Tunisia, the northernmost African country, is situated in the Maghreb region, bordered by Algeria, Libya, and the Mediterranean Sea. Covering 163,610 sq km, this nation of 12.1 million boasts a rich history evidenced by sites like the ancient city of Carthage. Known for its diverse geography, from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert, Tunisia is also recognized for its stunning coastline, including the point where the western and eastern Mediterranean Basin meet. Arabic is the official language, with French playing a significant role in administration and education. The majority of Tunisians are Arab and Muslim.
European settlements in Tunisia were actively encouraged during the French protectorate. By 1906, the number of French colonists had grown to 34,000.
In 1910, there were 105,000 Italians living in Tunisia, demonstrating the significant Italian presence in the country during that period.
The year 1930 marked the establishment of The Rachidia, a musical group renowned for its contributions to Tunisian music, with notable involvement from artists of the Jewish community.
Tunisian boxer Victor "Young" Perez made history in 1931 by becoming the world flyweight champion, bringing pride to the nation.
Victor Perez successfully defended his world flyweight title in 1932, further cementing his legacy as a Tunisian boxing legend.
The establishment of a musical school in 1934 played a pivotal role in reviving Arab Andalusian music in Tunisia. Driven by cultural elites concerned about preserving their heritage, this movement aimed to safeguard Tunisian national identity through music.
The launch of Radio Tunis in 1938 provided a significant platform for Tunisian musicians to reach a wider audience. The station's policy of exclusively promoting local talent further bolstered the national music scene.
The Tunisia Campaign, a series of battles between Axis and Allied forces that took place from 1942 to 1943, ended in May 1943 with the surrender of the Axis powers. This victory marked the end of the war in Africa.
The persecution and murder of Jews in Tunisia, part of the Holocaust in France, lasted from 1940 to 1943 under the Vichy government's antisemitic policies.
By 1945, the number of French colonists in Tunisia had significantly increased to 144,000, highlighting the impact of French colonization policies.
In 1945, Tunisian nationalist leader Habib Bourguiba escaped French surveillance and arrived in Cairo, where he established contact with the Arab League to garner support for Tunisian independence.
After connecting with the Arab League in 1945, Habib Bourguiba traveled to other Middle Eastern countries and then to the United States in 1946. He addressed the United Nations and met with U.S. State Department officials, advocating for Tunisian nationalist causes.
In 1948, the Jewish population in Tunisia was estimated to be around 105,000.
Habib Bourguiba visited the United States in September 1949 and attended the American Federation of Labor meeting in San Francisco. However, his presence was met with opposition from France, and the U.S. was also wary of political change in North Africa due to concerns about potential Soviet communist expansion.
The School of Tunis, a significant movement in Tunisian contemporary painting, was established in 1949. This group of artists, including both French and Tunisian members from various faiths, sought to incorporate native themes while rejecting the prevailing influence of Orientalist colonial painting.
Continuing his diplomatic efforts, Habib Bourguiba traveled to Italy in November 1951 and met with prominent figures, including Alberto Mellini Ponce De León, Mario Toscano, and Licinio Vestri, seeking support for Tunisian independence. However, Italy remained neutral, unwilling to jeopardize its relations with France, a NATO ally, or future ties with Tunisia, a strategically important country in the Mediterranean.
On August 25, 1953, Jean de Hautecloque, the French Resident General in Tunisia, left Tunis for Paris and was replaced by Pierre Voizard, the former French Minister to Monaco.
A month after his appointment, on September 26, 1953, Pierre Voizard, the new French Resident General in Tunisia, introduced several reforms to alleviate tensions in the country. He lifted press censorship, released political prisoners, restored full powers to civil authorities, and lifted the state of siege in the Sahel.
In January 1954, Pierre Voizard announced new reforms aimed at granting more sovereignty to Tunisians while protecting French interests and citizens. However, the Neo-Destour group opposed these reforms unless they were involved in their creation. They also demanded the release of Habib Bourguiba, who was imprisoned on the Isle of Galete.
Tunisia gained independence from France in March 1956, with Habib Bourguiba as Prime Minister.
Following Tunisia's independence in 1956, the art scene flourished, driven by national pride and state support. The establishment of a Ministry of Culture fostered artistic development, with artists like Hatem El Mekki and Zoubeir Turki gaining international acclaim. This era witnessed diverse artistic expressions, from Sadok Gmech's nationally inspired works to Moncef Ben Amor's fantastical creations, and Youssef Rekik's revival of glass painting and Nja Mahdaoui calligraphy.
Following Tunisia's independence, a significant exodus of Europeans and Jews occurred, leaving a diminished population compared to the 255,000 Europeans present in 1956.
