# Tunisia

> country in North Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q948](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q948)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunisia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tunisia

## Summary
Tunisia, officially the Republic of Tunisia, is a sovereign state and country located in North Africa. Bordered by Algeria and Libya with a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, it functions as a parliamentary republic with its capital in Tunis. Established as an independent state on March 20, 1956, it has a population of approximately 11.9 million people as of 2024.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification**: Country, Sovereign State, Republic, Mediterranean Country.
*   **Location**: North Africa. Borders Libya (Libya–Tunisia border) and Algeria (Algeria–Tunisia border). Coastline on the Mediterranean Sea.
*   **Area**: 163,610 square kilometres.
*   **Capital**: Tunis.
*   **Currency**: Tunisian dinar (since November 1, 1958).
*   **Government**: Parliamentary Republic / Semi-presidential system.
    *   **Head of State**: President Kais Saied (since October 23, 2019).
    *   **Head of Government**: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani (since March 21, 2025).
    *   **Legislature**: Assembly of the Representatives of the People.
*   **Population**: ~11,972,169 (2024 estimate).
*   **Official Language**: Arabic.
*   **Inception (Independence)**: March 20, 1956.
*   **Anthem**: "Humat Al Hima" (adopted November 12, 1987).
*   **Motto**: "Freedom, order, justice" (حرية، نظام، عدالة).
*   **ISO Codes**: TN (Alpha-2), TUN (Alpha-3), 788 (Numeric).
*   **Time Zone**: UTC+01:00 (CET).

## FAQs

**What is the political structure and history of leadership in Tunisia?**
Tunisia is a parliamentary republic with a semi-presidential system. It gained independence from France on March 20, 1956, replacing the French protectorate and the Beylik of Tunis. The leadership history includes Presidents Habib Bourguiba, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali (whose rule ended with the Tunisian Revolution in 2011), and the current President Kais Saied.

**What are the key demographic and cultural characteristics of the population?**
The population is approximately 11.9 million, with an Arab majority (98%) and a high human development index (0.731 in 2021). The official language is Arabic, though French, Tunisian Arabic, and Berber dialects are also used. The dominant school of Islamic jurisprudence is Malikism, and the life expectancy is approximately 75 years.

**What economic and infrastructure details define the country?**
Tunisia's nominal GDP was approximately $46.6 billion USD in 2022. The country uses the Tunisian dinar and has a standard VAT rate of 18%. Infrastructure includes driving on the right side of the road, a top-level internet domain of .tn, and mains voltage of 230V/50Hz using Europlug and Type E sockets.

**What are the geographic boundaries and physical features?**
Tunisia is located in North Africa with coordinates centered roughly at 34°N, 10°E. Its highest point is Jebel ech Chambi (1,544 m) and its lowest is Shatt al Gharsah (-17 m). The country shares borders with Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast, while the north and east border the Mediterranean Sea.

## Why It Matters
Tunisia plays a significant role in the geopolitical landscape of the Maghreb and the broader Arab world as the site of the beginning of the Arab Spring (the Tunisian Revolution). It is recognized for having one of the most progressive constitutions in the region following the 2014 transition, though it faces ongoing economic and political consolidation challenges. Strategically located at the northernmost tip of Africa, just south of Europe, it serves as a critical point of interaction between the EU and the African continent. Its designation as "The Economist country of the year" in 2014 highlighted its progress toward democracy amidst regional instability.

## Notable For
*   **Origin of the Arab Spring**: The 2011 Tunisian Revolution marked the start of widespread protests across the Arab world.
*   **Geography**: Home to the northernmost point in Africa and the ancient city of Carthage.
*   **Recognition**: Named "The Economist Country of the Year" in 2014.
*   **Religious Jurisprudence**: Predominantly follows the Maliki school of Islamic law.
*   **Democracy**: Recognized as a "free country" by Freedom in the World with a Democracy Index of 6.59 in 2020.
*   **Cultural Heritage**: Contains sites like the Roman mosaics at Carthage and is featured in various international encyclopedias and cultural registries.

