Tunisia

Rivalry between French and Italian interests in Tunisia culminated in a French invasion in 1881 and the creation of a protectorate. Agitation for independence in the decades following World War I was finally successful in getting the French to recognize Tunisia as an independent state in 1956. The country's first president, Habib BOURGUIBA, established a strict one-party state. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation. Tunisia has long taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in its foreign relations. Domestically, it has sought to defuse rising pressure for a more open political society.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 10,276,158 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Tunisian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Tunisian

Official Language(s): Arabic

Major Languages Spoken: Arabic, French

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Tunisian Republic

Country Name (short form): Tunisia

Country Name (local long form): Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah

Country Name (local short form): Tunis

Name of Capital: Tunis

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Tunisia: Libya, Malta, Algeria

Land Area: 155360 sq km

Water Area: 8250 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly larger than Georgia

Total Land Boundry: 1,424 km

Coastline: 1,148 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 20 March (1956)

International Phone Code: 216

Currency Code: Tunisian dinar (TND)

Internet Country Code: .tn

US Embassy Location: Zone Nord-Est des Berges du Lac Nord de Tunis 1053

US Embassy Mailing Address: use embassy street address