In 1956, Tunisia gained independence from France and became the Tunisian Republic under the leadership of Habib Bourguiba. This victory was achieved with the help of prominent activists like Chedly Kallala, Farhat Hached, and Salah Ben Youssef.
The Tunisian census of 1956 revealed a population of 3,783,000, composed of 95% Arabs and Berbers, 256,000 Europeans, and 105,000 Jews.
Tunisia abolished Sharia courts in 1956, marking a significant step in its legal system's secularization.
Tunisia adopted the Code of Personal Status in 1956, granting women full legal status, including rights to own businesses, manage bank accounts, and obtain passports independently.
The Hussein dynasty of beys, which had ruled Tunisia and achieved virtual independence from the Ottoman Empire since 1705, came to an end in 1957.
The Tunisian media landscape was shaped by the founding of Tunisian Radio and Television in 1957, later becoming the Establishment of the Broadcasting Authority Tunisia (ERTT), controlling both radio and television broadcasting.
In May 1964, Tunisia nationalized foreign-owned farmlands, leading to a cut in financial aid from France.
Tunisia's pioneering role in African basketball was evident in 1965 when the nation hosted the prestigious Afrobasket tournament, marking their early support for the sport.
The Carthage Film Festival, a biennial event showcasing films from the Maghreb, Africa, and the Middle East, was inaugurated in 1966. Established by Tunisia's Minister of Culture, the festival celebrates cinematic talent from the region, awarding the prestigious "Golden Tanit" to the best film.
Oil production commenced in Tunisia in 1966.
In 1974, ONAS was founded to oversee the sanitation sector in Tunisia.
Tunisia became a filming location for the Star Wars film franchise starting in 1977.
In 1982, Tunisia became the headquarters for the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali assumed the presidency in November 1987 following Bourguiba's declared unfitness to rule.
In 1987, despite constitutional guarantees of press freedom, Tunisia had only 91 newspapers and magazines, with most adhering to the government's narrative. Criticism of the president, government, and the ruling party was suppressed.
Once again, in 1987, Tunisia demonstrated its commitment to basketball by hosting the Afrobasket tournament for the second time, showcasing their continued dedication to the sport's development in Africa.
Starting in 1991, Tunisia implemented compulsory basic education for children aged 6 to 16, demonstrating the nation's dedication to providing quality education.
In 1993, Tunisia implemented additional reforms to its personal status law, enabling women to pass on citizenship to their children even if married to a foreigner and residing abroad.
Since 1993, ONAS has been recognized as the primary authority responsible for safeguarding the water environment and combating pollution in Tunisia.
Tunisia became the first Mediterranean country to sign an Association Agreement with the European Union in July 1995.
By 1995, the number of students in Tunisia's higher education system was approximately 102,000.
In 2002, Tunisia saw the publication of 1,249 non-school books, with a significant portion (885 titles) in Arabic. Notably, almost a third of these publications were dedicated to children's literature.
In a historic triumph, Tunisia's national football team, "The Eagles of Carthage," clinched the African Cup of Nations title on home soil in 2004.
Tunisia served as a filming location for the Star Wars franchise until 2005.
Tunisia's men's national handball team showcased their prowess on the international stage, securing a commendable fourth-place finish in the 2005 Handball World Championship. Wissem Hmam, a prominent Tunisian player, emerged as the top scorer in the tournament held in Tunis.
The number of students in Tunisia's higher education system increased significantly to 365,000 by 2005, highlighting the country's focus on expanding access to education.
In November 2006, President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali announced the separation of ERTT into two distinct companies, aiming to restructure the broadcasting sector.
The number of non-school books published in Tunisia rose to 1,500 in 2006, marking a steady growth in the country's literary output.
Tunisia's military expenditure in 2006 constituted 1.6% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The demerger of ERTT, announced in the previous year, came into effect in August 2007, leading to the formation of two separate entities for television and radio broadcasting.
Continuing the upward trend, Tunisia's book publishing industry produced 1,700 titles in 2007, reflecting a vibrant literary scene.
The International Religious Freedom Report of 2007 estimated that thousands of Tunisian Muslims had converted to Christianity.
Tunisia achieved a gross enrollment rate of 31% in tertiary education in 2007, demonstrating progress in making higher education accessible. The gender parity index for GER was 1.5, reflecting efforts toward achieving gender balance in education.
By 2007, Tunisia's media landscape expanded to include 245 newspapers and magazines, with 90% privately owned. However, opposition party newspapers faced limitations despite formal press freedom.
As of 2008, the Tunisian military consisted of 27,000 personnel in the army, 4,800 in the navy, and 154 aircraft in the air force, with military spending at 1.6% of GDP in 2006.
