Country Profile: Tunisia

Tunisia is a North African nation located along the Mediterranean coast, bordered by Algeria and Libya. With a population of approximately 11.96 million as of 2025, it features a diverse demographic landscape primarily comprising Arab and European ethnic groups. The economy is classified as lower middle-income and relies heavily on agriculture, services, and industry while grappling with high unemployment rates, particularly among youth. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Tunisia has undergone significant political transformations since its independence from France in 1956, including the recent expansion of presidential powers in 2022.

Geography

Tunisia is located in Northern Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east, with Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast. The country's terrain varies from mountains in the north to a hot, dry plain in the center and a semiarid region in the south that leads into the Sahara Desert. Its strategic geographic position in the Mediterranean enhances its accessibility and trade routes.

Total Area: 163,610 sq km (slightly larger than Georgia)
Coastline: 1,148 km
Major Aquifer: North Western Sahara Aquifer System
Climate: Temperate in the north; desert in the south
Natural Resources: Petroleum, phosphates, iron ore

People and Society

Tunisia's population is projected at 11,962,995 in 2025, with a gender distribution leaning slightly towards females. The country is predominantly Arab (98%), with a mix of European and other ethnic groups. Arabic is the official language, while French is widely spoken in commerce. The society is predominantly Muslim, with Sunni Islam as the official religion.

Urban Population: 70.5% (2023)
Literacy Rate: 86.2% (2023)
Life Expectancy: 77.3 years (2024)
Median Age: 34.1 years (2025)
Birth Rate: 11.35 births/1,000 population (2025)

Economy

Tunisia's economy is characterized as lower middle-income and continues to draft reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment. Unemployment rates are notably high, particularly among youth and women, and the nation was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has a diverse economic structure, with a key focus on agriculture, industry, and services.

Real GDP (PPP): $156.086 billion (2024 estimate)
GDP per Capita: $12,700 (2024 estimate)
Unemployment Rate: 16.3% (2024 estimate)
Top Exports: Garments, olive oil, refined petroleum (2023)
Public Debt: 62.3% of GDP (2016 estimate)

Government

Tunisia is a parliamentary republic with a legal system that combines civil law with Islamic law. The capital is Tunis, and the current president is Kais SAIED, who has been in office since 2019. The government has seen a shift towards greater presidential powers following the approval of a new constitution in 2022.

Independence: March 20, 1956
Administrative Divisions: 24 governorates
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Latest Constitution: Ratified on July 27, 2022
Next Election: Expected in 2029

Military and Security

The Tunisian Armed Forces encompass the army, navy, and air force, focusing on safeguarding national security and counterterrorism efforts. The military is equipped with a mix of older and secondhand equipment. Tunisia is recognized as a Major Non-NATO Ally of the US.

Active Duty Personnel: 35,000 (2025)
Military Expenditures: 2.5% of GDP (2024)
Compulsory Service: 12 months for men aged 20-35
Military Deployments: 840 in the Central African Republic (2025)

Energy

Tunisia has achieved 100% electricity access, with most of its electric generating capacity derived from fossil fuels. The country is making strides in renewable energy but remains reliant on imports for natural gas.

Total Installed Capacity: 6.639 million kW (2023)
Electricity Consumption: 19.153 billion kWh (2023)
Natural Gas Production: 1.313 billion cubic meters (2023)
Petroleum Production: 35,000 bbl/day (2023)

Environment

Tunisia faces several environmental challenges, including water pollution, deforestation, and limited freshwater resources. It is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 24.645 million metric tons (2023)
Waste Recycled: 10.9% of municipal solid waste (2022)
Total Water Withdrawal: 3.05 billion cubic meters (2022)
Forested Area: 4.5% of land (2023)

Transportation

Tunisia's transportation network includes a variety of airports and a rail system, facilitating both domestic and international travel. The country has numerous ports, although the majority are small.

Total Airports: 14 (2025)
Railway Length: 2,173 km (2014)
Merchant Marine: 72 vessels (2023)
Total Ports: 16 (2024)

Communications

Tunisia has made significant advancements in telecommunications, with a high percentage of the population having access to mobile and internet services.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 14.4 million (2024)
Internet Users: 72% of the population (2023)
Fixed-line Telephones: 1.863 million subscriptions (2023)
Broadband Subscriptions: 1.73 million (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	11,962,995	Estimated for 2025
Area	163,610 sq km
GDP	$53.41 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	16.3%	Estimated for 2024
Inflation Rate	7.2%	Estimated for 2024
Electricity Access	100%	2022 estimate
Life Expectancy	77.3 years	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	11.35 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Youth Unemployment Rate	40.1%	Estimated for 2024