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 center location on the Mediterranean has made it a popular spot for influences, mixing North African, Arab, and European traditions.
In this article, we’ll learn 5 interesting facts about Tunisia.
| Category | 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) |
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.
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.
| 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. |
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 Schmi Skywalker | Near Tozeur
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
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 both empires.
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