Tunisia is located in North Africa, along with Algeria and Morocco. It spreads over an area of 163,610 square kilometers (63,170 sq mi), making it the smallest country in the Maghreb region. Tunisia’s population is estimated at 11 million people, and most of the population is of Arab-Berber descent. Although many speak French, Italian, and English, Tunisia’s official language is Arabic. It has a long history of culture, art, and architecture and a fantastic climate.
Tunisia is known for its most amazing beaches, like the ones in Hammamet, Sousse, and El Jem. It’s known for its beautiful architecture and ancient Roman ruins and historical sites like Carthage. There are exciting places to visit like the Bardo Museum, the Medina of Tunis, and Sidi Bou Said.
Modern Standard Arabic as the Official Language
The official language of Tunisia is Arabic, and it’s also one of the two official languages in Morocco. Many Tunisians speak French in addition to their native tongue. English is also taught in schools and used quite often in business settings due to its widespread use abroad. Arabic-language media dominates the airwaves and print publications in both countries. However, there are some notable exceptions, such as French-language newspapers published weekly or monthly by expatriates living there who want to keep up with news from back home while enjoying their time abroad.
Swimming in the Golden Beaches
The beaches of Tunisia are known for being some of the best in Africa, even though it’s situated on an island that isn’t considered part of Africa at all. You’ll find golden sands with crystal-clear water, palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and smiling locals ready to welcome you into their culture without paying thousands of dollars for a plane ticket. There are beaches on both sides of this island nation, so you’ll have plenty of options when it comes time for swimming or sunbathing.
The Roman City of Carthage
Carthage was a Phoenician colony that grew into a mighty empire in Tunisia. The city was the center of the Punic Wars, which pitted Carthage against Rome for control over Sicily and southern Italy. In 146 BC, after years of conflict, Roman forces under Scipio Aemilianus burned Carthage to the ground and sold its inhabitants into slavery, an event known as The Third Punic War. The Romans rebuilt their former enemy’s capital as their city: Carthago Nova (New Carthage). It became one of the most important ports in North Africa, and now you can visit the remains of its ancient streets and buildings.
Unique Arab and Berber Cultures
Tunisia is known for its unique Arab and Berber cultures. The Arabic language, the official language of Tunisia, originated from the Arabian Peninsula and spread throughout North Africa. This language has been influenced by other languages such as French, Turkish, and Italian. The Berbers live in North Africa and speak Tamazight (also called Amazigh), an ancient language with no connection to any other languages on Earth today. As a tourist, you can see the Berber culture in Tunisia by visiting the Kasbah of Algiers, a traditional Berber house located in the suburb of Tunis.
The Home of Hannibal
Tunisia is known for its rich history. The country was once home to the Carthaginian general Hannibal, who defeated the Roman army at Zama and conquered much of Europe before being defeated by Scipio Africanus at the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC. The Carthaginians were a powerful civilization that controlled what we now know as Tunisia and parts of Morocco, Algeria, and Libya from around 800 BC until 146 BC, when Rome conquered them. Hannibal’s memory lives on in Tunisia, where you can visit his birthplace, Kerkouane, and see a fantastic Carthaginian city.
A Cult Following to Star Wars
You may not have heard of Tunisia, but the country is home to some of the most famous scenes in Star Wars. The town of Tataouine is where you can find Luke Skywalker’s home planet, Tatooine, Jabba’s palace, and Han Solo’s infamous Kessel Run. The country has even been nicknamed “Star Wars Country” due to its involvement with filming locations for the movie franchise. There are even tours available that take fans around these sites! If you’re interested in visiting Tunisia, there are plenty of options available online or through other travel websites.
A Pleasant Sunny Weather to Enjoy
Tunisia has pleasant sunny weather that makes it ideal for vacationing. The temperature rarely goes below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), and the humidity is low enough to make you feel comfortable. The sun shines most of the time, even during winter, so if you’re looking for some sunshine after being cooped up indoors all winter long, Tunisia is worth considering. Summertime can get hot but not unbearable; winters are cool but not cold. This is perfect for those who want an escape from harsh winters back home without sacrificing comfort altogether.
The Rich Tunisian Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a delicious dish you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s made with eggs poached in a spicy tomato stew and served with bread. Shakshuka is popular in Tunisia and has become increasingly popular worldwide as well. The dish has many variations, but the essential ingredients are tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic. Depending on where you live, you can find canned or jarred shakshuka sauce. If not, it’s easy enough to make your own by combining chopped fresh tomatoes with spices like cayenne pepper or paprika.
The Exhilarating Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world. It’s located in Northern Africa and covers 9,400,000 square kilometers. The Sahara covers most of Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, and Morocco. The Sahara is also the hottest and driest region on Earth. The average temperature of the Sahara is 43 degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit). Libya’s highest recorded temperature was 58 degrees Celsius (136.4 Fahrenheit). Hundreds of different types of plants, animals, and insects live in the Sahara. You can find camels, gazelles, and snakes here too. The most famous plant in the Sahara is the date palm tree.
