North Africa.

GMT + 1.

163,610 sq km (63,170 sq miles).

10.4 million (official estimate 2008).

62 per sq km.

Tunis. Population: 2 million (2004 census).

The Republic of Tunisia lies on the Mediterranean coast of Africa, 130km (80 miles) southwest of Sicily and 160km (100 miles) due south of Sardinia. It is bordered by Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast. The landscape varies from the cliffs of the north coast to the woodlands of the interior, from deep valleys of rich arable land to desert, and from towering mountains to salt pans lower than sea level. South of Gafsa and Gabès is the Sahara desert. The 1,100km (700 miles) of coastline is dotted with small islands, notably Jerba in the south and Kerkennah in the east, and from the northwest to the southeast the coastline is backed successively by pine-clad hills, lush pasture, orchards, vineyards and olive groves.

Republic since 1959. Gained independence from France in 1956.

President Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali since 1987.

Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi since 1999.

Celebrating 50 years of independence from France in 2006, Tunisia has so far had only two presidents. Habib Bourgiba, who set the country on a secular course, ruled from 1956 until 1987, when the incumbent Zine El Abidine Ben Ali assumed power in a bloodless coup. A fourth presidential term was forbidden by the constitution but a referendum in 2002 allowed Ali to stand for up to another two terms, and he won again in 2004 (with 94.5% of the vote). The main opposition party had withdrawn in protest, stating that their participation would only serve to legitimise a rigged election.

The official language is Arabic. French is the second language, English, German and Italian are spoken mainly in tourist resorts.

The principal religion is Islam; there are small Roman Catholic, Protestant and Jewish minorities.

220/110 volts AC, 50Hz. Electric plugs have two round pins (as in continental Europe).

Arabic in culture and tradition, Tunisia is nevertheless one of the more liberal and tolerant Muslim countries: women choose whether or not to wear the headscarf - Habib Bourguiba, the country's first president, was opposed to women wearing the veil, calling it an ‘odious rag'. The Tunisians' varied origins are shown in the country's architecture, crafts, music and food. Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. Hospitality is important and a small gift in appreciation of hospitality or as a token of friendship is always well-received. Dress can be informal but it is appreciated by locals if visitors dress with decorum and avoid wearing skimpy clothing, especially outside the main resorts. Visitors should respect the conventions of Islam when visiting religious monuments (shoulders and knees must be covered).