By 2008, Tunisia became the first non-EU Mediterranean country to enter into a free trade agreement with the European Union after finalizing the removal of tariffs on industrial products.
In 2008, Tunisia achieved a high adult literacy rate of 78%, signifying its emphasis on education. This rate rose to 97.3% when considering individuals aged 15 to 24 years old.
In 2008, Tunisia produced a total of 13,747 GWh of electricity, primarily generated locally by the state-owned company STEG.
In 2008, Tunisia was ranked low in terms of press freedom, reflecting a lack of political freedoms.
In 2008, the Tunisian economy reached US$41 billion in nominal terms and US$82 billion in purchasing power parity (PPP).
Tunisian swimmer Oussama Mellouli achieved Olympic glory in 2008 by winning the gold medal in the men's 1500 meter freestyle event at the Beijing Olympics.
Ben Ali was re-elected for the last time in October 2009, amidst growing unrest.
In 2009, Tunisia was recognized as the most competitive economy in Africa by the World Economic Forum.
In 2009, Tunisia had a ratio of 12.02 physicians and 33.12 nurses for every 10,000 individuals.
Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor, set himself on fire in December 2010 in protest against government corruption and economic hardship, sparking the Tunisian Revolution.
In 2010, Tunisia dedicated 3.37% of its GDP to healthcare.
In 2010, approximately 6,639,000 people in Tunisia, roughly 64% of the population, were French speakers, underscoring its significant role in education, media, and business, despite not being an official language.
Following January 2011, the Tunisian military, under the executive branch's directive, assumed a greater responsibility for maintaining domestic security and responding to humanitarian crises.
In January 2011, following widespread protests, Ben Ali fled the country after 23 years in power.
Bouazizi's death in January 2011 intensified the protests, ultimately leading to Ben Ali's resignation.
The interim president announced in March 2011 that elections for a Constituent Assembly would be held.
It was announced in June 2011 that the elections would be delayed.
The elections for the Constituent Assembly were postponed until October 2011.
Tunisia held elections for the Constituent Assembly in October 2011, with the Ennahda Movement emerging as the largest party.
Moncef Marzouki was elected president in December 2011.
Tunisia's national basketball team etched their names in African basketball history by winning the 2011 Afrobasket championship, solidifying their status as a continental powerhouse.
In 2011, the newly elected constituent assembly in Tunisia saw a significant representation of women, holding between 24% and 31% of the seats.
In 2011, sparked by growing discontent with the lack of freedom and democracy under President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's 24-year rule, the Tunisian Revolution led to the overthrow of his regime. This event was also a catalyst for the Arab Spring movement across the region.
In 2011, a new airport, Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport, opened north of Sousse in Enfidha, Tunisia, to primarily serve the resorts of Hamammet and Port El Kantaoui, along with inland cities like Kairouan.
The Tunisian Revolution, marked by protests and civil unrest, took place in 2011.
By 2011, Tunisia achieved almost universal access to safe drinking water, reaching nearly 100% in urban areas and 90% in rural areas, securing its position as a leader in water and sanitation services within the Middle East and North Africa.
By February 2012, Tunisia experienced a significant increase in legalized political parties after the revolution, exceeding 100, although many were small and newly formed.
The Ennahda Movement declared in March 2012 that it would not support making sharia the main source of legislation.
In 2012, Tunisia boasted the lowest non-revenue water rate in its region, standing at 21%, highlighting its successful water management strategies.
Tunisia's athletes delivered a stellar performance at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, claiming an impressive 19 medals, including 9 golds. This outstanding achievement placed Tunisia 14th on the medal table and 5th in Athletics.
Oussama Mellouli continued his Olympic success in 2012, winning a bronze medal in the 1500 meter freestyle and a remarkable gold medal in the men's 10 kilometer marathon swim at the London Olympics.
Chokri Belaid, a leftist opposition leader, was assassinated in February 2013.
In 2013, approximately 12% of Tunisians identified as non-religious, marking a notable shift in the country's religious landscape.
By 2013, the Jewish population in Tunisia had drastically declined to approximately 1,000.
In January 2014, Tunisia adopted a new constitution that guaranteed rights for women and declared Islam as the President's religion.
Following the Arab Spring, Tunisia held its first elections under the newly ratified constitution in October 2014.
On October 2014, Tunisia, having overthrown the regime of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011, held free multiparty parliamentary elections.
Following the parliamentary elections in October, Tunisia held its presidential elections in November 2014.
On November 23, 2014, Tunisia conducted its first presidential election since the 2011 Arab Spring.
In a groundbreaking event in 2014, Tunisian American writer and translator Med-Ali Mekki completed the first-ever English translation of the new Tunisian Constitution. This translation, published the following year, gained significant online traction, becoming the most viewed and downloaded Tunisian book on the internet.
