Discover Fascinating Tunisia Facts
Dive into the history, culture, and unique insights about Tunisia.
Tunisia
Background
๐บ A Tapestry of History! Tunisia is a land rich in history, having been controlled by many powerful empires throughout the ages. It all started with the Phoenicians way back in the 12th century B.C.! ๐คฏ Later on, the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, and various Arab and Berber kingdoms took their turns. The Ottomans also made their mark! In 1818, Tunisia became a protectorate of France, and finally, in 1956, it was recognized as an independent state! ๐ Isn't it amazing how many different cultures and influences have shaped this beautiful country? ๐
First control by Phoenicians
12 century B.C.
Year France established protectorate
1818
Year Tunisia became independent
1956
Exports - commodities
๐ Tunisia's exports are fascinating and diverse! In 2022, the country shipped out several key commodities, which are essential for its economy. Here's a glimpse of what Tunisia is exporting:
- Garments ๐
- Insulated wire ๐
- Refined petroleum โฝ
- Crude petroleum ๐ข๏ธ
- Pure olive oil ๐ซ
Each of these exports plays a significant role in bringing in revenue and showcasing Tunisia to the world. Can you imagine how these products are helping boost the economy? ๐
Key Commodities Exported
garments, insulated wire, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, pure olive oil
Exports - partners
๐ Exports Partners of Tunisia ๐
In 2022, Tunisia had several important partners for its exports. The largest portion of exports went to France, which accounted for a whopping 22%! ๐ซ๐ท
Next up was Italy with 16% of the exports. ๐ฎ๐น Then came Germany, taking home 14%. ๐ฉ๐ช Spain and Libya rounded out the list, each contributing 4% to Tunisia's export portfolio. ๐ช๐ธ๐ฑ๐พ
Here's a fun pie chart to show how these exports are divided among Tunisian partners! ๐ฅง
Percentage of exports to France
22%
Percentage of exports to Italy
16%
Percentage of exports to Germany
14%
Percentage of exports to Spain
4%
Percentage of exports to Libya
4%
Export Partners of Tunisia in 2022
Capital
Tunis is the vibrant capital city of Tunisia! ๐ Known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and lively markets, Tunis is the heart of the country. Itโs a place where the past meets the present, offering both ancient ruins and modern attractions for everyone to enjoy. ๐๐
Imports - commodities
๐น๐ณ Tunisia imports a variety of important commodities to meet its needs! Here are some of the key imports from 2022:
- Refined Petroleum ๐ข๏ธ
- Natural Gas ๐จ
- Plastic Products ๐๏ธ
- Wheat ๐พ
- Cars ๐
These commodities play a crucial role in Tunisia's economy and everyday life, providing energy, food, transportation, and various consumer goods.
Climate
๐ Tunisia experiences two main climate zones! In the north, the weather is temperate, with mild and rainy winters โ๏ธ, and hot, dry summers โ๏ธ. Meanwhile, the southern part of the country transforms into a desert, featuring dry and arid conditions ๐๏ธ. This variety in climate makes Tunisia unique and beautiful!
Climate Zones
2 main zones (temperate in the north and desert in the south)
Executive branch
In Tunisia, the executive branch is led by some key figures that play an important role in the government! ๐น๐ณ
Chief of State
The current President is Kais SAIED, who has held the position since 23 October 2019. ๐๏ธ
Head of Government
The Prime Minister is Kamel MADDOURI, who took over the position on 7 August 2024. ๐ Notably, on the same day Kamel was appointed, the former Prime Minister, Ahmed HACHANI, was dismissed by President Kais SAIED.
This change in leadership showcases the dynamic political atmosphere in Tunisia. ๐
Current Chief of State
Kais SAIED
Date of Current Chief of State's Appointment
23 October 2019
Current Head of Government
Kamel MADDOURI
Date of Current Head of Government's Appointment
7 August 2024
Legislative branch
Tunisia has a bicameral legislature ๐๏ธ, which means it has two parts! This consists of the National Council of Regions and Districts, which has 77 seats ๐ช, and the Assembly of the People's Representatives, which boasts 161 seats ๐ณ๏ธ. Together, these bodies help make laws and represent the people of Tunisia!
Total Seats in the Legislative Branch
238
Seats in the Assembly of the People's Representatives
161
Seats in the National Council of Regions and Districts
77
Seats in the Tunisian Legislature
Natural resources
Tunisia has a treasure chest of natural resources! ๐ Some of the key resources found in this beautiful North African country include petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, and salt. Each of these resources plays a significant role in Tunisia's economy and helps the nation thrive. ๐๐ฐ
Key Natural Resources
petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt
Economic overview
Tunisia is a lower middle-income ๐ฆ economy located in North Africa. The country is currently undergoing necessary changes to meet the demands of foreign lenders. However, it faces challenges like high unemployment rates, particularly among youth and women ๐ฉโ๐๐ฉโ๐ง. The economy was also significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to these challenges, Tunisia has high public sector wages ๐ผ and public debt ๐ธ which impacts its economic stability. The government has introduced protectionist austerity measures ๐ to manage these issues. Tunisia is also recognized as a key trade partner for the European Union ๐ช๐บ, emphasizing its strategic economic relationships.
Stay tuned for more updates on Tunisia's economic reform efforts!
