Tunisia - TN - TUN - TUN - Africa
Last updated: May 06, 2025
Tunisia Images
Tunisia Factbook Data
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Joey HOOD (since 2 February 2023)
embassy: Les Berges du Lac, 1053 Tunis
mailing address: 6360 Tunis Place, Washington DC 20521-6360
telephone: [216] 71-107-000
FAX: [216] 71-107-090
email address and website:
tuniswebsitecontact@state.gov
https://tn.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Les Berges du Lac, 1053 Tunis
mailing address: 6360 Tunis Place, Washington DC 20521-6360
telephone: [216] 71-107-000
FAX: [216] 71-107-090
email address and website:
tuniswebsitecontact@state.gov
https://tn.usembassy.gov/
Age structure
0-14 years: 24.4% (male 1,516,871/female 1,426,522)
15-64 years: 65.2% (male 3,861,731/female 3,990,802)
65 years and over: 10.4% (2024 est.) (male 593,640/female 659,281)
15-64 years: 65.2% (male 3,861,731/female 3,990,802)
65 years and over: 10.4% (2024 est.) (male 593,640/female 659,281)
This is the population pyramid for Tunisia. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
Geographic coordinates
34 00 N, 9 00 E
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Natural hazards
flooding; earthquakes; droughts
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Georgia
slightly larger than Georgia
Military service age and obligation
18-23 years of age for voluntary service for men and women; 20-23 years of age for compulsory (national) service for men with a 12-month service obligation; individuals engaged in higher education or vocational training programs prior to their military drafting are allowed to delay service until they have completed their programs (up to age 35); exemptions allowed for males considered to a family's sole provider (2023)
note: women have been allowed in the service since 1975 as volunteers; as of 2023, women constituted about 8% of the military and served in all three services
note: women have been allowed in the service since 1975 as volunteers; as of 2023, women constituted about 8% of the military and served in all three services
Background
Many empires have controlled Tunisia, including the Phoenicians (as early as the 12 century B.C.), Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, various Arab and Berber kingdoms, and Ottomans (16th to late-19th centuries). 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 after World War I finally convinced 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. In 1987, Zine el Abidine BEN ALI replaced BOURGUIBA in a bloodless coup.
Street protests that began in Tunis in 2010 over high unemployment, corruption, widespread poverty, and high food prices escalated in 2011, culminating in rioting that led to hundreds of deaths and later became known as the start of the regional Arab Spring uprising. BEN ALI dismissed the government and fled the country, and a "national unity government" was formed. Elections for the new Constituent Assembly were held later that year, and human rights activist Moncef MARZOUKI was elected as interim president. The Assembly began drafting a new constitution in 2012 and, after several iterations and a months-long political crisis that stalled the transition, ratified the document in 2014. Parliamentary and presidential elections for a permanent government were held at the end of 2014. Beji CAID ESSEBSI was elected as the first president under the country's new constitution. After ESSEBSI’s death in office in 2019, Kais SAIED was elected. SAIED's term, as well as that of Tunisia's 217-member parliament, was set to expire in 2024. However, in 2021, SAIED used the exceptional powers allowed under Tunisia's constitution to dismiss the prime minister and suspend the legislature. Tunisians approved a new constitution through public referendum in 2022, expanding presidential powers and creating a new bicameral legislature.
Environment - current issues
toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and poses health risks; water pollution from raw sewage; limited natural freshwater resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification
Environment - international agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
Military expenditures
2.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
2.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
3% of GDP (2021 est.)
3% of GDP (2020 est.)
3.8% of GDP (2019 est.)
2.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
3% of GDP (2021 est.)
3% of GDP (2020 est.)
3.8% of GDP (2019 est.)
