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Tunisia
Tunis
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Customs and Culture
Customs and Culture
About the People
Most Tunisians are Muslim belonging to the Sunni school of Islam. Some Tunisians believe in evil spirits called jinn. To ward off the evil spirits they wear verses of the Koran on an amulet.
Cultural Attributes
Most Tunisians are Muslim belonging to the Sunni school of Islam. Some Tunisians believe in evil spirits called jinn. To ward off the evil spirits they wear verses of the Koran on an amulet.
Land of Carthage and a Thousand Mosques
Greetings, Gestures & Visiting
Men shake hands with other men and with women. Two men who have not seen each other for a long time may kiss on the cheeks. Women shake hands with other women or kiss on the cheeks. Men and women do not kiss one another in public. Male and female relations are governed by the Islamic code of modesty.
Diet
Couscous is the most popular dish. Another popular dish is shish kebabs. Chakachoukaia is a popular salad made from tomatoes, onions, peppers and hard boiled eggs. Tunisians cook a variety of stews called tagines. Pork and alcohol are forbidden by the Islamic religious code.
Family
In most areas, the family consists of a father, a mother, and their immediate children. Women are legally equal with men for child custody, property ownership, and divorce rights. Marriages must have the consent of both parties. The minimum age for women to marry is 17. Men must be at least 20 years old.
Recreation
Football (soccer) is the national sport. Other sports include horseback and camel riding and enjoying the beaches along the Mediterranean Sea. Socializing in hammams or public bathhouses is popular. The bathhouses have separate hours for men and women. Listening to Malouf a Tunisian type of music that is played on lutes, guitars, violins, and drums and is also popular.
Holidays
Independence Day
3/20Independence Day
Dates of Interest
- March 20th
Tabarka Jazz Festival (July): This music festival features jazz musicians from around the world, and takes place in the coastal town of Tabarka.
How do people greet each other in Tunisia?
Men shake hands with other men and women, while women shake hands or kiss on the cheeks with other women; male-female relations follow the Islamic code of modesty.
Do
- Shake hands when greeting
- Kiss on the cheeks with same-sex friends you haven't seen in a while
Don’t
- Don't kiss between men and women in public
What are the eating customs in Tunisia?
Couscous is the most popular dish, along with shish kebabs, chakachoukaia salad, and stews called tagines.
Don’t
- Don't expect pork or alcohol, as both are forbidden by the Islamic religious code
What should I know about visiting and hospitality in Tunisia?
Visiting family and friends is an important part of the culture, with hosts offering hospitality such as tea, coffee, refreshments, and sweets.
Do
- Bring a small gift like flowers, sweets, or a token of appreciation
- Engage in conversation about family, work, and current events
- Accept offered tea, coffee, or snacks
Good to know
- Exchanging gifts and sharing news helps strengthen relationships
How should I dress in Tunisia?
Western-style clothing is the norm, while traditional dress is common among the elderly and in rural areas; modest dress is expected when visiting homes.
Do
- Dress modestly and cover shoulders and knees when visiting someone's home
Don’t
- Don't wear revealing or provocative outfits
Good to know
- Traditional men's dress includes a chehia headdress, jalabiyya, and baggy pants
- Traditional women's dress includes a sifsari or, for rural women, a mellia
What is family life like in Tunisia?
The family usually consists of a father, mother, and their immediate children, and women are legally equal with men in custody, property, and divorce rights.
Good to know
- Marriages require the consent of both parties
- Minimum marriage age is 17 for women and 20 for men
What do people do for fun in Tunisia?
Football (soccer) is the national sport, alongside horseback and camel riding, enjoying Mediterranean beaches, and listening to Malouf music.
