Tunisia

Tunisia is the smallest and easternmost of the Maghreb countries, which is located at the northeastern tip of Africa, in the center of the Mediterranean basin. It is one of the most stable and economically developed states in North Africa, with a favorable investment climate and developed tourism infrastructure.

General information

The official name of the country is the Tunisian Republic. The state occupies an area of ​​163,610 km² (93rd in the world). The population is about 12,348,570 people (as of the beginning of 2025).

97% of the country's population are Arabs, about 1% are Berbers. 1.3 million Tunisians live abroad (the largest communities are in France, Italy and Germany). The official language in Tunisia is Arabic. However, French is also widely used in business and education. During the French protectorate, French was introduced through government institutions. Since independence, the country has gradually become Arabized, although public administration, justice and education have remained bilingual. Tunisia's proximity to Europe, as well as foreign media and the development of tourism, contribute to the spread of French and other European languages ​​(English, Italian and others).

The predominant religion in Tunisia is Islam (98%). The majority of the population professes Sunni Islam, but there is also a Shiite community. Islam is the state religion in Tunisia, and all official holidays are associated with the Islamic calendar.

The official currency of the country is the Tunisian dinar.

Tunis is the capital and largest city of the state. It is the economic center of the country. The chemical, construction, textile and food industries are developed in the city and suburbs. There is also a seaport here.

Sfax is the second most populous city in Tunisia after the capital, it is often called the "southern capital" of the country. A port on the coast of the Gulf of Gabes on the Mediterranean Sea. An important center for phosphate processing. In 1970, fairly significant oil reserves were discovered near the city.

Sousse is a port city on the Mediterranean coast of Tunisia, rich in historical monuments, the third largest city in the country. A popular seaside resort. The old part of the city (medina) has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

Tunisia is divided administratively into 24 vilayets or provinces, each headed by a wali. The vilayets are divided into 264 muatamediyat or districts, headed by muatameds, and further divided into sheikhates or districts, headed by sheikhs.

History, geography, culture, mentality

Some scientists attribute the first traces of human presence on the territory of modern Tunisia to the Acheulean culture of the early Paleolithic.

The Phoenicians founded their colonies on the Tunisian coast as early as the 12th century BC. In 814 BC, the city of Carthage was founded on the territory of today's Tunis. Caravans of nomadic Berbers came north to exchange goods with the Carthaginians. From 264 BC, the Carthaginian state waged wars with Rome, which ended with the defeat of Carthage and its annexation to the Roman Empire. The Romans formed their own province on the site of the Carthaginian state.

In 429, North Africa was captured from the Western Roman Empire by the Vandals. Tunisia became the center of the kingdom of the Vandals and Alans, which existed until 534, when the troops of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I defeated it. For more than a century, the lands of the future Tunisia were under the rule of the Byzantine Empire.

The Arab army under the command of Uqba ibn Nafi invaded the territory of Tunisia in 670. The Arabs founded the city of Kairouan and began to subjugate individual settlements of Christians and Berbers. In 698, Byzantine Carthage was captured and destroyed, on the site of which Arab Tunisia was built. After its collapse, the states of the Aghlabids, Fatimids, Zirids, Almohads and Hafsids existed in Tunisia. During 1574-1881, Tunisia was formally subordinate to the Ottoman Empire. But in fact, the country was ruled in 1612-1702 by the beys of the Muradid dynasty, and in 1705-1881 by the Husaynid dynasty.

In 1881, the French Republic established its protectorate over the country. After World War I, a nationalist opposition formed in Tunisia against the Tunisian intellectual elite, educated in France. Nationalists demanded greater powers for Tunisians in resolving their affairs. In 1942-1943, during World War II, Tunisia was occupied by Germany and Italy.

In August 1947, the French governor formed a government consisting of native Tunisians. On March 20, 1956, Tunisia was recognized as a fully sovereign constitutional monarchy, and the ruler of the country was the Bey (synonymous with the Arabic word "emir", corresponding to the titles of prince, ruler, lord). On November 12, 1956, Tunisia joined the UN. On July 25, 1957, the National Assembly destroyed the last traces of the monarchy, overthrew the Bey and proclaimed Tunisia a republic.

