Country Profile · No. 51

Tunisia

Capital / Admin Capital

TunisPopulation: ~12.5MIndependence: 1956 (March 20 from French protectorate; Republic declared 1957)

First President

Habib Bourguiba (1957–1987, modernization pioneer)Current President: Kais Saied (Serving since October 2019)

Geography & Borders

Algeria, Libya, Mediterranean Sea. Northernmost country in Africa, featuring picturesque Mediterranean coastlines and the northern fringes of the Sahara Desert.

Demographics & Language

Islam (Sunni, ~99%). Official: Arabic language. Widely spoken: Tunisian Arabic (Derja), French language. Major groups: Arab-Berber (~99%+).

Economy & GDP

Tourism, automotive and electrical manufacturing, textiles, agriculture (olive oil, dates), petroleum.

Global Diaspora

1. France (~700k–800k), 2. Italy (~100k), 3. Germany (~50k), 4. United States (~20k–25k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): New York (New York City), California (Los Angeles), Texas (Houston).

Major Conflicts

French conquest of Tunisia (1881), Bizerte crisis (1961), Tunisian Revolution (Arab Spring) (2010– 2011, catalyst for democratic uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa).

3 Must-See Sites

1. Archaeological Site of Carthage (Historic ancient Phoenician and Roman ruins overlooking the Mediterranean Sea near Tunis), 2. El Djem Amphitheatre (One of the largest and best-preserved Roman colosseums in the world), 3. Sidi Bou Said (Picturesque cliffside village famous for its striking blue-and-white architecture overlooking the Gulf of Tunis).

Quick Facts

Historically home to the powerful ancient maritime superpower of Carthage led by Hannibal; widely recognized as the birthplace of the 2011 Arab Spring democratic revolutions.