Population below poverty line
16.6% (2021 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.1% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 27% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
highest 10%: 27% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
garments, insulated wire, olive oil, refined petroleum, crude petroleum (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
France 22%, Italy 17%, Germany 13%, USA 4%, Libya 4% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Administrative divisions
24 governorates (wilayat, singular - wilayah); Beja (Bajah), Ben Arous (Bin 'Arus), Bizerte (Banzart), Gabes (Qabis), Gafsa (Qafsah), Jendouba (Jundubah), Kairouan (Al Qayrawan), Kasserine (Al Qasrayn), Kebili (Qibili), Kef (Al Kaf), L'Ariana (Aryanah), Mahdia (Al Mahdiyah), Manouba (Manubah), Medenine (Madanin), Monastir (Al Munastir), Nabeul (Nabul), Sfax (Safaqis), Sidi Bouzid (Sidi Bu Zayd), Siliana (Silyanah), Sousse (Susah), Tataouine (Tatawin), Tozeur (Tawzar), Tunis, Zaghouan (Zaghwan)
Agricultural products
milk, tomatoes, olives, onions, chillies/peppers, watermelons, potatoes, wheat, dates, oranges (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Military and security forces
Tunisian Armed Forces (Forces Armées Tunisiennes, FAT): Tunisian Army (includes Air Defense Force), Tunisian Navy, Tunisia Air Force
Ministry of Interior (MoI): Internal Security Forces (National Police, National Guard) (2025)
note: the National Police has primary responsibility for law enforcement in the major cities, while the National Guard (gendarmerie) oversees border security and patrols smaller towns and rural areas
Ministry of Interior (MoI): Internal Security Forces (National Police, National Guard) (2025)
note: the National Police has primary responsibility for law enforcement in the major cities, while the National Guard (gendarmerie) oversees border security and patrols smaller towns and rural areas
Budget
revenues: $10.866 billion (2019 est.)
expenditures: $12.375 billion (2019 est.)
expenditures: $12.375 billion (2019 est.)
Capital
name: Tunis
geographic coordinates: 36 48 N, 10 11 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the origin of the ancient name is unclear; it is sometimes associated with the name of the Phoenician goddess Tanith
geographic coordinates: 36 48 N, 10 11 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the origin of the ancient name is unclear; it is sometimes associated with the name of the Phoenician goddess Tanith
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, plastic products, cars, plastics (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Climate
temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south
Coastline
1,148 km
Constitution
history:
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic or by one third of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People membership; following review by the Constitutional Court, approval to proceed requires an absolute majority vote by the Assembly and final passage requires a two-thirds Assembly majority vote; the president can opt to submit an amendment to a referendum, which requires an absolute majority of votes cast for passage
several previous; latest - draft published by the president 30 June 2022, approved by referendum 25 July 2022, and adopted 27 July 2022
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic or by one third of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People membership; following review by the Constitutional Court, approval to proceed requires an absolute majority vote by the Assembly and final passage requires a two-thirds Assembly majority vote; the president can opt to submit an amendment to a referendum, which requires an absolute majority of votes cast for passage
Exchange rates
Tunisian dinars (TND) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
3.106 (2023 est.)
3.104 (2022 est.)
2.794 (2021 est.)
2.812 (2020 est.)
2.934 (2019 est.)
Exchange rates:
3.106 (2023 est.)
3.104 (2022 est.)
2.794 (2021 est.)
2.812 (2020 est.)
2.934 (2019 est.)
