Tunisia

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Temple du Capitole (Dougga)

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Panorama of the courtyard of the Great Mosque of Kairouan

Tunisia (Arabic: تونس‎ Tūnis), officially the Republic of Tunisia (Arabic: الجمهورية التونسية‎ al-Jumhūriyyah at-Tūnisiyyah), 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. Its capital and largest city is Tunis.

History

The history of Tunisia dates back to ancient times. The area was originally inhabited by the Berbers, and later saw the establishment of the Phoenician city of Carthage. Carthage became a major power in the Mediterranean before being destroyed by the Roman Republic in the Punic Wars. The region then became a part of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire.

In the 7th century, the area was conquered by the Umayyad Caliphate, leading to the spread of Islam and the Arabization of the region. Tunisia later became part of various Islamic empires, including the Aghlabids, Fatimids, and Ottoman Empire.

Tunisia became a French protectorate in 1881 and gained independence in 1956. The country was led by Habib Bourguiba until 1987, when he was replaced by Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. In 2011, the Tunisian Revolution led to the ousting of Ben Ali and the establishment of a democratic government.

Geography

Tunisia is the northernmost country in Africa and covers an area of 163,610 square kilometers. The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from the Atlas Mountains in the north to the Sahara Desert in the south. The Mediterranean coastline is characterized by sandy beaches and fertile plains.

Economy

The economy of Tunisia is diverse, with key sectors including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism. The country is a leading exporter of olive oil and phosphate. Tunisia has a relatively high standard of living and a well-developed infrastructure.

Demographics

Tunisia has a population of approximately 11 million people. The majority of the population is of Arab-Berber descent, and the official language is Arabic. French is also widely spoken, particularly in business and education. The predominant religion is Islam, with the majority of Tunisians adhering to the Sunni branch.

Culture

Tunisian culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean influences. The country has a rich tradition of music, dance, and literature. Traditional Tunisian cuisine includes dishes such as couscous, brik, and harissa.

Related Pages

• Tunis
• Carthage
• Tunisian Revolution
• Habib Bourguiba
• Zine El Abidine Ben Ali
• Maghreb
• Atlas Mountains
• Sahara Desert
• Mediterranean Sea