How does the name of Tunisia sound to you? This small North African country carries a lot in its North and South. Tunisia, officially the Republic of Tunisia, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It is bordered by Algeria to the west and southwest, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east.
Tunisia also shares maritime borders with Italy through the islands of Sicily and Sardinia to the north and Malta to the east. Known for its ancient architecture, souks, and blue coasts, it covers 163,610 km2 (63,170 sq mi), and has a population of 12.1 million. It contains the eastern end of the Atlas Mountains and the northern reaches of the Sahara desert; much of its remaining territory is arable land. Its 1,300 km (810 mi) of coastline includes the African conjunction of the western and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Basin. Tunisia is home to Africa's northernmost point, Cape Angela. Located on the northeastern coast, Tunis is the capital and largest city of the country, which is itself named after Tunis.
It features the archaeological sites of Carthage dating back to the 9th century BC, as well as the Great Mosque of Kairouan. Tunisia’s central location on the Mediterranean has made it a popular spot for influences, mixing North African, Arab, and European traditions. Here are some interesting facts about Tunisia that you probably do not know!
General Information
- Tunisia is officially known as the Tunisian Republic with Tunis as the capital. In fact more than a quarter of the total Tunisian population live in Tunis.
- Tunisia is the most northern country in the whole of Africa with strong trade ties to Europe.
- The estimated population of this beautiful country is over ten million.
- Ninety eight percent of the population are Arab-Berber with a small percentage being European, mostly from Italy and France with some Jewish residents.
- The highest point in Tunisia is Jebel ech Chambi which stretches 1,544m.
- This country is home to thousands of kilometers of magnificent Mediterranean coastline, one of the many tourist attractions combined with the wonderful warm climate.
- Tunisia became independent in 1956.
- The official language is Arabic, though many people also speak French. The main religion is Muslim.
Tunisia is home to Africa’s northernmost point, ancient cities like Carthage, and iconic landmarks such as the Great Mosque of Kairouan.
Geographical Facts
Tunisia is located in North Africa on the Mediterranean Sea. Tunisia sits at the tip of North Africa with Cape Angela as the African continent’s northernmost point. The crystal-clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea separate Tunisia from Italy and Malta. Tunisia is partly home to the largest desert in the world.
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Tunisia has about 17 national parks and nature reserves for the protection of Tunisia nature. If you are interested in the environment, you really should not miss the opportunity to see that golden sand, and experiencing the desert life with locals in their actual tents, added to moving around in camel rides.
Historical Facts
The city of Carthage was founded in the 9th century BC by Phoenicians. Tunisia is home to the ancient city of Carthage, founded in the 9th century BC on the Gulf of Tunis. During the Roman period, the area of what is now Tunisia enjoyed a huge development. The economy, mainly during the Empire, boomed: the prosperity of the area depended on agriculture.
In 1881, France invaded Tunisia taking control of its economic and foreign affairs. Tunisia achieved independence from France on 20 March 1956 with Habib Bourguiba as Prime Minister. 20 March is celebrated annually as Tunisian Independence Day. A year later, Tunisia was declared a republic, with Bourguiba as the first President.
Have you ever wonder where the Arab spring started? It was Tunisia where the first spark of this spring started, demanding for economic and social rights. The movement began in December 2010, when Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire to protest corruption and harassment. In 2010, Tunisian street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi took his own life by setting himself on fire.
Discovering Tunisia: A Journey Through History and Culture
Cultural and Modern Facts
Tunis’s main street, Habib Bourguiba Avenue, is the busiest street in the country. Habib Bourguiba Avenue, where the modern clock stands high, next to several statues, has restaurants and coffee shops working all day long because Tunisians, along with foreigners, enjoy spending their free time there.
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Several scenes from the Star Wars movies were filmed in Tunisia, more specifically in the South of Tunisia. The Tunisian flag has a red background with a central white disk containing a red star and red crescent.
Tunisia’s holiest city is the UNESCO-listed city of Kairouan which is often referred to as the fourth holiest city of Islam after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. The capital city, Tunis, was once considered one of the greatest and wealthiest cities in the Islamic world. The largest colosseum in North Africa is in Tunisia.
In 2017, a British DJ was sentenced to a year in a Tunisian jail for remixing the Muslim call to prayer. Tunisia’s UNESCO-listed Ichkeul National Park is famous for its wildlife, particularly its birdlife which includes more than 300,000 ducks, geese and coots. In total, Tunisia has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Travel and Food Facts
Tunisia is indeed known for its famous beaches like Hamamet's and Monastir that are the most beautiful you would ever see. The next famous beach is Sidi Bou Said, the white and blue paradise. Sidi Bou Said can be reached by a TGM train, which runs from Tunis to La Marsa. It is not just a seaside, it is a mountain, beach, Roman ruins, and even the presidential palace is located there.
Let’s talk about Djerba Island, or let’s say the Island of dreams as it is called in Tunisia. It can be reached by train to Gabes than louage to Djerba or via sea using special ships. Djerba has been called the Island of Dreams locally and internationally for many reasons. Other than the lovely fresh restaurants all over the Island, you really should not miss the island’s multicultural heritage which is El Ghriba Synagogue.
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The first thing to notice in Tunisian food is the French Baguette, and croissants, those are basically taken as they are from the french culture, and they are now part of Tunisia's daily food. When we say Tunisian food, we say Couscous, a super healthy dish made basically with wheat semolina, vegetables, and protein (meat, chicken, fish, octopus…). It is amazing how Tunisians love this meal and cook it at least once a week.
One of the most fascinating dishes too, is the winter dish as they called “Lablabi”, mostly famous in the capital Tunis, this one is for winter only. This dish's main ingredient is overcooked chickpeas and small pieces of old bread and a really spicy soup. It is a spicy chickpeas soup. The mixture of all those is a really warming dish. And guess what? It could even remind you of Korean food.
You cannot visit Tunisia without trying street food! Let’s start with the snacks, eggs are sold in a small carriage and it is sold half done. A Gift to the world! Tunisian olive oil is known as one of the one of a kind and it is indeed the most requested all over the world. Many Mediterranean civilizations invested in olive trees, among them: Phoenician, Greek, Carthaginian, Roman, and Arab.
This Mediterranean basin country, Tunisia is the first point in Africa that connects European countries. This is just a glance at what this small country has! Thus, it has indeed that mixture of cultures, and it is open to all, welcoming with open arms all its visitors the same way. Wouldn't miss it for the world.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Tunisian Republic |
| Capital | Tunis |
| Location | North Africa, Mediterranean coast |
| Population | Over ten million |
| Official Language | Arabic |
| Main Religion | Muslim |
| Independence | 1956 |
| Northernmost Point | Cape Angela |
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