Exploring the Medina of Sousse
The medina is the oldest part of Sousse and is a UNESCO world heritage site. The medina is a maze of narrow streets and alleys with no regular pattern or layout. You’ll find yourself walking for hours without seeing any sign of human life until suddenly you come across a cafe or restaurant where you can stop for lunch or an afternoon tea break. The best thing about exploring this area is that it’s full of shops selling souvenirs, so if you’re looking for something specific (like those beautiful blue and white pottery bowls), this is your place.
The Roman Town of Dougga
The Roman town of Dougga is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tunisia. The city was a significant settlement during the Roman period, but it was abandoned after the Arab conquest of the Maghreb. It was excavated from 1960 to 1964 and has been open to visitors since 1966. The city was founded by a Roman commander named C. Julius Severus in 105 AD. The town grew to be an important commercial center, with many public buildings and temples of Roman gods like Jupiter, Apollo, Minerva, and Saturn.
Bardo National Museum
The Bardo National Museum is located in the medina of Tunis, Tunisia’s capital city. It was originally a palace built for Tunisian governors by the Ottomans during their occupation of North Africa in 1574. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1881 and today houses a collection of mosaics, statues, jewelry, and coins from ancient Rome and Greece, as well as other civilizations such as Carthage or Numidia (ancient Berber kingdoms). You can visit the Bardo National Museum from 8 AM until 5 PM daily except Mondays when it closes at 2 PM; however, there are extended hours during Ramadan.
The Enormous Amphitheatre of El Jem
The Enormous Amphitheatre of El Jem is the largest amphitheater in the world. It was built in the 2nd century AD and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The theatre is the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world and can seat up to 30,000 spectators at once. The Amphitheatre of El Jem is located in Sbeitla, Tunisia. It was built around 238 AD during the reign of Gordian III and is considered one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. The theatre has a diameter of 98 meters (322 feet).
The Arab Spring
The Arab Spring was a series of revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa. Tunisia was one of the countries affected by this event. The Arab Spring began when people started taking to the streets and demanding political change in their countries. They wanted more freedom, better living conditions, and an end to corruption among government officials. The Tunisian Revolution is also known as “Jamahiriya” or “Jumhuriyat.” It refers to an era when all citizens are equal under the law; there are no distinctions between rich and poor people, and everyone has access to education and healthcare services.
The Glimmering Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum
The Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum, located in the medina of Djerba, is dedicated to the traditional culture of this island. It is an excellent place to learn about the history of Tunisia and its people. The museum features many artifacts from all over Tunisia, including jewelry, pottery, and clothing items that women used during different periods. There are displays showcasing handicrafts created by local artisans and artworks inspired by these traditions, such as paintings and sculptures carved out of wood or stone, respectively.
A Couscous Heaven
Couscous is a staple of Tunisian cuisine. It’s made from semolina, which is ground durum wheat. Today, couscous is served with stews, sauces like harissa (a spicy chili paste), and vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and eggplants. The Tunisian people love to eat couscous, and they have a wide variety of ways to prepare it. You can find couscous served in many restaurants throughout the country, but there is one place you should visit if you want to experience the best couscous in Tunis. That place is mini restaurant La Lampe Magique on the main street of Sidi Bou Said, just off Avenue Habib Thameur.
Tunisian’s Love for Olive Oil
The main ingredient in Tunisian cuisine is olive oil. It’s used for cooking, as a dressing and dip, and even as an ingredient in cosmetics. Olive oil has been good for your skin since ancient times. Not only is it great for your health, but it’s also a key ingredient in many Tunisian dishes. You can even find olive oil as an ingredient in couscous, which is a popular dish that originated in Tunisia. Some of the best olive oil in the world comes from Tunisia and is known for being very high quality.
The Wondrous Ghar Al Milh
The Ghar Al Milh is a natural spring that has been the source of many legends. The most famous of these is its healing properties; people from all over Tunisia come to drink its water and bathe in it. Many believe that you will live longer than usual if you drink from this spring on your birthday or during Ramadan (the Muslim holy month). The Ghar Al Milh is located near Kairouan in Tunisia, so if you visit this country anytime soon, make sure not to miss out on this magical place.
The Famous Celtia Beer
Tunisia is known for the famous Celtia, a brand of beer made in Tunisia in 1961. Celtia is one of the most popular beers in Tunisia and is exported to countries worldwide. The French company Castel Group founded the brand, which owns Kronenbourg 1664, a famous beer brand. This particular beer is enjoyed by many Tunisians daily. It’s not unusual to see someone drinking Celtia beer at any time of day or night. Some people even claim that they never drink anything else.