🇹🇳map Tunisia [Overview]

Tunisia, known locally as Tunis, sits at the northern tip of Africa along the Mediterranean, wedged between Algeria and Libya and facing Italy across the sea. Arabic is the everyday language and the script you’ll see on street signs, though French is widely used in business and government. The country has roughly twelve million people, most living in and around coastal cities like Tunis, Sfax, and Sousse. Tunisia’s coastline has long connected it to the wider world; centuries before modern trade, Carthaginian sailors launched from here to crisscross the Mediterranean.

Economy

Most Tunisians work in services, from hospitality and retail to education, finance, and a growing tech and outsourcing scene. Manufacturing is another pillar, especially textiles, automotive components, and electrical goods, much of it geared to export. The country’s varied geography supports olive cultivation and citrus along the coast, dates and grains inland, and phosphates for fertilizer production in the south. Tourism remains important, with beach resorts, desert adventures, and archaeological sites drawing visitors, and there’s also momentum in renewable energy as Tunisia leans into its sunny climate and wind potential.

Tunisia is well plugged into European and African markets. It trades heavily with the EU, especially France, Italy, and Germany, and benefits from longstanding cooperation agreements that ease commerce and standards alignment. Sea links from major ports like Rades-La Goulette connect to Mediterranean hubs, while regional airlines tie Tunis-Carthage Airport to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Tunisia belongs to the African Union and participates in regional economic initiatives, helping it look both north to Europe and south across the continent for partners and opportunities.

Culture

Arabic is dominant in daily life, and many people are comfortably bilingual in French; English is increasingly common among younger professionals and in tech circles. The population is largely Arab-Berber, with cultural layers shaped by Phoenician, Roman, Arab-Islamic, Ottoman, and French eras—visible in everything from cuisine to architecture. Tunisians have a strong appreciation for learning, arts, and debate; you’ll find lively café culture, festivals of film and music, and a thriving tradition of crafts, from handwoven carpets to fine ceramics.

Islam is the predominant religion, and public life follows the rhythm of the Islamic calendar, including Ramadan and Eid celebrations. National holidays highlight both modern statehood and cultural identity, such as Independence Day in March, Republic Day in July, and Revolution and Youth Day in January. In coastal towns, summer brings community festivals and music events, while in the south, desert gatherings underscore the country’s deep Saharan ties.

Amara
Amara is a business strategist and cultural liaison originally from Nairobi, Kenya, with over 12 years of experience in African markets and international corporate development across the continent. Having worked for major multinational corporations and regional organizations including the African Development Bank and East African Community, Amara has extensive experience facilitating the relocation of international talent to Kenya, South Africa, and other key African markets, as well as helping African professionals navigate assignments abroad.