About Tunisia

A mere one to three hours flying time from various European gateways, nearly four million tourists visit Tunisia annually. While the majority of these tourists are Europeans seeking sun, sea and sand, Tunisia offers the sophisticated traveler many more enticing attractions.

As the breadbasket for the Roman Empire, the northern part of Tunisia is filled with wonderful antiquity sites, with many still to be excavated. These are often in portions of the country that have thus far, been spared the mass tourist development found in many coastal resorts. In addition, the south of Tunisia offers exotic desert landscapes, dotted with oases and architecture of a style that has changed little throughout the centuries.

Tunisia is a reflection of the many cultures that have inhabited it, from its indigenous Berbers, to Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans and the French, to name a few. In addition, the warmth of the people is found throughout the country.

Taking the time to read about Tunisia before you visit will help you get the most out of your trip. Please visit our Resources section for more information.

Official Name: Republic of Tunisia

Geography Area: 163,610 sq. km. (63,378 sq. mi.), slightly smaller than Missouri.

Cities: Capital--Tunis (pop. about 1 million). Other city--Sfax (500,000).

Terrain: Arable land in north and along central coast; south is mostly semiarid or desert.

Climate: Hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

People Nationality: Noun and adjective--Tunisian(s).

Population (1993): 8,530,000. Annual growth rate (1993)--1.9%. Ethnic groups Arab-Berber 98%, European 1%, other 1%.

Religions: Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish less than 1%.

Languages: Arabic (official), French.

Education: Years compulsory--9. Literacy--65%.

Health (1992): Infant mortality rate--38/1,000. Life expectancy--67 years male, 70 years female.

Work force (2,500,000): Services--41%. Industry--34%. Agriculture--24%. Other--1%