Tunisia is a popular destination because of its Mediterranean coast of beaches and resorts. Inland you’ll find Islamic architecture, medieval cities, Roman ruins and sand dunes. You’ll also find traditional markets and spas. Tunisia is well developed as a tourist destination and packaged-tour groups and all-inclusive vacations are available. You can caravan across the desert or tour restaurants and historic sites. Tunisia provides a glimpse into a fascinating world little understood by many.

History

Tunisia has a long history of invasions and conquerors. The Phoenicians founded Carthage back in the eighth century BC. In 146 BC, the Roman Empire conquered Carthage and raised the city. Five-hundred years later, the Romans were forced out by vandals, who ruled for a century. Arab armies gradually moved into North Africa and founded the city Maghreb. Tunisia became a part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16 th century, and then came under French control in 1881.

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 millennia. Recorded history in Tunisia begins with the arrival of Phoenicians, who founded Carthage and other North African settlements in the 8th century B.C. 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 and the make-up of its population, with subsequent waves of migration from around the Arab and Ottoman world, including significant numbers of Spanish Muslims 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 (99% of the population) are Muslim. There has been a Jewish population on the southern island of Djerba for 2,000 years, and there remains a small Jewish population in Tunis and other cities, which is mainly descended from those who fled Spain in the late 15th century. A small Christian community is dispersed throughout the country, and includes foreign residents, as well as a few hundred native-born citizens who have converted to Christianity. Small nomadic indigenous minorities have been mostly assimilated into the larger population.

Quick Facts

• Geography
  • Location: North Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Libya.
  • Area: 163,610 sq. km. (63,378 sq. mi.), slightly smaller than Missouri.
  • Cities: Capital--Tunis; Greater Tunis Area, Sfax, Nabeul, Sousse.
  • Terrain: Arable land in north and along central coast; south is mostly semiarid or desert.
  • Climate: Hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
  • Land use: Arable land--17.05%; permanent crops--13.08%; other--69.87%.
• People
  • Nationality: Noun and adjective--Tunisian(s).
  • Population (2008): 10,327,800.
  • Annual growth rate (2007): 1.18%. Birth rate--15.54 births/1,000 population. Death rate--5.17 deaths/1,000 population.
  • Ethnic groups: Arab-Berber 98%, European 1%, other 1%.
  • Religions: Muslim 99%, Christian less than 1%, Jewish less than 1%.
  • Languages: Arabic (official), French.
  • Education: Years compulsory--9. Literacy (definition--age 15 and over can read and write, 2007 est.)--74%.
  • Health (2007): Infant mortality rate--22.94 deaths/1,000 live births. Life expectancy--75.34 total, 73.6 years male, 77.21 years female.
  • Work force (2007): 3.676 million.
  • Unemployment rate (2007): 14.1%.
• Government
  • Type: Republic.
  • Constitution: June 1, 1959; amended July 12, 1988, June 29, 1999, June 1, 2002, May 13, 2003, and July 28, 2008.
  • Independence: March 20, 1956.
  • Administrative divisions: 24 governorates--Ariana, Beja, Ben Arous, Bizerte, El Kef, Gabes, Gafsa, Jendouba, Kairouan, Kasserine, Kebili, Mahdia, Manouba, Medenine, Monastir, Nabeul, Sfax, Sidi Bou Zid, Siliana, Sousse, Tataouine, Tozeur, Tunis, Zaghouan.
  • Suffrage: Universal at 18. (Active duty members of the military and internal security forces cannot vote.)
• Economy
  • Real GDP (2008, base 1990) $20.73 billion.
  • Real GDP growth rate (2008): 5.1%.
  • Per capita GDP, PPP (2008, IMF est.): $8,020.
  • Natural resources: natural gas, crude oil, phosphates, salt, iron ore.
  • Agriculture: Products--olives, dates, citrus, almonds, grains.
  • Industry: Types--petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate), textiles, footwear, food processing, electric and mechanical components.
  • Services: Tourism, commerce, transport, communications.
  • Sector information as percent of GDP (2008 est.): Services 61%; industry 28.3%; agriculture 10.8%.
  • Trade (2008): Exports--$19.7 billion: hydrocarbons, agricultural products, phosphates, chemicals, textiles, mechanical, electric components. By region--Europe 76.3%, Africa 10.27%, Asia 7.45%, Americas 2.88%. By country (U.S. $ million)--France $5,522.94; Italy $4,004.78; Germany $1,342.4; Spain $949.21; Libya $873.47; U.K. $901.52; Belgium $431.42; U.S. $324.11. Imports--$24.79 billion: industrial goods and equipment, hydrocarbons, food, consumer goods. By region--Europe 71.48%, Asia 11.4%, Africa 9.11%, Americas 6.93%. By country (U.S. $ million)--France $4,559.55; Italy $4,287.64; Germany $1,729.43; Spain $958.37; China $925.91; Libya $1,081.72; U.S. $836.61.

