Tunisia

The Republic of Tunisia, located in North Africa between Algeria and Libya, occupies a strategic position along the Mediterranean Sea, serving as a historical bridge between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Tunisia’s long and diverse history—from Phoenician Carthage to Arab-Islamic civilisation and French colonial rule—has created a nation with a unique blend of cultures and identities. In modern times, Tunisia gained global prominence as the birthplace of the Arab Spring, a movement that reshaped the political landscape of the Arab world in the 21st century.

Historical background

Human settlement in Tunisia dates back thousands of years. The Phoenicians, early maritime traders, established Carthage around the 12th century B.C., which became a dominant power in the western Mediterranean. After its destruction by Rome in 146 B.C., Tunisia flourished as the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis, renowned for its grain production, architecture, and urban development.
Subsequent centuries brought a succession of rulers: the Vandals, Byzantines, and Arabs, the latter introducing Islam and the Arabic language, forming the basis of Tunisia’s cultural and religious identity. Berber dynasties, such as the Aghlabids and Hafsids, further advanced trade, scholarship, and architectural development. Under the Ottoman Empire (16th–19th centuries), Tunisia retained semi-autonomy under local beys while serving as a key Mediterranean trading hub.
European influence expanded in the 19th century, culminating in a French protectorate established in 1881. The struggle for independence gained momentum in the early 20th century, led by Habib Bourguiba and the Neo Destour Party. Independence was achieved on 20 March 1956, with Bourguiba becoming Tunisia’s first president.
Bourguiba’s tenure (1956–1987) brought secular modernisation, women’s rights, and education reforms, though his rule suppressed opposition and entrenched a one-party system. He was replaced in 1987 by Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, whose regime combined limited liberalisation with authoritarian control and pervasive corruption.
In 2010–2011, nationwide protests against unemployment and repression—sparked by the self-immolation of street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi—ignited the Jasmine Revolution, which toppled Ben Ali and launched the Arab Spring. Tunisia transitioned toward democracy, adopting a new constitution in 2014, though political fragmentation and economic hardship persisted.
In 2021, President Kais Saied invoked emergency powers to dismiss the government and suspend parliament. A new constitution (2022) expanded presidential authority and introduced a bicameral legislature, marking a shift back toward a strong executive model.

Geography and environment

Tunisia covers 163,610 square kilometres, bordered by Algeria (1,034 km) to the west, Libya (461 km) to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea (1,148 km of coastline) to the north and east.
Geographic coordinates: 34° N, 9° EHighest point: Jebel ech Chambi (1,544 m)Lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah (-17 m)
The country’s landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains in the north to semi-arid plateaus in the centre and Sahara Desert expanses in the south. The climate transitions from Mediterranean in the north to arid desert in the south.
Natural resources include petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, and salt. About 62% of land is agricultural, with olives, grains, and citrus fruits as main crops. Tunisia depends heavily on the North Western Sahara Aquifer System for water, though overuse threatens sustainability.
Environmental challenges include desertification, water scarcity, deforestation, and urban pollution. Tunisia is a party to the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity, reflecting its environmental commitments.

People and society

Tunisia’s population is estimated at 12.05 million (2024), primarily concentrated in the northern coastal regions and urban centres such as Tunis (2.5 million), Sfax, and Sousse.
Ethnic composition:

• Arabs: 98%
• Minorities (European, Jewish, others): 2%

Languages:

• Arabic (official)
• French (widely used in business, education, and administration)
• Tamazight (spoken by Berber communities)

Religion:

• Islam (Sunni): 99%
• Christian and Jewish minorities: <1%

Demographic indicators (2024):

• Median age: 34.4 years
• Life expectancy: 77.3 years
• Fertility rate: 1.93 children per woman
• Urban population: 70.5%
• Literacy rate: 86.2% (male 92%, female 80%)

Tunisia ranks among the most socially progressive states in the Arab world, with high female participation in education and the workforce. Education spending (6.7% of GDP) and healthcare access (99% sanitation coverage) support high human development levels, though youth unemployment (≈40%) remains critical.

Government and politics

Tunisia is a presidential republic under the 2022 Constitution, replacing the previous semi-parliamentary system.

• Official name: Al Jumhuriyah at-Tunisiyah (Republic of Tunisia)
• Capital: Tunis
• Independence: 20 March 1956 (from France)

Executive branch:

• President: Kais Saied (since 2019; re-elected 2024)
• Prime Minister: Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri (since March 2025)

The president oversees defence, foreign policy, and the appointment of the prime minister and cabinet.
Legislature:

• Assembly of People’s Representatives (161 seats) – directly elected
• National Council of Regions and Districts (77 seats) – indirectly elected

Judiciary: Led by the Court of Cassation, supported by Courts of Appeal and Administrative Courts. The long-delayed Constitutional Court, first mandated in 2014, is under renewed establishment efforts.
Administrative divisions: 24 governorates (wilayat), including Tunis, Sfax, Sousse, Kairouan, and Gafsa.
While Tunisia was initially hailed as the Arab Spring’s democratic success story, recent constitutional changes have increased presidential control. Political pluralism persists, with parties such as Ennahda, Free Destourian Party, and Democratic Current, though their activities face constraints.
National symbols:

• Flag: Red with a white disc, crescent, and star
• Motto: “Humat al-Hima” (“Defenders of the Homeland”)
• National colours: Red and white

Economy

Tunisia’s economy, classified as lower middle-income, is diversified across agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and services, with close integration to the European Union (notably France, Italy, and Germany).
Key indicators (2024):

• GDP (PPP): $156 billion
• GDP (nominal): $53.4 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $12,700
• Growth rate: 1.4%
• Inflation: 7.2%
• Unemployment: 16.3%
• Poverty rate: 16.6%

Sectoral composition:

• Agriculture: 9.3%
• Industry: 23.6%
• Services: 62.1%

Main exports: Garments, olive oil, petroleum, and electrical cablesImports: Refined petroleum, natural gas, vehicles, plasticsMajor partners: France, Italy, Germany, USA, Libya
Tunisia faces fiscal deficits, public debt, and high inflation, prompting negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial support linked to structural reforms. Remittances (6% of GDP) and tourism provide vital foreign exchange.
Energy: Tunisia produces around 35,000 barrels of oil per day but imports most of its energy needs. Renewables account for under 5% of generation, though investment in solar and wind power is growing.

Defence and security

The Tunisian Armed Forces (Forces Armées Tunisiennes – FAT) comprise the Army, Navy, and Air Force, totalling approximately 35,000 active personnel. The National Guard and National Police, under the Ministry of Interior, manage domestic security.
Defence expenditure: 2.5% of GDP (2024)
Security priorities:

• Counterterrorism and border control, particularly along the Libyan frontier
• UN peacekeeping (≈775 troops in 2024)
• Partnerships with NATO and Major Non-NATO Ally status with the United States

Militant activity has declined since the mid-2010s, though groups such as Ansar al-Sharia, ISIS affiliates (Ajnad al-Khilafah), and al-Qa‘ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) continue to pose sporadic threats.

Culture and society

Tunisia’s cultural heritage blends Arab, Berber, Mediterranean, and French influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and arts. Islamic traditions coexist with secular modernity, fostering a liberal cultural environment.
The country boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Medina of Tunis, the Ruins of Carthage, and the Amphitheatre of El Jem. Tunisia is also noted for its music, calligraphy, literature, and film festivals, such as the Carthage Film Festival.