Geographic Situation, Demography, History, Culture, Society, Women, Craftsmanship, Gastronomy – A Complete, Step‑by‑Step Guide to “Green” Tunisia
1. Geographic Situation
Tunisia covers an area of 164,150 km², making it the largest country on the African Mediterranean coast.
- Coastline: 1,298 km of Mediterranean shoreline.
- Borders:
- West: Algeria – 1,050 km of shared frontier.
- South: Libya – 480 km of boundary.
The country’s geography lends itself naturally to a thriving tourism industry, with abundant seaside resorts and historic sites.
2. Entry into the Souks of the Medina
- Avenue Habib Bourguiba and the new fountain.
- El Jem – The stunning ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheatre.
- Jersey Island (Ilha de Jerba) – A jewel of southern Tunisia.
Tunisia’s tourism, in all its splendor, is a major source of national revenue.
3. The Ruins of Carthage
Situated on the southern bank of the Mediterranean, Carthage has long been a must‑visit destination. From north to south, every region offers attractions:
- Northern coast: Tabarka, the Khroumiries.
- Western Morocco: Diving, hunting, wild camping, mountain climbing.
- From Carthage to the Cap Bon (Hammamet, Nabeul, Kelibia), down to the Sahel (Sousse, Mahdia, Monastir), you will find fine beaches, luxury resorts, marinas, and a wide range of leisure activities:
- Water sports and fishing
- Casinos, golf courses
- Museums, festivals, nightclubs, pubs, bowling alleys, karting, etc.
- Thalassotherapy centers that have earned the country a stellar reputation.
4. Administrative Divisions – Governorates by Region
| Region | Governorates (in order of appearance on the map) | Governorate numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Bizerte, Tunis, Ariana, La Manouba, Ben Arous, Zaghouan, Nabeul | 4, 23, 1, 13, 3, 24, 16 |
| Northwest | Jendouba, Béja, Le Kef, Siliana | 7, 2, 11, 19 |
| Centre‑East | Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, Sfax | 20, 15, 12, 17 |
| Centre‑West | Kairouan, Kasserine, Sidi Bouzid | 8, 9, 18 |
| Southeast | Gabès, Médenine, Tataouine | 5, 14, 21 |
| Southwest | Gafsa, Tozeur, Kébili | 6, 22, 10 |
The majority of Tunisia’s population lives along the eastern coastline—from Bizerte in the north to Gabès in the south—passing through the capital and the Sahel. This coastal belt hosts 76 % of the country’s urban residents.
5. Urban Landscape
Tunisia’s urban network is marked by a strong “primacy” factor: the capital region, Grand Tunis, dwarfs all other urban centres, housing 21 % of the total urban population (≈ 2 million people). This concentration is reflected in the relative weakness of regional metros and medium‑sized cities, while small towns maintain considerable importance.
Major Urban Agglomerations
| Agglomeration | Population | Constituent Municipalities |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Tunis | ~2 million | Tunis, Ariana, Ben Arous, La Manouba |
| Grand Sfax | ~500,000 | Sfax (50 % of agglomeration), suburbs: Sakiet Ezzit, Sakiet Eddaïer, El Aïn, Gremda, Chihia, Thyna |
| Grand Sousse | ~400,000 | Sousse, Hammam Sousse, M’saken, Kalâa Kebira, Kalâa Seghira, Akouda, Ksibet Thrayet, Zaouiet Sousse, Ezzouhour, Messaadine |
| Nabeul–Hammamet | ~185,000 | Nabeul, Hammamet, plus satellites: Dar Chaâbane, Béni Khiar, El Maâmoura |
| Gabès | ~170,000 | Gabès, Ghannouch, Métouia, Oudhref, Chenini Nahal |
| Monastir | ~170,000 | Monastir, Khniss, Bembla, Menzel Nour, Jemmal, Zéramdine, Menzel Harb, Menzel Kamel, Sahline Moôtmar |
| Sahel Central Urban Area | >150,000 | Ksar Hellal, Moknine, Téboulba, Bekalta, Sayada, Lamta, Bouhjar, Ksibet el‑Médiouni, Bennane, Bodheur, Touza |
| Bizerte | ~150,000 | Bizerte, Menzel Jemil, Menzel Abderrahmane |
| Djerba | ~140,000 | Island population, density 244 inhabitants/km² |
| Gafsa–El Ksar | 115,000 | Gafsa, El Ksar |
| Kairouan | 115,000 | City proper, surrounded by rural governorate |
| Sahel Southern Urban Area | 100,000 | Mahdia, Ksour Essef, Chebba, Bradaâ, Melloulèche |
6. Demographics
| Year | Total Population | Urban % | Rural % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 8 815 400 (census) | 33 % | 67 % |
| 2000 | 9.5 million | 62.6 % | 37.4 % |
| 2004 | 9.947 million | — | — |
| 2009 | 10.388 million | — | — |
| 2019 | 11.210 million | — | — |
| 2029 | 11.763 million | — | — |
- Population growth (2000): 1.14 % per annum, one of the lowest in Africa.
- Life expectancy (2000): 72.2 years.
- Average household size: 5.16 (1994) → 4.8 (2000).
Age Structure (2000)
- < 4 years: 8.6 %
- < 22.4 years: 50 %
- 15–59 years: 61 %
Fertility
The fertility rate has fallen dramatically: from nearly six children per woman in the 1960s to 3.4 in 1994 and 1.72 in 2009— the lowest in the Arab world.
Migration
- Emigration (2008): ~1 057 797 Tunisians abroad, 82.6 % residing in Europe.
7. Religious Composition
- Islam: 98 % of the population; predominantly Sunni, Maliki rite.