Executive branch
chief of state: President Kais SAIED (since 23 October 2019)
head of government: Prime Minister Sarra ZAAFRANI Zenzri (since 21 March 2025)
cabinet: prime minister appointed by the president; cabinet members appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister
elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); last held on 6 October 2024 (next to be held in 2029)
election results:
note: the president can dismiss any member of government on his own initiative or in consultation with the prime minister
head of government: Prime Minister Sarra ZAAFRANI Zenzri (since 21 March 2025)
cabinet: prime minister appointed by the president; cabinet members appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister
elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); last held on 6 October 2024 (next to be held in 2029)
election results:
2024: Kais SAIED reelected president in first round - Kais SAIED (independent) 90.7%, Ayachi ZAMMEL (Long Live Tunisia) 7.3%, Zouhair MAGHZAOUI (People's Movement) 2%
2019: Kais SAIED elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Kais SAIED (independent) 18.4%, Nabil KAROUI (Heart of Tunisia) 15.6%, Abdelfattah MOUROU (Nahda Movement) 12.9%, Abdelkrim ZBIDI (independent) 10.7%, Youssef CHAHED (Long Live Tunisia) 7.4%, Safi SAID (independent) 7.1%, Lotfi MRAIHI (Republican People's Union) 6.6%, other 21.3%; percent of vote in second round - Kais SAIED 72.7%, Nabil KAROUI 27.3%
note: the president can dismiss any member of government on his own initiative or in consultation with the prime minister
Flag description
red with a white disk in the center bearing a red crescent nearly encircling a red five-pointed star; resembles the Ottoman flag (red banner with white crescent and star) and recalls Tunisia's history as part of the Ottoman Empire; red represents the blood shed by martyrs in the struggle against oppression, white stands for peace; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam
note: the flag is based on that of Turkey, itself a successor state to the Ottoman Empire
note: the flag is based on that of Turkey, itself a successor state to the Ottoman Empire
Independence
20 March 1956 (from France)
Industries
petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate, iron ore), tourism, textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverages
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Cassation (consists of the first president, chamber presidents, and magistrates; organized into 27 civil and 11 criminal chambers)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Supreme Judicial Council, an independent 4-part body consisting mainly of elected judges and the remainder legal specialists; judge tenure based on terms of appointment; Constitutional Court (established in the 2014 and 2022 constitutions, but never implemented)
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; administrative courts; Court of Audit; Housing Court; courts of first instance; lower district courts; military courts
note: the Tunisian constitution of January 2014 called for the establishment of a constitutional court by the end of 2015, but the court was never formed; the new constitution of July 2022 calls for the establishment of a constitutional court consisting of 9 members appointed by presidential decree; members to include former senior judges of other courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Supreme Judicial Council, an independent 4-part body consisting mainly of elected judges and the remainder legal specialists; judge tenure based on terms of appointment; Constitutional Court (established in the 2014 and 2022 constitutions, but never implemented)
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; administrative courts; Court of Audit; Housing Court; courts of first instance; lower district courts; military courts
note: the Tunisian constitution of January 2014 called for the establishment of a constitutional court by the end of 2015, but the court was never formed; the new constitution of July 2022 calls for the establishment of a constitutional court consisting of 9 members appointed by presidential decree; members to include former senior judges of other courts
Land boundaries
total: 1,495 km
border countries (2): Algeria 1,034 km; Libya 461 km
border countries (2): Algeria 1,034 km; Libya 461 km
Land use
agricultural land: 62.4% (2022 est.)
arable land: 18.2% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 13.6% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 30.6% (2022 est.)
forest: 4.5% (2022 est.)
other: 33% (2022 est.)
arable land: 18.2% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 13.6% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 30.6% (2022 est.)
forest: 4.5% (2022 est.)
other: 33% (2022 est.)
Legal system
mixed legal system of civil law, based on the French civil code and Islamic (sharia) law; some judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint session
Legislative branch
legislative structure: bicameral
note: in 2022, President SAIED issued a new electoral law that requires all legislative candidates to run as independents
note: in 2022, President SAIED issued a new electoral law that requires all legislative candidates to run as independents
Literacy
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 82.7%
male: 89.1%
female: 82.7% (2021)
total population: 82.7%
male: 89.1%
female: 82.7% (2021)
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 12 nm
International organization participation
ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AIIB, AMF, AMU, AU, BSEC (observer), CAEU, CD, EBRD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Independence Day, 20 March (1956); Revolution and Youth Day, 14 January (2011)
Nationality
noun: Tunisian(s)
adjective: Tunisian
adjective: Tunisian
Natural resources
petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt
Geography - note
strategic location in central Mediterranean; Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil exploration
