50 Interesting & Fun Facts about Tunisia | What is Known for?
What is Tunisia known for? Tunisia’s beauty lies in its diverse array. This great nation has many special things to learn. From tourist spots to golden beaches to the Sahara Desert, this most northern country is an outstanding destination to gain knowledge. In this post, we will present some incredible and fun facts about Tunisia. Let’s jump on!
Quick Fact | Information about Tunisia
Official Name: Republic of Tunisia
Capital City: Tunis
Population: 11,721,177
Area: 163,610 sq km
Languages: Arabic, French, Berber
Time Zone: UTC+1 (CET)
– Source: CIA World Fact Book
50 Interesting & Fun Facts about Tunisia Nobody Knows
What is Tunisia Known for?
No#1: Important location
Tunisia is mainly a North African country; it was one of the most widely used shipping routes that made them a powerful region.
No#2: Inhabitation
The inhabitation of Tunisia started around 200 years ago at the time of the Stone Age.
No#3: Sahara Desert
A big proportion of the Sahara Desert is located in Tunisia as it is situated in North Africa.
No#4: An important city for Muslims
Kairouan is one of the most important cities for Muslim communities after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem, located in Tunisia.
No#5: Star Wars movie scenes
Do you know some scenes of Star Wars were recorded in this country? Several scenes are filmed in the deserts of southern Tunisia, the Tozeur desert.
No#6: Equal human rights
In Tunisia, equal rights between men and women have been practicing for several decades, especially in the Maghreb region.
No#7: Most deadliest spider
Tunisia is home to the most poisonous spider; these spiders can be found especially in the Tunisian rocks and sands.
Important Fact of Tunisia
No#8: Independency
On March 20, 1956, Tunisia earned the title of a freedom nation from France.
No#9: 11.69 million Population
According to World Bank data, Tunisia has around 11.69 million populations in 2019, with 50% males and 50% females.
No#10: 163,610 sq km
Tunisia has a land area of 163,610 sq km larger than the US state of Georgia or two-thirds the UK’s size.
No#11: Only five presidents
Since Tunisia’s independence, it has had only five presidents until now — Beji Caid Essebsi is the current Tunisia president who came to power on December 21, 2014.
No#12: National language
Arabic is the official language of Tunisia, but many inhabitants also use the French language to communicate.
No#13: A Muslim-based country
Almost 98% of Tunisians are Muslims; a small proportion of Christian, Jewish, and other communities also live here.
No#14: 79.04% literacy rate
According to MacroTrends, the literacy rate of Tunisia is around 79.04%.
No#15: 76.50 years life expectancy
The life expectancy of Tunisians is around 76.50 years.
No#16: Arab-Berber community
Around 10 million populations are inherent from the Arab-Berber community, and other small proportions came from European countries.
No#17: Couscous
Couscous is the national dish of Tunisia, which can be cooked in different ways based on preference.
No#18: A strong GDP country
Tunisia is one of Africa’s strongest GDP countries, with $3,328 GDP per capita in 2020.
Tunisia Culture and Food Fact
No#19: A combined economy
Tunisia’s economy depends on several sectors, including agricultural foods, phosphates, oil, different vehicle components manufacturing, and tourism.
No#20: Archeology
There are many museums and World Heritage Sites you will notice in Tunisia, inspired by Roman archeology.
No#21: Capital of Tunisia
Tunis is the capital of Tunisia; it is the largest city in this country, where more than 2,700,000 people live.
No#22: Transportation
If you want to visit outside of Tunis, you need to rent a car. Because a proper metro system is only available within the city.
No#23: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions
- El Djem Amphitheater
- Djerba
- Carthage
- Sidi Bou Said
- Grand Erg Oriental
No#24: National Animal
The national animal of Tunisia is the dromedary.
What is Tunisia Famous for
No#25: 17 national parks
In Tunisia, 17 national parks are available; Senghar-Jebbes and Jebil National Park are the top two biggest parks.
No#26: Biggest mosque in Tunisia
The Great Mosque of Kairouan is the biggest mosque in Tunisia, which covers 405 meters area and is located in Kairouan, Tunisia.