In 1961, an armed conflict occurred between Tunisia and France due to Bourguiba's demands for the immediate withdrawal of French troops from the base in Bizerte. As a result, Franco-Tunisian negotiations began on the evacuation of the French from Bizerte and the gradual withdrawal of French troops from the base. The French navy finally left Bizerte on October 15, 1963.

In 1963-1964, Tunisia developed economic and political cooperation with the countries of North Africa. In the early 1970s, Tunisia's economic development was successful, mainly due to its oil reserves.

In the April 1989 elections, the Democratic Constitutional Party won all the seats in parliament, and Ben Ali was elected president. Since the early 1990s, he has been waging a serious struggle against fundamentalist Muslims. The events were called the Second Jasmine Revolution and marked the beginning of the Arab Spring.

Tunisia is a state in North Africa, occupying part of the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea and part of the Sahara Desert. In the southeast, Tunisia borders Libya, in the west - Algeria. It is washed by the Mediterranean Sea from the north and east.

There are three large gulfs on the country's territory: Tunis, Hammamet and Gabes, and three large islands: Djerba, Chergui and Garbi.

In the western part of the Tunisian Range rises Mount Chambi (1544 m) - the highest point in Tunisia. In the extreme south is the sandy desert of R'mel al-Abyod, which forms the northern part of the Great Eastern Desert. Most of Tunisia's rivers are temporary, such as the ouadad. The largest and permanent river in the country is the Medjerda (460 km), which flows from Algeria. Its waters are widely used for hydroelectric power and irrigation. In the northernmost part there is the salt lake Bizerte (120 km2, an ancient sea bay) and the freshwater lake Gariet-Ashkel (100 km2).

The culture of Tunisia is the result of the fusion of many traditions: Punic, Roman, Jewish, Christian, Arab, Muslim, Turkish and French. Due to its geographical position, the country was at the center of the spread of great civilizations and world religions. A number of historical monuments of the country are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the ruins of Carthage, the Roman amphitheater in El Jem, the ancient Roman city of Dougga, etc.). The Bardo National Museum (Tunis) presents one of the world's largest collections of Roman mosaics.

The main Islamic holidays are national holidays in Tunisia. The pace of life changes dramatically during the holy month of Ramadan. During this period, many shops open late and close early, adapting to the rhythm of life, and most restaurants and cafes are closed.

Tunisians are very friendly and hospitable people. Traditionally, locals, especially those living in the south of the country, are quite reserved and in many ways conservative.

Respect for time and appointments is not very common in Tunisia. You can be invited to dinner without specifying what time exactly to arrive. And they will happily wait for you, leisurely sipping tea and enjoying the conversation.

Another cultural idiosyncrasy is the stare. Tunisians, from teenagers to respectable adults, can stare at you without looking away. And even if you make eye contact, they will continue to watch. Try not to feel awkward, there is nothing wrong with them wanting to look at you.

Power

The state structure of Tunisia is a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The Constitution, adopted in 2014, is the main legislative act of the country. The Constitution proclaimed a republican form of government of a mixed presidential-parliamentary nature in the country.

The head of state is the president of the country, who is elected by the population for a five-year term. The president has broad powers, including the ability to appoint and dismiss the government, veto legislative acts and appoint senior officials.

The legislative branch is formed by a unicameral parliament - the Assembly of People's Representatives, formed for a term of five years, 217 seats. Tunisia is a multi-party system, and political parties have the opportunity to participate in elections and influence public policy.

The government is the executive body of Tunisia, which includes: the head of government (prime minister), appointed by the president of the republic; ministers; state secretaries (acting under the auspices of the head of the relevant ministry). It is responsible for implementing public policy and managing the country's economy.

The judiciary in Tunisia is independent of the executive and legislative branches. The judicial system includes the Constitutional Court, appellate courts, regional courts and local courts. The Constitutional Court is responsible for protecting the constitutionality of laws and decisions.