See & Do

Tunisia’s warm climate provides endless outdoor activities. You can relax on the beach, hang out at a resort or go off on an adventure. Here are some favorite activities in Tunisia:

Historical Sites

• Carthage – this Phoenician city was established in 814BC and rebuilt by the Romans.
• Kairouan – This holy city has over 50 mosques including the oldest in North Africa—the Great Mosque of Sidi Oqba. Web: www.kairouan.org
• Dougga – See how the Romans lived, in this preserved hilltop city.
• Kerkouane – Visit the ruins of the Punic site that was destroyed in 236BC. It was rediscovered in 1952.
• El-Jin – Visit this Roman coliseum that hold 30,000 people.
• Matmata – These underground houses were built by the Berbers to get out of the heat. Some of the complexes are still lived in and others are hotels.
• Bulla Regia – This is another underground dwelling that was built by the Romans. It still has viewable complete rooms.

 

Shopping

Visit the lively markets, called souks, and shop for local handy-crafts and art. You’ll find pottery, wood carvings, gold items, wool rugs, leather, traditional instruments, and brassware, copperware and silverware. Only beginning bargaining if you are serious about purchasing and item. You may also want to visit the Office National del’Artisnat. It has set prices and some discounts are given when paying with foreign currencies. SOCOPA are government recommended shops and have a sign displaying so. If you are interested in buying carpets, visit Kairoun as it is a town of weavers.

Shopping Hours : Monday-Saturday 8 am-12pm and 4-7 pm (summer); Monday-Saturday 8:30 am-12pm and 3-6 pm (winter).

Dining  

Tunisia has a variety of international cuisines, especially in the larger cities. The local food is excellent, featuring hot spices and aromatic seasonings, lamb, fresh fish, and a variety of beans. Couscous is a staple food in Tunisia and is served with most meals. Some of the local favorite dishes are chakchouka (lamb, potatoes, peppers, garlic and spices) and tajines (a stew of meat or veggies, cooked in clay pots. Appetizers often include a spicy salad called mechouia with egg and tuna or ajja (scrambled eggs with capers).

 

Djerba

Djerba has a line of resorts that have maintained their original character. Djerba is often filled with party-goers in the summer and groups celebrating weddings. The hotels are generally occupied by families during holidays and the older crowd tends to visit during the off-season.

Beach

The sandy beaches and crystal clear ocean are major attractions to Djerba. Spend the day sunbathing and swimming at the public beaches. You can also enjoy waterskiing, kayaking and snorkeling.

Houmt Souk

Hount Souk is lined with narrow alleys of markets and souvenir shops. While perusing through the markets, you’ll notice interesting Djerban architecture and mosques. Just a 25-minute walk away is the busy fishing port.

Family

The Djerba resorts welcome families with children. The area hosts a number of family activities such as traditional horse shows, and amphitheatre events. For current events, visit www.djerbaexplore.com

Nightlife

Many cafes in Houmt Souk close around 8pm. However, many of the hotels host nightclubs and evening events.

Hammamet

Hammamet is Tunisia’s most popular vacation destination. Its popularity took off in the 1920s when George Sebastian (a Romanian millionaire) built a villa on the beach of a small fishing area. Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright described it as ‘the most beautiful house in the world.” As a result, artists and writers flogged to the area to see its beauty. Many Tunisians and Europeans who enjoy hot weather visit Hammamet. During cooler times of the year, visitors arrive from Britain, France and Germany .

Beach

The Gulf of Hammamet is home to some of the nicest beaches in the country. Some beaches are privately owned by hotels. Spend your time sunbathing, swimming or doing water sports such as windsurfing, jet skiing, scuba diving, and water skiing.

Medina

Medina is a great town for a stroll. The town is surrounded by thick walls, enveloping a 15 th century kasbah and the Folklore Museum. Sebastian’s famous villa is now the International Cultural Center. Nabeul is also a short distance and is the pottery center.

Family

Hammamet is extremely family friendly. Flipper Aquapark has slides and pools for kids and Carthageland has a theme park. Parts of the beach are shallow and great for younger children.

