Terrain

The Atlas mountains cross Tunisia from the north-east to the south-east. This is where the country's highest peak, Jebel Chambi (1,544 m), is situated. Between the mountain ranges are fertile valleys and plains. The country's major river, the Majardah, flows through these plains into the Gulf of Gabès. Whereas the mountains drop steeply in the north to the Mediterranean coast, they slope into a plain in the south that is located at an altitude of around 600 m. The plain drops away to merge with an area of salt lakes comprising Tunisia's lowest point, Chott el-Gharsa, at 17 m below sea level. In the far south, the area of the salt lakes merges with the Sahara Desert, which covers about 40% of Tunisia. Sahara Desert that covers about 40% of Tunisia's total area.

Climate

Northern Tunisia has a typically Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers (June to August) and mild, humid winters (December to February). Temperatures in Tunis range between a maximum of around 32°C and a minimum of 6°C. Whereas the mountains of the north-west sometimes experience snowfall, its gets hotter and drier the further southwards you go. Annual rainfall ranges from 1,000 mm in the north to just 150 mm in the south. It does happen that the south goes years on end without any rain at all.

Fauna/Flora

Northern Tunisia has a typically Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers (June to August) and mild, humid winters (December to February). Temperatures in Tunis range between a maximum of around 32°C and a minimum of 6°C. Whereas the mountains of the north-west sometimes experience snowfall, its gets hotter and drier the further southwards you go. Annual rainfall ranges from 1,000 mm in the north to just 150 mm in the south. It does happen that the south goes years on end without any rain at all. Rainfall is the decisive factor for Tunisia's fauna and flora. The Kroumirie Mountains in the north-west are densely forested with evergreen cork trees, pine trees, and juniper trees. Strawberry trees are also common. Tunisia's fauna has changed considerably over the centuries. Hannibal brought elephants to the country, and the Romans introduced lions to be used in the persecution of Christians. Both species are now extinct in Tunisia. Uncontolled hunting almost made some species of deer and gazelle extinct, though those species are again increasing in numbers because of various protection programmes. Several antelope species and mouflons in the Bou Hedma National Park are also increasing in number again. Wild boars and porcupines are found in the forests of the north. The mammals of the south include gerbils, foxes, hares and squirrels. Horner vipers, scorpions and a sub-species of the varanid are found in Tunisia's semi-desert areas. Tunisia's feathered population is impressive, with more than 200 bird species on record. Sightings include migrating storks, hawks, and eagles in spring and autumn, colourful bee-eaters, and a host of waterfowl.

History/Politics

Phoenician traders founded the town of Carthage in the area of present-day Tunisia in 814 BC. Carthage subsequently became the centre of a powerful empire, which ruled over the major part of Northern Africa. In the Third Punic War (149-146 BC) the expanding Roman Empire asserted itself against the Carthaginians, destroyed their capital city, and annexed the area as part of the Roman province of Africa.

Over the centuries that followed, Tunisia first came under Arab rule and was then ruled by Spain. The Ottoman Empire eventually conquered the region in 1574 and was to rule the area until the second half of the 19th century. In 1881, the French occupied Tunisia under the pretext of countering border raids into French-occupied Algeria.They quickly signed an agreement that made Tunisia a French protectorate.

Between 1900 and 1925, there was a series of uprisings calling for independence but they were put down by the French. In 1938, independence movements were prohibited. During World War II, the French authorities in Tunisia collaborated with the pro-Hitler Vichy government. When the war ended, the new government of liberated France detained the collaborators, including the Bey (the local monarch). This again sparked off the fight for independence, with Habib Bourguiba in particular organizing an international campaign for an independent Tunisia. Armed conflict broke out in the early 1950s, which finally led to the country's independence in 1956.

Bourguiba was elected head of government. The following year, he proclaimed the republic and was elected president. A series of political and social changes transformed the country. Despite its close ties with other Arab countries, Tunisia became one of the most Westernised countries among them, which led to an Islamic uprising in 1986, and which established Tunisia's Muslim identity. Bourguiba's presidency lasted until 1987, when he was relieved of his duties by prime minister Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, who became the country's new president. Ben Ali initiated a national reconciliation process, but prohibited religious parties and promulgated laws limiting activities by fundamentalists. He was re-elected in 1994 with 99% of votes and confirmed in office in 1999 and (after a constitutional amendment) in 2004. Despite his long period in office, Ali is still highly regarded because he has tried hard to improve the standard of living in Tunisia. He has launched campaigns to fight against illiteracy and has given women more rights than they have in other Arab countries.

Economy

The most important sectors of Tunisia's economy are agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism. Some 43% of the country's active population finds employment in the tourism industry. Governmental control of economic affairs and many companies has gradually decreased over the past decade and there has been an increase in privatisation. The government is trying to simplify the tax structure and reduce national debt. An increase in tourism and trade has led to the steady growth of Tunisia's economy. Despite this, the unemployment rate was 14.7% and the inflation rate was 2.2% in 2003.

Culture

The arts in Tunisia have been greatly influenced by the country's mix of cultures. Architectural styles, for instance, range from Roman ruins to the Islamic architecture of the Arab medinas and typical Berber buildings. Malouf, which means "normal", is the name given to a form of traditional Arabic music that is popular across Tunisia. Other significant styles of Tunisian music are chghoul and bachraf (of Turkish origin) and nouba (of Andalusian origin). The country's most popular musicians, singers and composers include Khemais Tarnane, Raoul Journou, Saliha, Saleh Mehdi, Ali Riahi, Hedi Jouini and Fethia Khairi.