Tunisia |
|
| OVERVIEW |
| |
| Background |
Following
independence from France in 1956, President Habib BOURGUIBA
established a strict one-party state. He dominated the country
for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing
rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation. In recent
years, Tunisia has taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in
its foreign relations. Domestically, it has sought to defuse
rising pressure for a more open political society. |
| Natural
resources |
petroleum, phosphates,
iron ore, lead, zinc, salt |
| Land
use |
arable land: 18.67%
permanent crops: 12.87%
other: 68.46% (1998 est.) |
| Population |
9,924,742 (July 2003 est.)
|
| Ethnic
groups |
Arab 98%, European 1%,
Jewish and other 1% |
| Religions |
Muslim 98%, Christian
1%, Jewish and other 1% |
| Languages |
Arabic (official and one
of the languages of commerce), French (commerce) |
| Literacy |
definition: age 15 and
over can read and write
total population: 74.2%
male: 84%
female: 64.4% (2003 est.) |
| Capital |
Tunis |
| Government
type |
republic |
| Independence |
20 March 1956 (from France)
|
| National
holiday |
Independence Day, 20 March
(1956) |
|
|