Economy

Tunisia is an industrial and agricultural country. The main economic sectors are agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Most of the country has very favorable conditions for agricultural work. The main agricultural crops in Tunisia are wheat, corn, oats, and sorghum. An important place is given to the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. Oranges, dates, grapes, and olives are grown not only for the needs of the country, but also for export.

A lot of attention is paid to animal husbandry; cattle, camels, and horses are bred in Tunisia. Sheep, goats, and chickens are also raised.

In addition to the main ones, the priority sectors of the Tunisian economy include: manufacturing (food, building materials, glass and ceramics, chemical, textile) and mining (mining, mainly phosphate minerals). The main resource for the country's economic development is foreign investment in the national economy and borrowing. Tunisia's main commodity market is the EU (70% of exports, 48% of imports).

Tunisia is a major grain importer. The annual demand for grain is estimated at 3.4 million tons. Local production is 1.5 million tons. Tunisia's main exports are olive oil, textiles, electronics, chemical products, and mechanical equipment. Tunisia's main imports are energy equipment, automobiles, food products, chemical products, machinery, and equipment. Main economic partners are the European Union, Libya, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and China.

The country's mineral resources include oil, gas, phosphates, iron, salt, and copper.

Tunisia's mineral resources are mainly associated with Cretaceous strata in the authigenic deposits of Berberida — iron ores (in Jerissa) with total reserves of about 55 million tons and Paleogene strata in authigenic deposits of the northern regions of the Sahara - phosphorites (1.2 billion tons, Redif, Gafsa, etc.). Oil deposits (reserves of about 123 million tons) and natural gas (about 42.5 billion m3) are confined mainly to the Triassic and Cretaceous deposits of the Sakharov Plate, the largest developments are located in El Borma.

Promising deposits are also located in the shelf zone of the Mediterranean Sea. Other important mineral deposits include lead (360,000 tons) and zinc (200,000 tons) in Aulakogen, mercury (700 tons) in Tel Atlas, fluorite (5 million tons), barite (1.9 million tons), manganese and potassium salts. Of greatest economic importance to the country are phosphorite deposits.

Russia and Tunisia

Trade and economic relations between Russia and Tunisia have been in place since 1957. Until 1993, they were regulated by a number of intergovernmental documents and covered trade, economic and technical cooperation.

The beginning of the creation of a contractual and legal basis for trade and economic relations between Russia and Tunisia was laid on November 11, 1993, with the signing of new intergovernmental agreements — on trade, economic and scientific-technical cooperation (on mutual provision of the most favoured nation treatment in matters of trade and economic cooperation), on the establishment of the Russian-Tunisian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, on cooperation in the field of hydraulic engineering (continuation of economic and technical assistance to the Republic of Tunisia on investment projects).

Russia and Tunisia are actively developing trade and economic relations, with the volume of mutual trade growing every year. Russia exports grain, ammonia, soybean oil to the country, and Tunisia supplies textiles, footwear, machinery and electrical equipment, rubber, dates, fresh vegetables, fish and seafood to the Russian Federation. Tourism is the basis of Russian-Tunisian economic cooperation.

The Tunisian authorities are negotiating joining the BRICS association.

Business climate

Tunisia’s main assets are its proximity to Europe, sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, free trade agreements with the EU and much of Africa, and an educated workforce.

In recent years, the Tunisian government has implemented much-needed structural reforms to improve Tunisia’s business climate, including an improved bankruptcy law, an investment code, and an initial “negative list,” as well as a law allowing public-private partnerships.

The government has passed laws making it easier to start a business (more services are available through a one-stop shop and fees have been reduced); property registration is now faster and more transparent; and paying taxes is easier (implementing a risk-based tax audit system). State-owned enterprises are the main players in Tunisia’s economy, and several sectors remain closed to foreign investment.

Investment climate

Over the past few decades, Tunisia has decided to further liberalize its economy and integrate it into the global economy. The new competition law abolished previous regulations that fixed prices, restricted companies from entering certain sectors, and controlled production, distribution, investment, etc.