Nightlife

Hammamet has excellent night life. You’ll find variety of nightclubs playing Latin and Arabic music. If you enjoy dancing, try the Calypso Club or the Latino Club.

 

Port el-Kantaoui

Port el-Kantaoui was built in 1977 specifically for tourists. It was modeled after the French Riviera with an Andalucian-Moorish style. You’ll see plenty of flashy yachts in the bay and can enjoy a cocktail at one of the many cocktail bars. Inland from the beach are orchards and olive groves. Many Tunisians and Europeans visit Port el-Kantaoui.

Beach

The long beach is mostly privately owned, with public stretches. You can participate in water sports such s paragliding, windsurfing, water-skiing, and jet-skiing. You can even take a boat tour along the coast in a mock-pirate ship. Or view the sea life in a glass bottom boat.

Nightlife

The waterfront is abuzz after sunset. Hang out at the cafes, bars and restaurants or go out for ice cream. The waterfront is also a great place to people watch.

Family

Port el-Kantaoui is family friendly. The Aqua Palace has slides and wave pools for kids and a small zoo and marina. You’ll also find two amusement parks complete with roller coasters and playgrounds; The Hergla Karting Park and Hannibal Park.

Sousse

Sousse was founded by the Phoenicians in the ninth century. Today it is known for exporting salt and produce. It is a modern town with small shops, monuments, and museums. The resorts are hotels are integrated with the city and olive groves still lie inland from the warm water. Visitors from around the world vacation in Sousse. Most come from Britain, Germany, Russia and Eastern Europe.

Beach

Sousse has white sandy beaches, both private and public. The beaches are abuzz with tourists during the summer and locals arrive in the evenings to enjoy the cooler evenings. Most water sports are available, including water skiing, wind surfing, and jet skiing.

Activities

Sousse has many activities aside from the beach. The medina is enveloped by grand walls. Inside, you’ll find the Great Mosque, an eighth century fortress and the Archaeological Museum. Dar es-Side is a smaller private museum with a nice rooftop café. Below the city are 3.5m/5.5km of tunnels and catacombs open to the public.

Family

Sousse is a family oriented area. The clean beaches are great for kids and most resorts cater to kids. Children will love the markets and nearby amusement parts (Aqua Palace and Hannibal Park).

Nightlife

Several new clubs and bars have opened, making Sousse’s nightlife more interesting. The most popular nightclub is the Bora Bora and caters to international DJs. Other great clubs are Living Samara and the Bonaparte.

National Parks

Ichkeul Lake

Ichkeul National park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2006 was added to the World Heritage Sites list of danger, due to ecological changes caused by dam construction. Hundreds of thousands of birds stop at the park each year as they migrate. The dams have obstructed the freshwater inflow so fresh-water plants are becoming rare and salt-loving plants are increasing. The changes affect the migrating birds deeply. The Tunisian government is working towards retaining the freshwater. As a whole, the park represents the eastern Sahara. Vegetation is shrubby and there are many sandy areas.

Planning your visit

• Passport/Visa Requirements: Citizens of Canada and the U.S. need passports but not visas.
• Population: 10,074,951
• Languages: Arabic (official), French
• Predominant Religions: Islamic (98%), Christian, Jewish
• Time Zone: 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+1 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed
• Voltage Requirements: 220 volts
• Telephone Codes: 216, country code; 1,Tunis
• Tunisia Tourist Office: Tunisian National Tourism Office, 1 Ave. Mohamed V, 1001 Tunis. Phone 216-1-341-077. Fax 216-71-350-997. http://www.tourismtunisia.com.

Climate

From July to September, coast temperatures are in the 80-90sF/37C during the day and in the 60s-70sF/15-25C at night. Winter can be nice, but not always. It can get as cold as the low 40sF/5-7C. Summer is extremely hot, with temperatures above 100F/37C.

Money

• Currency is the dinar
• Importing and exporting the dinar is illegal. Traveler’s checks and money can be cashed at banks or exchange booths and credit cards are widely accepted.
• Banking Hours: Monday-Thursday 8-11 am and 2-4 pm; and Friday-Saturday 8-11 am and 1-3 pm. Banks often close in the afternoon during the summer.
• Tipping: 10-15% for most services.

 

Safety

Tunisia is generally safe and has not seen much activity from extremist groups. It is considered safe for visitors, although you should avoid the Algerian border. Use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. Adequate medical and dental facilities are available in the large cities. Check with your doctors regarding hepatitis and typhoid vaccinations prior to your trip, and bring enough of any prescriptions you need for the duration of your visit. Contact your country's health-advisory agency for more information regarding health issues.