Good to know
- Socializing in hammams (public bathhouses) is popular, with separate hours for men and women
- Malouf music is played on lutes, guitars, violins, and drums
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports
Photos of Tunisia
Photos of Tunisia
Travel and Tourism
Travel and Tourism
- Travel Alert Status
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
- Currency
- Tunisian dinar (TND)
- Time Difference
- UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
- Climate
- Tunisia's climate is temperate with generally mild winters and hot summers. The countryside is quite green in winter and spring; and becomes dry and brown in summer. Winters are are short, rainy, humid and chilly. The temperature is rarely below freezing. Snow falls in the northwestern mountain region. Summers in Tunis are characterized by high temperatures, occasionally reaching 120°F, with an average humidity of 60% to 70% during June, July, and August; evenings are pleasant. From mid-May until mid-October, the sky is usually cloudless and little rain falls. In an average year, only 120 days have any rainfall.
- Airports
- 30
Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.
View full travel guideRecipes
Recipes
Mechouia (Grilled Vegetable Salad)
Side Dish
Main Dish
(Tunisian Couscous with Anise, Red Peppers and Garlic)
Main Dish
Tagine (Stew)
Main Dish
(Turmeric-Scented Potato Stew)
Side Dish
TUNISIAN EGGPLANT SALAD
Side Dish
Harissa (North African Hot Sauce)
Side Dish
Mechouia (Grilled Vegetable Salad)
History
History
Historical Eras
Phoenician & Carthage
814 BCE – 146 BCE
Phoenician settlers founded Carthage near present-day Tunis in 814 BCE, traditionally attributed to Queen Dido. Carthage grew into a dominant Mediterranean naval and commercial power, establishing colonies across North Africa, Sicily, and Iberia. Its rivalry with Rome culminated in the three Punic Wars, ending with the total destruction of Carthage by Roman forces in 146 BCE.
Roman & Vandal Rule
146 BCE – 647
Rome rebuilt Carthage as a provincial capital and Tunisia — known as Africa Proconsularis — became one of the empire's most productive agricultural regions, supplying grain to Rome. Roman culture, cities, and Christianity took deep root across the territory. Following the Western Empire's collapse, the Vandals seized the region in 429 CE before Byzantine forces recaptured it in 534, holding it until the Arab conquest.
Arab & Islamic Era
647 – 1574
Arab Muslim forces invaded in 647 CE, and by 670 the garrison city of Kairouan was founded, becoming a major center of Islamic scholarship and culture. Successive dynasties — the Aghlabids, Fatimids, Zirids, Hafsids, and others — ruled the region, overseeing a flourishing of Arab learning and architecture. The Aghlabids extended Muslim influence into Sicily and Malta, while the Hafsid sultanate presided over a prosperous, autonomous North African state.
Ottoman Tunisia
1574 – 1881
Ottoman forces incorporated Tunisia in 1574, though the territory retained considerable autonomy under local beys who increasingly governed as de facto independent rulers. The Husainid dynasty, established in 1705, cultivated a distinct Tunisian identity while maintaining nominal Ottoman suzerainty. Waves of Andalusian Moors and Jewish refugees from Spain enriched the cultural and demographic fabric of the region.
French Protectorate
1881 – 1956
French troops occupied Tunis in 1881 and imposed the Treaty of Bardo, making Tunisia a protectorate while preserving the Husainid bey as a figurehead. French settlers, infrastructure investment, and administrative control transformed the economy, but also fueled a growing nationalist movement. The Neo-Destour party, led by Habib Bourguiba, spearheaded the independence struggle, which succeeded on March 20, 1956.
Independent Tunisia
1956 – present
Tunisia declared independence in 1956 with Bourguiba as prime minister; the monarchy was abolished in 1957 and a republic established with a constitution adopted in 1959. Bourguiba's secular, modernizing rule gave way in 1987 to Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's authoritarian presidency. The 2011 Jasmine Revolution ousted Ben Ali, triggering the broader Arab Spring and leading to a new democratic constitution in 2014, though political instability has continued.
Overview
Modern Tunisians are the descendents of indigenous Berbers and of people from numerous civilizations that have invaded, migrated to, and been assimilated into the population over the millenia. Recorded history in Tunisia begins with the arrival of Phoenicians, who founded Carthage and other North African settlements in the 8th century BC. Carthage became a major sea power, clashing with Rome for control of the Mediterranean until it was defeated and captured by the Romans in 146 B.C.
Timeline of Key Events
814 BCE
Foundation of Carthage by Phoenician settlers led by Queen Dido.