- Judaism: Historically 2 000 years; today a small community mainly in Tunis and Djerba.
- Christianity: Small but active, enriching Tunisia’s cultural tapestry.
- Nomadic Tribes: Minorities largely settled and integrated.
8. Women’s Status
Tunisia’s women continue to improve their conditions of work and life. Over the past four decades, progressive reforms have elevated the standard of living and expanded opportunities for the most disadvantaged groups.
- Socio‑economic profile: A broad middle class now accounts for over 70 % of the population.
9. Currency
- Local currency: Tunisian Dinar (TND).
- Exchange rates (approx.):
- 1 TND ≈ 5.20 FRF
- 1 TND ≈ 1.34 USD
- 1 TND ≈ 1.30 EUR
ATMs and banks are widespread; credit cards are accepted at most commercial establishments.
10. Political Landscape
The Presidency
- [To be updated since the Jasmine revolution]
- Elected every five years by universal suffrage, a president may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
- Zine El Abidine Ben Ali (served 1987–2011) came to power on 7 November 1987, succeeding President Bourguiba due to “senility”.
- Reelection history: Ben Ali was re‑elected in 1989 (99.27 % of the vote), again in 1994 (99.91 %), and in 1999 (again a plurality victory with ~89 % of the vote).
Key Reforms & Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Constitutional reform (referendum 26 May) expanded presidential powers, removed term limits, and granted lifetime judicial immunity. |
| 2002 | 11 April: truck bomb attack on the Ghriba synagogue, killing 19 (14 German tourists). |
| 2008 | Mid‑year unrest in the Gafsa mining region, highlighting unemployment and poverty. |
| 2009 | Ben Ali re‑elected for a fifth term (89.62 % of the vote). |
The political climate has been characterized by a tension between a strong executive and a controlled opposition. While early reforms promised democratization, subsequent actions curtailed liberties beyond the Islamist movement, raising concerns among human‑rights NGOs.
11. Historical Timeline
- 814 BC: Foundation of Carthage.
- 146 BC: Carthage destroyed.
- 1st century BC: Roman domination.
- 429–533: Vandal rule.
- 533–647: Berber uprisings and Byzantine control.
- 647: Islam spreads to the region.
- 670: Kairouan founded.
- 738: Tunis founded.
- 800–1048: Dynastic rule (Aghlabid, Fatimid, Zirid, Hafsid).
- 1574: Ottoman dominance; Husseïnid dynasty gains autonomy (from 1705).
- 1881‑05‑12: Treaty of Bardo, establishing French protectorate.
- 1920: Destour party founded.
- 1956‑03‑20: Independence achieved.
- 1957‑07‑25: Republic proclaimed; Habib Bourguiba becomes first president.
- 1959‑06‑01: Constitution promulgated.
- 1974: Bourguiba declared “President for life”.
- 1984‑Jan: Popular demonstrations across multiple cities.
- 1987‑11‑07: Bourguiba deposed for incapacity; Ben Ali seizes power.
12. Tunisian Gastronomy Through the Centuries
Tunisia’s cuisine is a vivid mosaic that blends flavors, aromas, and colors from the Maghreb, the Mediterranean, and the Near East. Rich, peppery, and heavily spiced, it reflects centuries of culinary exchange.
Typical Ingredients
- Olive oil (primary cooking medium).
- Harissa (red pepper paste).
- Meat and seafood prepared on skewers.
- Couscous (traditional staple).
- Brik (crispy pastry filled with egg or tuna).
- Sweets (baklawa, makroudh).
- Tea and coffee (mint tea; Turkish‑style coffee infused with orange‑flower water).
Representative Recipes
- Mloukhia (Egyptian‑style jellied okra soup).
- Traditional Tunisian Couscous (with elaborate spice blends).
- Brik (deep‑fried pastry).
13. Traditional Clothing
- Men’s attire: The Jebba is the official traditional costume worn during major religious festivals, weddings, and other ceremonial occasions.
- Women’s wedding gowns: Often intricately embroidered with gold thread, creating a dazzling display of craftsmanship.
Dedicated pages on Tunisian traditional costumes are available for those interested in detailed exploration.
14. Languages
| Language | Status & Usage |
|---|---|
| Arabic | Official language; most of the population speaks a local colloquial form known as Derija (a variant of Classical Arabic). |
| Berber (Tamazight) | Spoken mainly in certain southern regions; recognized in those locales. |
| French | Co‑official; widely understood and used in administration, media, and education. |
| English & Italian | Also widely understood; used in tourism and commerce. |
14. Craftsmanship
Tunisia’s artisanal heritage is as diverse as its landscapes. Notable crafts include:
| Craft | Region & Specialization |
|---|---|
| Ceramics & Pottery | Djerba, Nabeul – renowned for intricate patterns and glaze. |
| Tapestries | Kairouan – famed for hand‑loomed, richly coloured rugs. |
| Leatherwork | Tunis, Sfax, Kebili – custom belts, shoes, handbags. |
| Copperwork | Tunis & Kairouan – enamelled, carved, or engraved objects. |
| Woodwork | Ain Draham, Kélibia – traditional furniture and musical instruments. |
| Jewelry | Goldsmithing, silver adornments (Berber style), coral and pearl pieces. |
| Glassblowing | Coastal towns and artisan workshops. |
15. Final Words
Tunisia—often called “the Green Nation” because of its extensive agricultural output and its early embrace of modern social reforms—offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty, historic grandeur, vibrant culture, and evolving social dynamics. Whether you are a traveler seeking ancient ruins, a scholar interested in its political evolution, a gastronome eager for authentic recipes, or simply someone who wishes to understand every facet of this North‑African jewel, the information above provides a comprehensive, step‑by‑step portal into all that Tunisia has to offer.