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Tunisia Background Information

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.

Tunisia Quickstats

  • Population: 10,276,158 (July 2007 est.)
  • Area: 163,610 sq km
  • Density: 62 /km² (133rd (2005))
  • GDP (total): $ 86.67 billion (63rd)
  • GDP (per capita): $8,255 (71st)
  • Literacy: 74.3%

Languages of Tunisia

Useful to know

  • Currency: Tunisian dinar (TND)
  • Dial code: +216

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