Foundation of Carthage by Phoenician settlers led by Queen Dido.
670
The city of Kairouan in what is now Tunisia is founded.
The city of Kairouan in what is now Tunisia is founded.
868
Aghlabid dynasty of Tunisia takes Malta.
Aghlabid dynasty of Tunisia takes Malta.
1600
Tunisia becomes part of the Turkish Ottoman empire, but has a high degree of autonomy.
Tunisia becomes part of the Turkish Ottoman empire, but has a high degree of autonomy.
1881
French troops occupy Tunis.
French troops occupy Tunis. France controls economic and foreign affairs; Tunisia is a French protectorate from 1883.
1942
World War II.
World War II. German troops arrive to resist allied forces in Algeria. Allied forces drive German, Italian troops out in 1943.
1956
Tunisia becomes independent with Bourguiba as prime minister.
Tunisia becomes independent with Bourguiba as prime minister.
Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.
View expanded historyInteresting Facts
Interesting Facts
There is a first celebration when the baby starts having teeth. The family meets and covers the baby with sweets and gifts are offered to the parents. When a child loses a tooth, it is kept in a little bottle to compare it with friends and classmates but no specific feast or gifts.
Dido, a princess of the Phoenician city-state of Tyre, is said to have been the first queen of Carthage. At the end of the Third Punic War, Carthage was destroyed and its inhabitants sold into slavery.
See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.
View all interesting factsGeography and Environment
Geography and Environment
- Terrain
- mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges into the Sahara
- Climate
- Tunisia's climate is temperate with generally mild winters and hot summers. The countryside is quite green in winter and spring; and becomes dry and brown in summer. Winters are are short, rainy, humid and chilly. The temperature is rarely below freezing. Snow falls in the northwestern mountain region. Summers in Tunis are characterized by high temperatures, occasionally reaching 120°F, with an average humidity of 60% to 70% during June, July, and August; evenings are pleasant. From mid-May until mid-October, the sky is usually cloudless and little rain falls. In an average year, only 120 days have any rainfall.
- Natural Hazards
- NA
- Current Environmental Issues
- toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and poses health risks; water pollution from raw sewage; limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification
Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.
View full geographyPeople & Demographics
People & Demographics
Religion
Languages Spoken
Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)
- Arabic
- French
- Tunisian (Arabic Dialect)
Population
- Population
- 10,589,025
- Population in Major Urban Areas
- TUNIS (capital) 790,000
- Nationality Noun
- Tunisian(s)
- Ethnic Groups
- Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%
Education
- Literacy Definition
- age 15 and over can read and write
Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.
View full people and societyGovernment & Politics
Government & Politics
Country Identity
- Country Name
- Tunisia
- Full Country Name
- Tunisian Republic
- Local - Long
- Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah
- Local - Short
- Tunis
Government Structure
- Government Type
- republic
- Legal System
- based on French civil law system and Islamic law; some judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint session
- Executive Branch
- chief of state: President Zine el Abidine BEN ALI (since 7 November 1987) head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed GHANNOUCHI (since 17 November 1999) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 24 October 2004 (next to be held October 2009); prime minister appointed by the president election results: President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI reelected for a fourth term; percent of vote - Zine El Abidine BEN ALI 94.5%, Mohamed BOUCHIHA 3.8%, Mohamed Ali HALOUANI 1%
- Legislative Branch
- bicameral system consists of the Chamber of Deputies or Majlis al-Nuwaab (189 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of Advisors (126 seats; 85 members elected by municipal counselors, deputies, mayors, and professional associations and trade unions; 41 members are presidential appointees; members serve six-year terms) elections: Chamber of Deputies - last held 24 October 2004 (next to be held October 2009); Chamber of Advisors - last held 3 July 2005 (next to be held July 2011) election results: Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RCD 152, MDS 14, PUP 11, UDU 7, Al-Tajdid 3, PSL 2; Chamber of Advisors - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RCD 71 (14 trade union seats vacant (boycotted))
- Judicial Branch
- Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation
- Suffrage
- 20 years of age; universal
- Constitution
- 1 June 1959; amended 12 July 1988
- Independence
- 20 March 1956 (from France)
- National Holiday
- Independence Day, 20 March (1956)
Capital City
- Capital Name
- Tunis
- Capital - geographic coordinate
- 36 48 N, 10 11 E
- Capital Time Difference
- UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
three possibilities exist for the derivation of the name; originally a Berber settlement (earliest reference 4th century B.C.), the strategic site fell to the Carthaginians (Phoenicians) and the city could be named after the Punic goddess Tanit, since many ancient cities were named after patron deities; alternatively, the Berber root word "ens," which means "to lie down" or "to pass the night," may indicate that the site was originally a camp or rest stop; finally, the name may be the same as the city of Tynes, mentioned in the writings of some ancient authors
Military
Branches: Tunisian Armed Forces (Forces Armees Tunisiens, FAT): Tunisian Army (includes Tunisian Air Defense Force), Tunisian Navy, Republic of Tunisia Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Jamahiriyah At'Tunisia)
Embassy / Diplomatic Mission
U.S. Embassy in Tunis
Les Berges du Lac
1053 Tunis, Tunisia
Telephone: (216) 71-107-000, Fax: (216) 71-964-360
Email: consulartunis@state.gov
Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.
