Tunisia

Tunisia is a country in North Africa located on the Mediterranean coast. It borders Algeria to the west and southwest and Libya to the southeast. The capital is Tunis, and the country covers about 163,600 square kilometers with a population of around 12 million. The official language is Arabic, with French widely used in business and daily life, and Berber languages spoken in some communities. The population is predominantly Muslim, with a secular system of government that has evolved since independence.

Geography ranges from northern mountains and fertile plains to the Sahara in the south. The northern coast features a Mediterranean climate, while the interior is more arid. The coastline supports tourism and fishing, and the interior includes oases and desert landscapes that have shaped trade and settlement patterns.

Historically, Tunisia was the site of ancient Carthage, a major center in the Punic and Roman eras. In the modern period, it became a French protectorate in the 19th century and gained independence in 1956. Habib Bourguiba led the country after independence, and Tunisia pursued a reformist path that culminated in a new constitution in 2014, following a democratic transition sparked by the Jasmine Revolution of 2011.

Economically, Tunisia has a diversified system with agriculture (notably olive oil), mining (phosphate), energy, manufacturing, and tourism. It faces structural challenges such as unemployment and public debt and has engaged with international financial institutions to support reforms and growth.

Culturally, Tunisia preserves a rich heritage from Punic, Roman, Arab, and Ottoman influences. UNESCO World Heritage sites include Carthage, Dougga, and the historic town of Kairouan. Tunisian culture blends Mediterranean and North African traditions, with distinctive cuisine, crafts, and music.