Economic overview
lower middle-income North African economy; drafting reforms for foreign lenders; high unemployment, especially for youth and women; hit hard by COVID-19; high public sector wages; high public debt; protectionist austerity measures; key EU trade partner
Political parties
Afek Tounes
Al Badil Al-Tounisi (The Tunisian Alternative)
Al-Amal Party
Call for Tunisia Party (Nidaa Tounes)
Current of Love (formerly the Popular Petition party)
Democratic Current
Democratic Patriots' Unified Party
Dignity Coalition or Al Karama Coalition
Ennahda Movement (The Renaissance)
Ettakatol Party
Free Destourian Party or PDL
Green Tunisia Party
Harakat Hak
Heart of Tunisia (Qalb Tounes)
July 25 Movement
Labor and Achievement Party
Long Live Tunisia (Tahya Tounes)
Movement of Socialist Democrats or MDS
National Coalition Party
National Salvation Front
New Carthage Party
Party of the Democratic Arab Vanguard
People's Movement
Republican Party (Al Joumhouri)
The Movement Party (Hizb Harak)
Third Republic Party
Tunisian Ba'ath Movement
Voice of the Republic
Workers' Party
note: President SAIED in 2022 issued a decree that forbids political parties' participation in legislative elections; although parties remain a facet of Tunisian political life, they have lost significant influence
Al Badil Al-Tounisi (The Tunisian Alternative)
Al-Amal Party
Call for Tunisia Party (Nidaa Tounes)
Current of Love (formerly the Popular Petition party)
Democratic Current
Democratic Patriots' Unified Party
Dignity Coalition or Al Karama Coalition
Ennahda Movement (The Renaissance)
Ettakatol Party
Free Destourian Party or PDL
Green Tunisia Party
Harakat Hak
Heart of Tunisia (Qalb Tounes)
July 25 Movement
Labor and Achievement Party
Long Live Tunisia (Tahya Tounes)
Movement of Socialist Democrats or MDS
National Coalition Party
National Salvation Front
New Carthage Party
Party of the Democratic Arab Vanguard
People's Movement
Republican Party (Al Joumhouri)
The Movement Party (Hizb Harak)
Third Republic Party
Tunisian Ba'ath Movement
Voice of the Republic
Workers' Party
note: President SAIED in 2022 issued a decree that forbids political parties' participation in legislative elections; although parties remain a facet of Tunisian political life, they have lost significant influence
Railways
total: 2,173 km (2014) (1,991 in use)
standard gauge: 471 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 1,694 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified)
dual gauge: 8 km (2014) 1.435-1.000-m gauge
standard gauge: 471 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 1,694 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified)
dual gauge: 8 km (2014) 1.435-1.000-m gauge
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal except for active government security forces (including the police and the military), people with mental disabilities, people who have served more than three months in prison (criminal cases only), and people given a suspended sentence of more than six months
Telecommunication systems
general assessment: Tunisia has one of the most sophisticated telecom infrastructures in North Africa; penetration rates for mobile and Internet services are among the highest in the region; government program of regulation and infrastructure projects aims to improve Internet connectivity to underserved areas; operators built extensive LTE infrastructure in 2019, and continue to discuss plans for future 5G networks and services; one operator has signed an agreement to pursue nano-satellite launches in 2023; internet censorship abolished, though concerns of government surveillance remain; legislation passed in 2017 supporting e-commerce and active e-government; importer of some integrated circuits and broadcasting equipment (including radio, television, and communications transmitters) from the PRC (2022)
domestic: fixed-line is nearly 14 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity is 129 telephones per 100 persons (2022)
international: country code - 216; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-4, Didon, HANNIBAL System and Trapani-Kelibia submarine cable systems that provides links to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Southeast Asia; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria and Libya; participant in Medarabtel; 2 international gateway digital switches (2020)
domestic: fixed-line is nearly 14 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity is 129 telephones per 100 persons (2022)
international: country code - 216; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-4, Didon, HANNIBAL System and Trapani-Kelibia submarine cable systems that provides links to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Southeast Asia; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria and Libya; participant in Medarabtel; 2 international gateway digital switches (2020)
Terrain
mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges into the Sahara
Government type
parliamentary republic
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Tunisia
conventional short form: Tunisia
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah
local short form: Tunis
etymology: the country name derives from the capital city of Tunis
conventional short form: Tunisia
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah
local short form: Tunis
etymology: the country name derives from the capital city of Tunis
Location
Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Libya
Map references
Africa
Irrigated land
3,920 sq km (2013)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Hanene TAJOURI BESSASSI (since 1 December 2021)
chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850
FAX: [1] (202) 862-1858
email address and website:
AT.Washington@Tunisiaembassy.org
https://www.tunisianembassy.org/
chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850
FAX: [1] (202) 862-1858
email address and website:
AT.Washington@Tunisiaembassy.org
https://www.tunisianembassy.org/
Internet users
percent of population: 74% (2022 est.)