View full government detailsEconomy
Economy
Tunisia operates a diversified, lower-middle-income economy that blends agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tourism, and services. With a gross domestic product of roughly 50 billion US dollars and a population of about 12 million, the country has long been considered one of North Africa's more industrialized economies, though it has faced persistent challenges since the 2011 revolution, including slow growth, high public debt, and unemployment hovering around 16 percent, with youth joblessness exceeding 35 percent.
The services sector accounts for more than 60 percent of GDP and employs roughly half the workforce. Tourism is a critical component, historically drawing millions of visitors annually to coastal resorts in Hammamet, Sousse, and Djerba, as well as to Roman-era heritage sites such as Carthage and El Jem. The sector rebounded strongly after pandemic-era declines, with arrivals surpassing nine million in recent years.
Manufacturing is anchored by textiles, leather, footwear, automotive components, and electrical machinery, much of which is produced for European markets. The European Union absorbs around 70 percent of Tunisian exports, with France, Italy, and Germany serving as the leading trading partners. Phosphate mining and processing remain economically significant, as Tunisia is among the world's larger phosphate producers, though output has declined sharply from pre-2011 levels due to labor unrest in the Gafsa region.
Agriculture contributes about 10 percent of GDP and employs roughly 14 percent of workers. Olive oil is a flagship export, with Tunisia ranking among the top global producers, alongside dates, citrus fruits, cereals, and seafood. Hydrocarbons, including modest oil and natural gas reserves, play a smaller role than in neighboring Algeria and Libya.
The Tunisian dinar is the national currency, managed by the Central Bank of Tunisia. The country has pursued multiple agreements with the International Monetary Fund to address fiscal deficits, subsidy reform, and balance-of-payments pressures. Remittances from Tunisians living abroad, particularly in Europe, provide a steady inflow of foreign currency, typically exceeding two billion dollars annually. Structural reforms, governance issues, and regional disparities between the developed coastal areas and the interior remain central concerns for long-term economic stability.
