About TN
Location
Tunisia is a country located in North Africa, bordered by Algeria to the west and southwest, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east.
Capital
The capital city of Tunisia is Tunis.
Population
As of the latest estimates, Tunisia has a population of approximately 11.8 million people.
Area
Tunisia covers an area of about 163,610 square kilometers (63,170 square miles).
Official Language
The official language of Tunisia is Arabic.
Government
Tunisia is a unitary semi-presidential representative democratic republic. The President serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Parliament of Tunisia is a unicameral body called the Assembly of the Representatives of the People.
Independence
Tunisia gained independence from French colonial rule on March 20, 1956.
Currency
The currency of Tunisia is the Tunisian dinar (TND).
Economy
Tunisia has a diverse economy with sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, services, and tourism. The country has made significant strides in economic reform and liberalization since the 1980s. Key industries include textiles, olive oil production, tourism, and manufacturing.
Natural Features
Tunisia's landscape includes fertile coastal plains, the Atlas Mountains in the north, and the Sahara Desert in the south. The country has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Culture
Tunisia has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its history as a crossroads of civilizations, including Phoenician, Roman, Arab, and French influences. The country is known for its vibrant traditions, including music, dance, cuisine, and festivals. Tunisian cuisine is characterized by its use of spices, olive oil, and fresh ingredients.
Religion
Islam is the predominant religion in Tunisia, with the majority of the population adhering to Sunni Islam. The country also has small Christian and Jewish communities.
Infrastructure
Tunisia has developed infrastructure, including modern transportation networks, telecommunications systems, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. The country has invested in infrastructure projects to support economic development and tourism.
International Relations
Tunisia is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the Arab League, and the African Union. The country maintains diplomatic relations with countries around the world and plays an active role in regional and international affairs.
Tourism
Tunisia is a popular tourist destination, known for its ancient ruins, historic sites, Mediterranean beaches, and desert landscapes. Tourist attractions include the ancient city of Carthage, the Roman amphitheater of El Djem, the medina of Tunis, the Sahara Desert, and the coastal resort town of Hammamet.
National Items of Tunisia
Carthage
Carthage is an ancient city located near Tunis, known for its historical significance as a powerful city in the Carthaginian Empire. It symbolizes Tunisia's rich historical heritage and ancient civilizations.
Olive Trees
Olive trees are widely cultivated in Tunisia and are central to its agriculture. They symbolize agricultural heritage, economic importance, and traditional farming practices.
Harissa
Harissa is a spicy chili paste used in Tunisian cuisine. It symbolizes rich culinary heritage, vibrant flavors, and cultural influences.
Tunisian Pottery
Traditional Tunisian pottery, often decorated with intricate designs, symbolizes rich artisanal heritage, cultural identity, and craftsmanship.
Bardo National Museum
The Bardo National Museum in Tunis is known for its extensive collection of Roman mosaics. It symbolizes Tunisia's rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and artistic traditions.
Tunisian Date Palms
Date palms are an important agricultural product in Tunisia, particularly in the southern regions. They symbolize agricultural heritage, sustenance, and traditional farming practices.
Medina of Tunis
The Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolizes historical heritage, architectural beauty, and cultural significance.
Tunisian Desert
The vast desert regions of Tunisia, including parts of the Sahara Desert, symbolize natural beauty, adventurous spirit, and traditional nomadic lifestyle.
Couscous
Couscous is a staple food in Tunisian cuisine. It symbolizes rich culinary heritage, cultural diversity, and traditional cooking practices.
Tunisian Chechia
The Chechia is a traditional Tunisian red woolen hat worn by men. It symbolizes cultural identity, traditional fashion, and national pride.
Djerba Island
Djerba Island is known for its unique culture, beautiful beaches, and historical sites. It symbolizes natural beauty, cultural richness, and tourism appeal.
Tunisian Mint Tea
Mint tea is a popular beverage in Tunisia. It symbolizes hospitality, social customs, and cultural traditions.
Amphitheatre of El Jem
The Amphitheatre of El Jem is a Roman amphitheater and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It symbolizes historical heritage, architectural grandeur, and ancient Roman influence.
Berber Rugs
Traditional Berber rugs, known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, symbolize rich artisanal heritage, cultural identity, and craftsmanship.
Tunisian Handicrafts
Traditional Tunisian handicrafts, including ceramics, textiles, and leatherwork, symbolize rich artisanal heritage, cultural identity, and craftsmanship.
Briq
Briq is a traditional Tunisian pastry filled with egg, tuna, and other ingredients. It symbolizes rich culinary heritage and cultural diversity.
Carthaginian Ruins
The ruins of Carthage symbolize Tunisia's ancient history, archaeological significance, and cultural heritage.
Tunisian Folk Music
Tunisian folk music, featuring instruments like the oud and darbuka, symbolizes rich musical heritage, cultural expression, and artistic traditions.
Traditional Tunisian Dress
Traditional Tunisian dress, including the Djebba and Farmla, symbolizes cultural identity, heritage, and traditional fashion.
The national anthem of Tunisia is called "Humat al-Hima" (حماة الحمى), which translates to "Defenders of the Homeland" in English. Here are the lyrics in Arabic along with an English translation:
حماة الحمى يا وطني فداء
رددي النداء الأخير
أرضكِ وسماؤكِ يا حرية
مالذي يريد العدوّ الأسير؟
حماة الحمى يا شعبنا ارتقوا
حتى يسطع الفجر البهي
عصاكِ وشراكِ يا عزة
مالذي يريد العدوّ الأبي؟
إنها الحرية يا سيدي إنها
تتنفس في كل جوانب الوطن
هاهي الساحات تهتف بالحرية
وتهز الأقوال الشمس العين
حماة الحمى يا موطني العزيز
قاوم تحت ظلال السماء
حماة الحمى يا شعبي البطل
كن كالشامخ في قوتكِ ورجاء
إذا استحكمتم العزم واستفدتم
من الحكمة والقوة والمعنى
أنتم أحرار وأعظم من الظلمة
ولن ترهبكم الظلمة والغمام
حماة الحمى يا شعبنا البطل
أترون موت الحرية وموت الأمجاد؟
أبشروا واصبروا فالليل الطويل
لا يدوم والحلم يعود بالأفق
Defenders of the homeland, O defenders!
Heed the final call,
Your land and sky, O freedom,
What does the enemy, the captive, seek?
Defenders of the homeland, O our people, rise,
Until the radiant dawn appears,
Your staff and your shield, O glory,
What does the defiant enemy seek?
It is freedom, O my master, it is
Breathing on every side of the homeland,
Here are the squares crying out for freedom,
And the sun shaking the horizons.
Defenders of the homeland, O my dear country,
Resist under the shadow of the sky,
Defenders of the homeland, O heroic people,
Be like the towering mountain in your strength and hope.
When your determination is strong, and you derive
Wisdom, strength, and meaning,
You are freer and greater than darkness,
And darkness and clouds will not intimidate you.
Defenders of the homeland, O our heroic people,
Do you see the death of freedom and the death of glory?
Rejoice and be patient, for the long night
Will not last, and dreams will return to the horizon.