Internet country code
.tn
GDP (official exchange rate)
$48.53 billion (2023 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Credit ratings
Fitch rating: B (2020)
Moody's rating: B2 (2018)
Standard & Poors rating: N/A (2013)
note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
Moody's rating: B2 (2018)
Standard & Poors rating: N/A (2013)
note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
Total renewable water resources
4.62 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 16 years (2016)
male: 14 years
female: 16 years (2016)
Urbanization
urban population: 70.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.34% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 1.34% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Broadcast media
2 state-owned TV stations; 10 private TV stations broadcast locally; satellite TV service is available; state-owned radio network with 2 stations; several dozen private radio stations and community radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters available (2019)
Drinking water source
improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: 97.3% of population
total: 99.2% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: 2.7% of population
total: 0.8% of population (2020 est.)
urban: 100% of population
rural: 97.3% of population
total: 99.2% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: 2.7% of population
total: 0.8% of population (2020 est.)
National anthem
name: "Humat Al Hima" (Defenders of the Homeland)
lyrics/music: Mustafa Sadik AL-RAFII and Aboul-Qacem ECHEBBI/Mohamad Abdel WAHAB
note: adopted 1957, replaced 1958, restored 1987; Mohamad Abdel WAHAB also composed the music for the anthem of the United Arab Emirates
lyrics/music: Mustafa Sadik AL-RAFII and Aboul-Qacem ECHEBBI/Mohamad Abdel WAHAB
note: adopted 1957, replaced 1958, restored 1987; Mohamad Abdel WAHAB also composed the music for the anthem of the United Arab Emirates
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Tunisia. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.
Major urban areas - population
2.475 million TUNIS (capital) (2023)
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Physician density
1.32 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Hospital bed density
2.2 beds/1,000 population (2017)
National symbol(s)
encircled red crescent moon and five-pointed star; national colors: red, white
Contraceptive prevalence rate
50.7% (2018)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 73.1% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 19.7% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 15.9% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 51.9% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -55.3% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
government consumption: 19.7% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 15.9% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 51.9% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -55.3% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 53.4 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 37.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 16 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 37.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 16 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Tunisia
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Tunisia
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Population distribution
the overwhelming majority of the population is located in the northern half of the country; the south remains largely underpopulated as shown in this population distribution map
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 100%
electrification - rural areas: 99.7%
electrification - urban areas: 100%
electrification - rural areas: 99.7%
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
TS
Sanitation facility access
improved:
urban: 98.8% of population
rural: 99.4% of population
total: 99% of population
unimproved:
urban: 1.2% of population
rural: 0.6% of population
total: 1% of population (2020 est.)
urban: 98.8% of population
rural: 99.4% of population
total: 99% of population
unimproved:
urban: 1.2% of population
rural: 0.6% of population
total: 1% of population (2020 est.)
