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Location
North Africa.
Time
GMT + 1.
Area
163,610 sq km (63,170 sq miles).
Population
10.7 million (official estimate 2005).
Population Density
63 per sq km.
Capital
Tunis. Population: 2 million (UN estimate 2003).
Geography
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.
Government
Republic since 1959. Gained independence from France in 1956.
Head of State
President Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali since 1987.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi since 1999.
Recent History
Celebrating 50 years of independence from France during 2006, Tunisia has so far had only two presidents. The ‘Founding Father' of the independent country, Habib Bourgiba, ruled from 1956 until 1987, when the incumbent Zine El Abidine Ben Ali assumed power in a bloodless coup. The Rassemblement Constitutionel Démocratique (RCD) continues to hold a substantial majority in the Majlis al-Nuwaab (Chamber of Deputies). The 1999 presidential vote gave Ben Ali a third consecutive term. Strictly speaking, a fourth term was forbidden by the constitution but a referendum in 2002 allowed Ali to stand for up to another two terms. Unsurprisingly, Ali won the controversial fourth term in 2004 with the main opposition party withdrawing two days prior to the vote stating that their participation would only serve to legitimise a rigged election.
Language
The official language is Arabic. French is the second language, Italian is spoken in major cities, and English and German mainly in tourist resorts.
Religion
The principal religion is Islam; there are small Roman Catholic, Protestant and Jewish minorities.
Electricity
220/110 volts AC, 50Hz. A two-pin continental plug/adaptor is needed.
Social Conventions
Arabic in culture and tradition, Tunisia is nevertheless one of the more liberal and tolerant Muslim countries. The nomadic Bedouin still follow their traditional way of life in the southern desert. The Tunisians' varied origins are shown in the architecture, crafts, music and regional folk dances. Tunisia has also developed an international reputation as an intellectual and cultural centre. Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. Hospitality is very important and a small gift in appreciation of hospitality or as a token of friendship is always appreciated. Dress can be informal but should respect the conventions of Islam when visiting religious monuments, ie shoulders and knees must be covered. Outside tourist resorts, scanty beachwear should not be worn.
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