## Body

### Geography and Environment
Tunisia is situated in North Africa, part of the Mediterranean region. It spans an area of 163,610 square kilometres. The country's terrain varies from the northernmost point at 37.55°N to the southernmost point near 30.23°N. Its highest peak is Jebel ech Chambi at 1,544 meters, located in the west-central part of the country, while its lowest point is the salt lake Shatt al Gharsah at 17 meters below sea level in the southwest.

The nation borders the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east, Libya to the southeast (Libya–Tunisia border), and Algeria to the west and southwest (Algeria–Tunisia border). It is located within the Africa/Tunis time zone (UTC+01:00).

### Governance and Administration
As a republic established on July 25, 1957, Tunisia operates under a semi-presidential system. The executive branch consists of the President (currently Kais Saied) and a Prime Minister (currently Sarra Zaafrani). The legislative body is the Assembly of the Representatives of the People.

The country is divided into 24 administrative governorates:
*   Ariana, Béja, Ben Arous, Bizerte, Gabès, Gafsa, Jendouba, Kairouan, Kasserine, Kebili, Manouba, Kef, Mahdia, Medenine, Monastir, Nabeul, Sfax, Sidi Bouzid, Siliana, Sousse, Tataouine, Tozeur, Tunis, and Zaghouan.

### Demographics and Society
Tunisia has a population estimated at 11,972,169 in 2024, with a slightly higher female population (approx. 6.06M) compared to males (approx. 5.90M). The population is largely urban (approx. 8.67M in 2022) compared to rural areas (approx. 3.68M).

*   **Ethnic Groups**: Arabs (98%), European people, and Jewish people.
*   **Language**: Arabic is the official language. Other languages used include French, Tunisian Arabic, Berber dialects (Jerba, Matmata, Sened), Tunisian Sign Language, and Modern Standard Arabic.
*   **Religion**: The majority follow Islam, specifically the Maliki school of jurisprudence.
*   **Education**: Compulsory education runs from age 6 to 14.
*   **Public Holidays**: Includes New Year's Day, Independence Day (March 20), Revolution and Youth Day (January 14), Labor Day (May 1), and Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Evacuation Day is celebrated on October 15.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Tunisia's economy is measured by a nominal GDP of approximately $46.66 billion USD (2022). The currency is the Tunisian dinar, managed by the Central Bank of Tunisia (established 1958).

*   **Utilities**: Electricity is supplied at 230 Volts / 50 Hz using Europlug and Type E sockets.
*   **Transport**: Traffic drives on the right, with speed limits of 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h in rural areas, and 110 km/h on highways. Rail traffic uses left-hand running.
*   **Taxation**: The standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is 18%.
*   **Unemployment**: Recorded at 13% in 2014.
*   **Poverty/Inequality**: The Gini coefficient was 36.1 in 2010.

### International Relations
Tunisia maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, China, and Turkey. It is a member of major international organizations:
*   **United Nations** (member since Nov 12, 1956)
*   **African Union**
*   **League of Arab States**
*   **Organisation of Islamic Cooperation**
*   **Organisation internationale de la Francophonie**
*   **World Trade Organization**
*   **Interpol**
*   **UNESCO**
*   It was formerly on the EU tax haven blacklist but was removed in 2018.

### History and Identity
The modern state of Tunisia was founded on March 20, 1956, succeeding the French protectorate and the Beylik of Tunis. It is named after its capital, Tunis. The national flag features a red star and crescent on a white circle within a red field, a design in use since 1999. The national anthem, "Humat Al Hima" (Defenders of the Homeland), was adopted in 1987. Significant historical events include the Tunisian Revolution and Tunisian Independence.

### Connected Entities
The knowledge base links Tunisia to various commercial and cultural entities. For instance, **Jumià** (an African e-commerce company) operates within Tunisia as part of its network of countries. Furthermore, the "culture of Tunisia" is a recognized subject within knowledge graphs, linking the country to its heritage of art, music, and history.

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