Ethnic groups
Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%
Religions
Muslim (official; Sunni) 99%, other (includes Christian, Jewish, Shia Muslim, and Baha'i) <1%
Languages
Arabic (official, one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce), Tamazight
major-language sample(s):
كتاب حقائق العالم، أحسن كتاب تتعلم به المعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: despite having no official status, French plays a major role in the country and is spoken by about two thirds of the population
major-language sample(s):
كتاب حقائق العالم، أحسن كتاب تتعلم به المعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: despite having no official status, French plays a major role in the country and is spoken by about two thirds of the population
Arabic audio sample
French audio sample
Imports - partners
Italy 13%, France 12%, China 10%, Russia 8%, Germany 7% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Elevation
highest point: Jebel ech Chambi 1,544 m
lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m
mean elevation: 246 m
lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m
mean elevation: 246 m
Current health expenditure
7% of GDP (2021)
Military - note
the FAT is responsible for territorial defense and internal security; its operational areas of focus are countering Islamist terrorist groups and assisting with securing the border; areas of focus include security operations in the mountainous regions along the Algerian border where smuggling and criminal activity has occurred and militants linked to the al-Qa'ida and Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham terrorist groups have been active; the military has the lead for security operations in the area and has conducted joint operations with Algerian security forces; the FAT in recent years also has increased its role in securing the southern border with Libya against terrorist activity and infiltrators, criminal gangs, smuggling, and trafficking; in the remote areas of the border with Libya, buffer/exclusion zones have also been established where the military has the lead for security and counter-terrorism operations; outside of these border areas, the Ministry of Interior has responsibility
the FAT conducts bilateral and multinational training exercises with a variety of countries, including Algeria and other North African and Middle Eastern countries, France, and the US, as well as NATO; it also participates in UN peacekeeping operations; Tunisia has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation (2024)
the FAT conducts bilateral and multinational training exercises with a variety of countries, including Algeria and other North African and Middle Eastern countries, France, and the US, as well as NATO; it also participates in UN peacekeeping operations; Tunisia has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation (2024)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 35,000 active-duty personnel (25,000 Army; 5,000 Navy; 5,000 Air Force) (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Tunisian military's inventory consists mostly of older or second-hand equipment from a wide variety of suppliers, including Brazil, China, Turkey, and the US, as well as several European countries, such as France, Germany, and Italy (2024)
Military deployments
775 Central African Republic (MINUSCA) (2024)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Ansar al-Sharia in Tunisia; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) network in Tunisia (known locally as Ajnad al-Khilafah or the Army of the Caliphate); al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 820 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 60 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
agricultural: 2.71 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 60 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
agricultural: 2.71 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.7 million tons (2014 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 108,000 tons (2014 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 4% (2014 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 108,000 tons (2014 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 4% (2014 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 22.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Air pollutants
particulate matter emissions: 26.52 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 29.94 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 7.89 megatons (2020 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 29.94 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 7.89 megatons (2020 est.)
Major aquifers
North Western Sahara Aquifer System
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 9 (8 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Amphitheatre of El Jem (c); Archaeological Site of Carthage (c); Medina of Tunis (c); Ichkeul National Park (n); Punic Town of Kerkuane (c); Kairouan (c); Medina of Sousse (c); Dougga / Thugga (c); Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Amphitheatre of El Jem (c); Archaeological Site of Carthage (c); Medina of Tunis (c); Ichkeul National Park (n); Punic Town of Kerkuane (c); Kairouan (c); Medina of Sousse (c); Dougga / Thugga (c); Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory (c)
Illicit drugs
NA
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 1.5% (2018 est.)
Coal
consumption: 2,000 metric tons (2022 est.)
exports: 28 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 3,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 28 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 3,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 96.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
production: 1.313 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 5.131 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 3.887 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 65.129 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 5.131 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 3.887 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 65.129 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 35,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 104,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 425 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 104,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 425 million barrels (2021 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.94 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
53.9% (2023 est.)
Remittances
5.92% of GDP (2023 est.)
6.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
6.34% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
6.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
6.34% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Ports
total ports: 16 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 3
small: 7
very small: 6
ports with oil terminals: 10
key ports: Ashtart Oil Terminal, Banzart, Didon Terminal, Gabes, La Goulette, Menzel Bourguiba, Mersa Sfax, Sousse, Tazerka Oil Terminal, Tunis
large: 0
medium: 3
small: 7
very small: 6
ports with oil terminals: 10
key ports: Ashtart Oil Terminal, Banzart, Didon Terminal, Gabes, La Goulette, Menzel Bourguiba, Mersa Sfax, Sousse, Tazerka Oil Terminal, Tunis
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: Assembly of People's Representatives (Majlis Nawwab ash-Sha'ab)
number of seats: 161 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 12/17/2022 to 1/29/2023
percentage of women in chamber: 15.8%
expected date of next election: December 2027
number of seats: 161 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 12/17/2022 to 1/29/2023
percentage of women in chamber: 15.8%
expected date of next election: December 2027
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: National Council of Regions and Districts
number of seats: 77 (all indirectly elected)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 4/19/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 13%
expected date of next election: April 2029
number of seats: 77 (all indirectly elected)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 4/19/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 13%
expected date of next election: April 2029
Labor force
4.367 million (2023 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 37.5% (2023 est.)
