Tunisia is home to Africa’s northernmost point, ancient cities like Carthage, and iconic landmarks such as the Great Mosque of Kairouan. Tunisia has also left its mark on global movie culture through its connection to the Star Wars franchise.
Tunisia’s central location on the Mediterranean has made it a popular spot for influences, mixing North African, Arab, and European traditions. Teens traveling on a cultural immersion trip can learn all about these traditions.
In this article, we’ll learn 5 interesting facts about Tunisia.
| Key Facts About Tunisia | Details |
|---|---|
| Country Name | Tunisia |
| Official Name | Republic of Tunisia |
| Location | Northernmost country in Africa, part of the Maghreb region |
| Highest Point | Jebel ech Chambi (1,544 m) |
| Lowest Point | Chott el Djerid (-17 m) |
| Capital City | Tunis |
| Largest City | Tunis |
| Population | 12.1 million (2021) |
| Official Language | Modern Standard Arabic |
| Other Languages | Tunisian Arabic, French |
| Currency | Tunisian Dinar (TND) |
1. Tunisia is the northernmost country in Africa
Tunisia highlighted in green
Tunisia sits at the tip of North Africa with Cape Angela as the African continent’s northernmost point. The crystal-clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea separate Tunisia from Italy and Malta. The Algerian border is on Tunisia’s west.
Its geographic proximity and location on the coast make the country a great destination for visitors from European countries.
2. Tunisia was the birthplace of the Arab Spring
The movement began in December 2010, when Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire to protest corruption and harassment. His act sparked nationwide protests, leading to the ousting of the President in January 2011, and inspiring uprisings across the Arab world.
Tunisia Modern History
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Independence | Tunisia achieved independence from France becoming the Tunisian Republic with Habib Bourguiba as Prime Minister. |
| 1956–1987 | Bourguiba’s Presidency | Bourguiba implemented reforms, abolishing polygamy and promoting women’s rights. |
| 1987 | Ben Ali’s Coup | Prime Minister Zine El Abidine Ben Ali ousted Bourguiba in a bloodless coup. Ben Ali’s regime marked by repression. |
| 2010–2011 | Jasmine Revolution and Arab Spring | Mohamed Bouazizi’s self-immolation sparked protests, leading to Ben Ali’s resignation. |
| 2011–2014 | Democratic Transition | Tunisia held elections. |
| 2015 | Nobel Peace Prize | Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet wins Nobel Peace Prize for peaceful transition to democracy. |
| 2014–2019 | Essebsi Era | Beji Caid Essebsi was Tunisia’s first democratically elected president. |
| 2019 | Kais Saied Elected | Political outsider wins the presidential election. |
| 2021 | Saied’s Power Consolidation | Saied suspends parliament and assumes powers, prompting fears of democratic backsliding. |
| 2022 | New Constitution | A new constitution granting expanded powers over the Tunisian government is adopted by referendum. |
3. Star Wars fans might recognize many sites in central Tunisia
Several scenes from the Star Wars movies were filmed in Tunisia. The Sahara Desert was the backdrop for Luke Skywalker’s home planet, Tatooine, while the village of Tataouine inspired the name.
Mos Espa Spaceport, Home of Anakin and Shmi Skywalker | Near Tozeur
4. The Great Mosque of Kairouan is one of the largest Islamic monuments in North Africa and a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture
The Great Mosque features the first horseshoe arch and became a center of Islamic scholarship under the Aghlabids in the 9th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kairouan is one of the key cities in Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.
The Great Mosque of Kairouan
5. Tunisia’s history is tied to Rome’s through the Punic Wars
Carthage is an ancient city in Northern Tunisia that played a pivotal role in the Punic Wars, the fierce battles between the Carthaginians and the Roman Empire for control of the western Mediterranean region. These wars ultimately led to the destruction of Carthage and the expansion of the Roman Empire.
References:
- UNESCO: UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Tunisia
- World Bank: Tunisia Data Overview
- Smithsonian Institution: History of Carthage and the Punic Wars
- Ethnologue: Languages of Tunisia
- United Nations Women: Tunisia’s Women’s Rights Progress
- International Olive Council: Tunisia Olive Oil Exports
- WWF: Ichkeul National Park – Tunisia
- Oxford Archaeology: Prehistoric Tunisia
- Smarttraveller: Travel and Tourism in Tunisia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tunisia – Geography and History
- BBC: The Arab Spring and Tunisia’s Jasmine Revolution
- FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization): Tunisia Agriculture and Water Resources