In addition, Tunisia has adopted a new investment law that simplifies procedures for obtaining licenses, permits, and limits restrictions on the hiring of foreign workers. The law created the Supreme Investment Council as a central body that will replace the many administrative bodies that previously issued these required documents. The hiring of foreign workers is also simplified by this law.

Other initiatives include a new bankruptcy law, an investment code, and a law allowing public-private partnerships. The Tunisian parliament also passed Law 2019-47, which contains 38 amendments to address shortcomings in existing laws and regulations that were hindering investment.

Tunisia also has free trade zones (known as Parcs d'Activités Economiques) in Bizerte and Zarzis, where companies are exempt from taxes and customs duties and enjoy the benefits of unlimited foreign exchange transactions. Products in these zones have limited duty-free entry into Tunisia for processing and re-export.

Advantages of foreign direct investment in Tunisia:

• The country's solvency gives it access to international capital markets and allows it to find its place in the global economy.
• The growing diversification of the economy (tourism, mining, developed phosphate and oil sectors, etc.) increases its resilience to economic crises.
• Support from the IMF and other international institutions.
• The economy can count on a young, sufficiently qualified and productive workforce with competitive wages.
• The country's proximity to the European market and the association agreement with the EU: the capital Tunis is on average two hours' flight from the main European capitals.
• The social system is well developed, and an ambitious education policy was launched that aimed to reduce the social costs of adaptation and enhance the country's modernization.
• The political transition was gradual and relatively peaceful (compared to other countries), which created a generally positive business environment.
• The country is rich in natural resources, including phosphates and hydrocarbons.

Business and investment support structures

In Tunisia, there are various public and private structures aimed at supporting business and attracting investment. They offer consulting services, financing, tax incentives and other mechanisms to support entrepreneurs.

1. Government agencies:

Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA - Foreign Investment Promotion Agency)

• Promotes foreign investment in Tunisia.
• Provides information on legislation, taxes and investment opportunities.
• Provides support to investors at all stages of the project.

Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation (APII - Agence de Promotion de l’Industrie et de l’Innovation)

• Helps local and foreign entrepreneurs develop industrial projects.
• Manages technology parks and business incubators.
• Supports innovative startups.

Tunisie Startups Entrepreneurship Center

• Supports startups in the field of technology and innovation.
• Organizes acceleration programs and mentoring sessions.
• Helps with attracting investments.

Tunisian Guarantee Fund (SOTUGAR)

• Provides financial support to small and medium-sized businesses.
• Guarantees loans issued by commercial banks.

Business Support Center (CEPEX — Centre de Promotion des Exportations)

• Promotes the export of Tunisian goods and services.
• Organizes trade fairs and business missions.
• Assists with access to international markets.

Tunisia Investment Authority (TIA - Tunisia Investment Authority)

•    Responsible for implementing the country's investment strategies.
•    Reviews major investment projects and facilitates administrative procedures.

National Institute for Standardization and Industrial Property (INNORPI - Institut National de la Normalisation et de la Propriété Industrielle)

• Regulates product standards and certification.
• Deals with intellectual property issues and patent registration.

National Center for Research and Technology (CNCT - Centre National de la Recherche en Technologies)

• Supports scientific and technological innovation.
• Works with technology start-ups and research centers.

Agency for the Promotion of Agriculture (APIA - Agence de Promotion des Investissements Agricoles)

• Provides financial and technical support for agricultural projects.
• Helps with subsidies and benefits for agribusiness.

2. Private entities and initiatives:

Flat6Labs Tunis

• Venture fund and startup accelerator.
• Provides seed funding and support at early stages of business development.

Enda Tamweel

• Financial organization specializing in microcredit for small businesses.
• Provides funding and training for entrepreneurs.

The Dot

• Innovation center and coworking space for startups.
• Organizes training and networking events.

Tunisia is actively developing the startup ecosystem and offers preferential conditions for entrepreneurs, especially in the fields of technology, industry and export.