male: 38.3% (2023 est.)
female: 35.6% (2023 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
male: 38.3% (2023 est.)
female: 35.6% (2023 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-1.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 34.4 years (2024 est.)
male: 33.6 years
female: 35.1 years
male: 33.6 years
female: 35.1 years
Debt - external
$22.336 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Maternal mortality ratio
37 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$9.24 billion (2023 est.)
$8.094 billion (2022 est.)
$8.846 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$8.094 billion (2022 est.)
$8.846 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
70.3% of GDP (2017 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.93 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
15.11% (2023 est.)
15.3% (2022 est.)
16.51% (2021 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
15.3% (2022 est.)
16.51% (2021 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Population
total: 12,048,847 (2024 est.)
male: 5,972,242
female: 6,076,605
male: 5,972,242
female: 6,076,605
Carbon dioxide emissions
24.645 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 4,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 14.249 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 10.392 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 4,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 14.249 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 10.392 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Area
total : 163,610 sq km
land: 155,360 sq km
water: 8,250 sq km
land: 155,360 sq km
water: 8,250 sq km
Taxes and other revenues
24.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$153.152 billion (2023 est.)
$153.092 billion (2022 est.)
$149.106 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$153.092 billion (2022 est.)
$149.106 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Airports
14 (2025)
Infant mortality rate
total: 11.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male: 12.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.8 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 12.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 16.4 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 129 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 129 (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
33.7 (2021 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
9.33% (2023 est.)
8.31% (2022 est.)
5.71% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
8.31% (2022 est.)
5.71% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$1.111 billion (2023 est.)
-$3.969 billion (2022 est.)
-$2.77 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$3.969 billion (2022 est.)
-$2.77 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$12,600 (2023 est.)
$12,600 (2022 est.)
$12,400 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$12,600 (2022 est.)
$12,400 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 1.73 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2023 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 24.6% (2020 est.)
male: 47.2% (2020 est.)
female: 2% (2020 est.)
male: 47.2% (2020 est.)
female: 2% (2020 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
26.9% (2016)
Energy consumption per capita
33.754 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Death rate
6.4 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
13.5 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 6.639 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 19.153 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 80 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 2.576 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 4.629 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 19.153 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 80 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 2.576 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 4.629 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Merchant marine
total: 72 (2023)
by type: container ship 1, general cargo 8, oil tanker 1, other 62
by type: container ship 1, general cargo 8, oil tanker 1, other 62
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
1.6% (2018)
Imports
$21.953 billion (2023 est.)
$22.453 billion (2022 est.)
$18.178 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$22.453 billion (2022 est.)
$18.178 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$19.732 billion (2023 est.)
$17.254 billion (2022 est.)
$14.054 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$17.254 billion (2022 est.)
$14.054 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Heliports
11 (2025)
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.863 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2023 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 1.51 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.99 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.99 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 77.3 years (2024 est.)
male: 75.7 years
female: 79.1 years
male: 75.7 years
female: 79.1 years
Real GDP growth rate
0.04% (2023 est.)
2.67% (2022 est.)
4.61% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
2.67% (2022 est.)
4.61% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
-0.97% (2023 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 9.5% (2023 est.)
industry: 23.5% (2023 est.)
services: 62.1% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
industry: 23.5% (2023 est.)
services: 62.1% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Revenue from forest resources
0.21% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal
0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Education expenditures
7.3% of GDP (2016 est.)
Population growth rate
0.58% (2024 est.)