Economic Classification
Lower middle-income
Unemployment Focus
Youth and Women
Impact of COVID-19
Hit hard
Public Sector Wages
High
Public Debt
High
Trade Partner
Key EU
Government type
In Tunisia, the government is a parliamentary republic! ๐ This means that the parliament has significant power, and the head of government is often chosen from the parliament itself. It's a system that encourages representation and participation from the people! ๐ณ๏ธ
Type of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ethnic groups
In Tunisia, the population is predominantly Arab, making up a whopping 98% of the ethnic groups! ๐ There's a small blend of diversity with Europeans accounting for 1% and a mix of Jewish and other groups also at 1%. ๐ This ethnic composition reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Tunisia, where traditions and histories come together! ๐
Percentage of Arab Ethnic Group
98%
Percentage of European Ethnic Group
1%
Percentage of Jewish and Other Ethnic Groups
1%
Ethnic Groups in Tunisia
Religions
In Tunisia, religion plays a significant role in the lives of the people. ๐ The vast majority of the population, 99%, practices Islam, specifically Sunni Islam, which is the official religion of the country. On the other hand, religious minorities, including Christians, Jews, Shia Muslims, and Baha'i, make up less than 1% of the population. This shows a strong Islamic identity among Tunisians! ๐
Percentage of Muslims in Tunisia
99%
Percentage of Other Religions in Tunisia
<1%
Religious Distribution in Tunisia
Languages
In Tunisia, languages play an important role in both culture and daily life! ๐ฃ๏ธโจ The official language is Arabic, which is widely used everywhere. French is also a significant language for commerce, meaning it is used in business settings. Beyond these, there is Tamazight, which reflects the rich heritage of the country. Each language highlights a different aspect of Tunisian identity! ๐๐ฌ
Official Language
Arabic
Commercial Language
French
Other Language
Tamazight
Imports - partners
๐ Let's dive into the wonderful world of Tunisia's imports! In 2022, Tunisia traded with a variety of countries, and here's how the numbers break down in terms of percentages:
- Italy and France are tied at 14% each! ๐ฎ๐น๐ซ๐ท
- Following them is China at 9%! ๐จ๐ณ
- Germany comes next with 7%! ๐ฉ๐ช
- Lastly, Turkey makes its mark at 6%! ๐น๐ท
This import partnership shows how connected Tunisia is with these countries, which helps in trade and economy! ๐๐ผ
Highest Partner for Imports
Italy and France (14%)
Lowest Partner for Imports
Turkey (6%)
Tunisia's Import Partners (2022)
Population
๐ Tunisia has a total population of 12,048,847 people! That's a vibrant mix of cultures and traditions, making it a unique place to explore. With bustling streets and beautiful landscapes, every one of these people brings something special to this North African gem! ๐น๐ณ
Total Population of Tunisia
12,048,847
Area
๐ Tunisia is home to an area of 163,610 sq km! This area includes both land and water.
Here's the breakdown:
- Land Area: 155,360 sq km ๐ณ
- Water Area: 8,250 sq km ๐ง
This gives us a clear picture of Tunisia's geography!
Total Area
163610 sq km
Land Area
155360 sq km
Water Area
8250 sq km
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP in Tunisia ๐
Tunisia's economy is growing and making headway! Let's take a look at the Real GDP (purchasing power parity) over the recent years:
- 2023: $153.637 billion
- 2022: $152.988 billion
- 2021: $149.106 billion
As you can see, the GDP is steadily increasing, which is a great sign for the country's economic health! ๐ฑ๐ฐ
Let's visualize this growth!
We can use a bar chart to show how Tunisia's GDP is climbing from year to year. ๐
Real GDP in 2023
153.637 billion $
Real GDP in 2022
152.988 billion $
Real GDP in 2021
149.106 billion $
Tunisia's Real GDP Over Years
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per Capita in Tunisia ๐น๐ณ
Let's take a closer look at the Real GDP per capita of Tunisia over the past few years! GDP per capita helps us understand how much money, on average, each person in the country makes. It's an essential indicator of the economic health of a country.
Hereโs the estimated GDP per capita for Tunisia in the recent years:
- 2021: $12,200
- 2022: $12,400
- 2023: $12,300
As you can see, there are some ups and downs! ๐ Let's visualize this data to better understand it!
Highest GDP per Capita
$12,400
Lowest GDP per Capita
$12,200
Average GDP per Capita (2021-2023)
$12,300
Real GDP per Capita in Tunisia (2021-2023)
Imports
Tunisia's imports have shown a remarkable trend over the past few years! ๐ In 2022, the total value of imports reached a whopping $22.5 billion! Thatโs a significant increase from $18.198 billion in 2021, and even more from $14.574 billion in 2020. ๐
Letโs visualize this growth to see how Tunisia's economy is evolving!
Imports in 2022
$22.5 billion
Imports in 2021
$18.198 billion
Imports in 2020
$14.574 billion
Trend of Tunisia's Imports Over Years
Exports
๐ Tunisia's exports have shown an impressive growth over the past few years! ๐ Check out the estimated export values:
- 2020: $11.237 billion
- 2021: $14.054 billion
- 2022: $17.258 billion
As you can see, exports are on the rise! With such a positive trend, Tunisia is making its mark on the global stage! ๐ผ๐ฐ
Total Exports in 2022
$17.258 billion
Total Exports in 2021
$14.054 billion
Total Exports in 2020
$11.237 billion
Tunisia's Export Growth (2020-2022)
Population growth rate
๐ Tunisia's Population Growth Rate: Did you know Tunisia's population is growing? According to the estimates for 2024, the growth rate is 0.58%. This means that more and more people are calling Tunisia home! ๐ What a wonderful place to live and grow! ๐ก
Estimated Population Growth Rate for 2024
0.58%