President Moncef Marzouki established the Truth and Dignity Commission in 2014 as part of a national reconciliation process.
The Tunisian Solar Plan, aiming for 30% renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2030, was proposed by the National Agency for Energy Conservation. As of October 2015, Tunisia had 312 MW of renewable energy capacity.
In 2015, Tunisia hosted the Afrobasket tournament for the third time, underscoring their significant contributions to the sport's growth and development on the African continent.
Tunisia suffered two major terrorist attacks in 2015, but also saw the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet win the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts in peacebuilding.
Tunisia abandoned its plans for nuclear power stations in 2015 and shifted focus towards exploring alternative energy sources like renewable energy, coal, shale gas, liquefied natural gas, and a submarine power connection with Italy.
The life expectancy at birth in Tunisia in 2016 was 75.73 years, with 73.72 years for males and 77.78 years for females. However, the infant mortality rate in the same year was 11.7 per 1,000.
Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Tunisia as the least corrupt North African nation in 2016, with a score of 41.
A 2018 Arab Barometer survey reported that 99.4% of Tunisians identified as Muslim, with over a third identifying as non-religious, a significant increase from 12% in 2013.
Tunisia's handball dominance continued in 2018 as they defeated Egypt to claim their tenth African Cup of Nations title, solidifying their position as a handball powerhouse.
Beji Caid Essebsi, Tunisia's first democratically elected president, passed away in July 2019.
Kais Saied won the presidential election in October 2019, succeeding Essebsi.
From 2014 to 2020, Tunisia was considered the only democratic state in the Arab world, according to the Democracy Index. However, after 2020, the country experienced a democratic backsliding and is now rated as a hybrid regime.
The years 2020-2022 saw a significant decline in Tunisia's electoral democracy, with the V-Dem Democracy Index for electoral democracy dropping from 0.727 in 2020 to 0.307 in 2022.
Tunisia had initially planned to have two nuclear power stations operational by 2020, each with a projected output of 900-1000 MW.
Amidst protests and the COVID-19 pandemic, President Saied suspended parliament in July 2021.
Saied announced plans for constitutional amendments in September 2021.
The 2021 Arab Barometer survey indicated that 44% of Tunisians considered themselves religious, 37% somewhat religious, and 19% non-religious.
From 2021 onwards, Tunisian tennis experienced a surge in popularity thanks to the exceptional performance of Ons Jabeur. Her meteoric rise in the rankings, reaching a career-high of world number 3 and competing in three Grand Slam finals, including two at Wimbledon, captivated the nation.
According to the CIA, Tunisia's population reached 11,811,335 in 2021.
Tunisia's status as the only democracy in North Africa ended in 2021 following a period of democratic backsliding.
Tunisia began talks with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout in February 2022.
Tunisia was elected to the African Union's Peace and Security Council for the 2022-2024 term in February 2022.
On May 25, 2022, President Kais Saied issued a decree to change the Tunisian constitution, leading to a referendum on July 25, 2022, which resulted in increased presidential powers.
Recent surveys from July 2022, including those highlighted by BBC's The Newsroom, indicate a reversal in the trend of declining religiosity in Tunisia. This contradicts earlier surveys, like those from the Arab Barometer, which suggested a rise in non-religious identification.
In September 2022, President Kais Saied introduced Decree Law 54, ostensibly aimed at curbing "false information" online but raising concerns about potential restrictions on freedom of expression. The decree carried heavy penalties for disseminating information deemed false, particularly about state officials.
Tunisia transitioned to a unitary semi-presidential republic after a constitutional referendum in 2022.
The Tunisian government shut down the Ennahda party's headquarters and arrested its leader in April 2023.
In June 2023, the World Bank Group granted Tunisia a loan of $268.4 million to finance the ELMED project, enabling the import of renewable energy from Italy to Sicily and the EU through a 600 Megawatt undersea cable.
President Saied requested to postpone an EU delegation visit to discuss migration in September 2023.
Abir Moussi, leader of the Free Destourian Party, was detained in October 2023, marking another instance of opposition figures being targeted.
Saied rejected EU aid in October 2023, considering the amount insufficient, leading to surprise from Brussels.
Ons Jabeur's consistent performance at the highest level of tennis continued to inspire aspiring players and boost the sport's popularity in Tunisia and the Arab world.
Tunisia secured the 79th position in the Global Innovation Index in 2023.
Tunisia's term on the African Union's Peace and Security Council is set to end in 2024.
Tunisia aims to achieve a 30% share of renewable energies in its electricity mix by 2030, with a primary focus on wind and solar power.