Snapshot
- Currency Name and Code
- Tunisian Dinar (TND)
- GDP — official exchange rate
- $30,940,000,000 (USD)
- GDP Real Growth Rate
- 4.3%
- Gini Index
- 40
Banknotes
Budget & Public Finance
- Fiscal Year
- calendar year
- Annual Budget
- $8,304,000,000 (USD)
- Public Debt (% of GDP)
- 58.7%
- External Debt
- $18,910,000,000 (USD)
- Investment (% of GDP)
- 21.8%
- Economic Aid
- $378,000,000 (USD)
- Current Account Balance
- -$492,000,000 (USD)
- Reserves of Foreign Exchange
- $2,147,483,647 (USD)
Labor, Industry & Trade
- Labor Force by Occupation
- services 55%; industry 23%; agriculture 22%
- Household Income — highest 10%
- 31.8%
- Industries
- petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore), tourism, textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverages
- Agriculture Products
- olives, olive oil, grain, dairy products, tomatoes, citrus fruit, beef, sugar beets, dates, almonds
- Export Commodities
- textiles, mechanical goods, phosphates and chemicals, agricultural products, hydrocarbons
- Export Partners
- France 31.3%, Italy 21.6%, Germany 11.5%, Spain 4.8%, Libya 4.7%, Belgium 4.3%
- Import Commodities
- textiles, machinery and equipment, hydrocarbons, chemicals, food
- Import Partners
- France 25.6%, Italy 19.5%, Germany 8.9%, Spain 5%
Energy
- Oil Production
- 76,000 bbl/day
- Oil Consumption
- 90,000 bbl/day
- Oil Reserves
- 1,700,000,000 bbl/day
- Natural Gas Production
- 2,150,000,000 cu m
- Natural Gas Consumption
- 3,840,000,000 cu m
- Natural Gas Imports
- 1,580,000,000 cu m
- Natural Gas Exports
- 0 cu m
- Natural Gas Reserves
- 77,870,000,000 cu m
Communications
- Telephone System
- general assessment: above the African average and continuing to be upgraded; key centers are Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, and Tunis; telephone network is completely digitized; Internet access available throughout the country domestic: in an effort to jumpstart expansion of the fixed-line network, the government has awarded a concession to build and operate a VSAT network with international connectivity; rural areas are served by wireless local loops; competition between the two mobile-cellular service providers has resulted in lower activation and usage charges and a strong surge in subscribership; a third mobile, fixed, and ISP operator was licensed in 2009 and began offering services in 2010; expansion of mobile-cellular services to include multimedia messaging and e-mail and Internet to mobile phone services also leading to a surge in subscribership; overall fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity has reached about 125 telephones per 100 persons international: country code - 216; a landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable system that provides links to Europe, Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria and Libya; participant in Medarabtel; 2 international gateway digital switches
- Internet Country Code
- .tn
News & Weather
News & Weather
Current Weather
Latest News
EU: Tunisia Migration Deal Worsening Human Rights Violations - Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch · 4d ago
EU/Tunisia: Three years on, EU migration cooperation still fueling human rights violations in Tunisia - Amnesty International
Amnesty International · 4d ago
Tunisia unveil squad for Baseball5 tournament at Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026 - World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC)
World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) · 5h ago
Saied ends public absence, criticises Tunisia’s power cuts - The Arab Weekly
The Arab Weekly · 1d ago
Tunisia reels in extreme heat as temperatures near 50°C - africanews.com
africanews.com · 1d ago
Amid heatwave, Tunisia resorts to rolling power cuts - The New Arab
The New Arab · 3d ago
TUNISIA: PROMINENT JOURNALIST UNJUSTLY IMPRISONED (68.26) - Amnesty International USA
Amnesty International USA · 2d ago
Nashville SC acquire Tunisian winger Elias Saad - MLSsoccer.com
MLSsoccer.com · 4d ago
News via Google News
Climate Overview
Tunisia's climate is temperate with generally mild winters and hot summers. The countryside is quite green in winter and spring; and becomes dry and brown in summer. Winters are are short, rainy, humid and chilly. The temperature is rarely below freezing. Snow falls in the northwestern mountain region. Summers in Tunis are characterized by high temperatures, occasionally reaching 120°F, with an average humidity of 60% to 70% during June, July, and August; evenings are pleasant. From mid-May until mid-October, the sky is usually cloudless and little rain falls. In an average year, only 120 days have any rainfall.
Videos
Videos
1 curated YouTube videos.
Source: YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Tunisia?
How do people greet each other in Tunisia?
What are the eating customs in Tunisia?
What should I know about visiting and hospitality in Tunisia?
How should I dress in Tunisia?
What is family life like in Tunisia?
What do people do for fun in Tunisia?
What is the capital of Tunisia?
Where is Tunisia located?
What countries border Tunisia?
What is the predominant religion in Tunisia?
What is the currency of Tunisia?
What languages are spoken in Tunisia?
What is Tunisia known for?
What cultural traditions are unique to Tunisia?
Last reviewed 2026