No#27: 7 Rivers and Waterfalls
There are 7 rivers and waterfalls in Tunisia — Medjerda River is one of the biggest rivers in this country.
No#28: Highest point in Tunisia
Jebel ech Chambi is the highest point of Tunisia, located at the eastern end of the Atlas Mountain, and it stands 5,066 ft away from sea level.
No#29: Top Dreamy beaches
Tunisia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches for Mediterranean Escape, including Hammamet, Monastir, Cap Angela, Djerba, and so forth.
No#30: No to homosexuality!
Like other Muslim countries, homosexuality is prohibited in Tunisia. It is also not allowed to show affection in public places between same-sex couples.
No#31: Smuggling of antiquities
Though trading antiquities is not unacceptable in Tunisia, you need to take permission from the authority.
No#32: No photo for Sensitive places
Both local and foreign photographers are not allowed to click any photo of government buildings, military, embassies, or other sensitive places.
No#33: No drugs
It is illegal to trade drugs in Tunisia like other Muslim nations. Breaking the drug laws may result in imprisonment.
No#34: Expensive medical for outside residents
The hospitals of Tunisia don’t provide any free medical treatment for non-citizens. If you need any medical treatment as an outside resident, you need to spend a high amount of money to get service from private hospitals and clinics.
No#35: Currency laws in Tunisia
For non-citizens who like to travel in Tunisia must mention to the government how much currency he is carrying with him.
No#36: Falconry Festival
It is a special festival to preserve falconry in Haouaria, where more than hundreds of bird breeders come.
No#37: Yasmine Hammammet Festival
It is another popular festival held in Hammamet during summer to enjoy different music, art exhibitions, and poetry readings.
No#38: Thoroughbred Horse Festival
The horse festival is one of the most well-known festivals in Tunisia, where you will see military parades as well as traditional races.
No#39: International Festival of Dougga
People who like classical music must visit Dougga to enjoy the Roman amphitheater and dance from mid-July to early August.
No#40: Religion
Religion is a very important thing in Tunisia as it is a Muslim nation. However, foreigners have full freedom to practice their religions. The most important month of Tunisia is Ramadan; It occurs on a year-to-year basis. During this month, their lifestyle is different from other months as they fast for a particular time daily.
No#41: All-Male Cafes
In Tunisia, you will see all-male cafes where only males work. Females are discouraged from entering those cafes or even prohibited often. However, they can go to those cafes that have both males and females workers.
Cool Fact for Tunisia
No#42: Traditional clothing
As per the traditional, Tunisian men wear ‘jebba’ while women wear conservative clothes like ‘kaftan’
No#43: Tunisian embroidery
Tunisia is well-known for showing creativity through embroidery. They craft clothes in such a way with attractive colors that these garments are frequently displayed at international exhibitions.
Tunisia History Facts
No#44: Bardo National Museum
Bardo National Museum is the second biggest African museum; inside the museum, there is a collection of arts, historical objects, and archaeological pieces.
No#45: Tunisian Family Values
In Tunisia, you will find both joint and nuclear families.
No#46: Greeting is common
Whenever same-sex people meet, handshaking and greetings are common. However, women must extend their hands first when they handshake with males.
No#47: Gifts
If you are invited to any home, you are supposed to bring fruits, cake, pastries, chocolates, nuts, or flowers. But never bring alcohol.
No#48: Dress well
Tunisians always prefer to dress well as they believe that a person’s personality is judged by his appearance.
No#49: No Eating before hosts
Guests are expected not to start eating until the host begins eating or tell guests to eat.
No#50: Eating with hands
Like other Muslim communities, Tunisians also prefer to eat with their right hand. However, due to modern civilization, people now use forks and spoons to eat food.
Conclusion
Algeria and Libya are the neighboring countries of Tunisia. This Northern African country has fascinating things you can learn. We have already mentioned several educational, interesting, and fun facts about Tunisia. Hopefully, you have enjoyed learning all the things.
