia headdress, jalabiyya, and baggy pants Traditional women's dress includes a sifsari or, for rural women, a mellia

What is family life like in Tunisia?

The family usually consists of a father, mother, and their immediate children, and women are legally equal with men in custody, property, and divorce rights. Marriages require the consent of both parties Minimum marriage age is 17 for women and 20 for men

What do people do for fun in Tunisia?

Football (soccer) is the national sport, alongside horseback and camel riding, enjoying Mediterranean beaches, and listening to Malouf music. Socializing in hammams (public bathhouses) is popular, with separate hours for men and women Malouf music is played on lutes, guitars, violins, and drums

What is the capital of Tunisia?

Tunis is the capital and largest city of Tunisia. Situated on the northern coast of Africa along the Gulf of Tunis, the city serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural hub. Its medina — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is one of the finest examples of Arab-Islamic urban architecture in the world, featuring labyrinthine souks, mosques, and palaces that reflect centuries of layered history.

Where is Tunisia located?

Tunisia is located in North Africa, occupying the northernmost tip of the African continent along the Mediterranean Sea. It sits at a strategic crossroads between the western and eastern Mediterranean, placing it in close proximity to southern Europe and the Middle East. This geographic position has made Tunisia a meeting point of Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Ottoman, and French civilizations throughout its long history.

What countries border Tunisia?

Tunisia shares land borders with two countries: Algeria to the west and southwest, and Libya to the southeast. To the north and northeast, Tunisia fronts the Mediterranean Sea, with the island of Sicily lying just across the Strait of Sicily. This relatively compact border geography has nonetheless placed Tunisia at the intersection of major trans-Saharan trade routes and Mediterranean maritime networks for millennia.

What is the predominant religion in Tunisia?

Islam is the dominant religion in Tunisia, practiced by approximately 98% of the population, the vast majority of whom follow the Sunni school. Small Christian and Jewish communities account for the remaining population. Folk religious customs remain intertwined with mainstream practice — many Tunisians, for instance, believe in malevolent spirits known as jinn and may carry Quranic amulets as protection against the evil eye.

What is the currency of Tunisia?

The official currency of Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar, with the ISO code TND. The dinar is subdivided into 1,000 millimes, an unusually fine subdivision compared to most world currencies. It is a controlled currency, meaning it cannot legally be exported or imported, and exchange transactions are conducted through licensed banks and official exchange offices within the country.

What languages are spoken in Tunisia?

Arabic is the official language of Tunisia and is used in government, education, and formal settings. A distinct Tunisian dialect of Arabic — known as Darija — serves as the everyday spoken language of the population. French holds a prominent role as a language of commerce, higher education, and the media, a legacy of the French protectorate period. Berber languages are spoken by a small minority in certain interior and southern regions.

What is Tunisia known for?

Tunisia is known for the ancient ruins of Carthage, once a great Phoenician city-state whose legendary first queen, Dido, features in both local tradition and Virgil's Aeneid — destroyed by Rome at the end of the Third Punic War in 146 BCE. The country is also celebrated for its production of olive oil, its well-preserved Roman amphitheater at El Djem, the striking white-and-blue architecture of Sidi Bou Said, and a distinctive cuisine featuring harissa chili paste and brik pastry. Tunisia additionally gained international attention as the birthplace of the Arab Spring in 2010–2011.

What cultural traditions are unique to Tunisia?

Tunisian family culture is marked by distinctive rites of passage tied to childhood milestones. When a baby cuts its first teeth, families gather to celebrate, showering the infant with sweets and presenting gifts to the parents — a custom that reinforces communal bonds. Children who lose a baby tooth often keep it in a small bottle to compare with friends and classmates, a playful tradition widespread across the country. These customs sit alongside broader Sunni Islamic practices that shape daily life, calendars, and social celebrations throughout the year.

Last reviewed 2026

Tunisia

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Mechouia (Grilled Vegetable Salad)

(Tunisian Couscous with Anise, Red Peppers and Garlic)

Tagine (Stew)

(Turmeric-Scented Potato Stew)

TUNISIAN EGGPLANT SALAD

Harissa (North African Hot Sauce)

Mechouia (Grilled Vegetable Salad)

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Foundation of Carthage by Phoenician settlers led by Queen Dido.

The city of Kairouan in what is now Tunisia is founded.

Aghlabid dynasty of Tunisia takes Malta.

Tunisia becomes part of the Turkish Ottoman empire, but has a high degree of autonomy.

French troops occupy Tunis.

World War II.

Tunisia becomes independent with Bourguiba as prime minister.

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