Country Profile: Tunisia

Tunisia, located in Northern Africa along the Mediterranean Sea, shares borders with Algeria and Libya. It has a population of approximately 12 million people, primarily Arab, with a rich history influenced by various empires, including the Phoenicians and the Ottomans. The country operates as a parliamentary republic and is currently facing economic challenges, including high unemployment rates, particularly among youth and women, while striving to implement reforms to attract foreign investment.

Geography

Tunisia's geography features a temperate climate in the north, transitioning into a desert in the south, and encompasses an area of 163,610 square kilometers. The country has a coastline of 1,148 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea and shares land borders with Algeria (1,034 km) and Libya (461 km). The terrain consists of mountains in the north and a semiarid plain central region, with the south merging into the Sahara.

163,610 sq km: Total area.
1,148 km: Length of the coastline.
62.4%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2022).
4.5%: Percentage of forested land (2022).
1,495 km: Total land boundaries.
Jebel ech Chambi: Highest point at 1,544 m.

People and Society

Tunisia has an estimated population of 12,048,847 as of 2024, with a notable youth demographic making up 24.4% of the population under the age of 14. The country is predominantly Arab (98%) and recognizes both Arabic and French as important languages. Its society is largely Muslim, with 99% following Sunni Islam. The country has made strides in gender equality and education, with a literacy rate of 86.2%.

12,048,847: Total population (2024 est.).
34.4 years: Median age (2024 est.).
70.5%: Urban population (2023).
77.3 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
1.93 children: Total fertility rate (2024 est.).
16%: Population living below the poverty line (2021 est.).

Economy

Tunisia's economy is classified as a lower middle-income economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, tourism, and mining sectors. The country faces economic challenges, including high unemployment rates of 16.3% and a youth unemployment rate of 40.1%. Recent reforms aim to address high public debts and boost foreign investment amidst post-COVID recovery efforts.

$156.086 billion: Real GDP (PPP) in 2024.
1.4%: Real GDP growth rate (2024 est.).
$12,700: Real GDP per capita (2024 est.).
16.3%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
$19.732 billion: Exports (2023 est.).
$21.953 billion: Imports (2023 est.).

Government

Tunisia is a parliamentary republic, with a political system that has evolved since gaining independence from France in 1956. The current constitution, adopted in 2022, has expanded presidential powers and established a bicameral legislature. The government is characterized by a mixed system that incorporates elements of civil and Islamic law.

Kais SAIED: Current president since 2019.
18 years: Age of suffrage.
2.5%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.).
24: Number of administrative governorates.
161: Seats in the lower chamber of parliament.

Military and Security

The Tunisian Armed Forces are responsible for national defense and internal security, consisting of approximately 35,000 active-duty personnel. The military faces challenges from various terrorist groups, including ISIS and al-Qaida affiliates. Tunisia has a commitment to counter-terrorism operations and participates in peacekeeping missions.

35,000: Active-duty military personnel (2025).
2.5%: Military spending as a share of GDP (2024).
775: Troops deployed to peacekeeping missions (2024).
18-23 years: Age for voluntary military service.
8%: Female representation in the military (2023).

Energy

Tunisia boasts a 100% electrification rate, with a significant portion of its electricity generated from fossil fuels (96.1%). The energy sector faces challenges with dependence on imports, particularly for natural gas. The country is investing in diversifying its energy sources, including solar and wind.

6.639 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
19.153 billion kWh: Electricity consumption (2023).
35,000 bbl/day: Daily petroleum production (2023).
3.887 billion cubic meters: Annual natural gas imports (2023).
24.645 million metric tons: CO2 emissions (2023).

Environment

Tunisia's environmental issues include limited freshwater resources, pollution, and the impacts of climate change leading to desertification. The country engages in various international environmental agreements focusing on biodiversity and climate change mitigation.

62.4%: Land used for agriculture (2022).
70.5%: Urban population (2023).
4%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2014).
820 million cubic meters: Total municipal water withdrawal (2020).
26.52 µg/m³: Particulate matter emissions (2019).

Transportation

Tunisia's transportation infrastructure includes a network of railways and airports to facilitate domestic and international travel. The country has 14 airports and a railway system of approximately 2,173 km, enhancing connectivity across regions.

2,173 km: Total railway length (2014).
14: Number of airports (2025).
72: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).
16: Total ports (2024).

Communications

Tunisia has a well-developed communication network with high mobile and internet penetration. As of 2023, 72% of the population uses the internet, and mobile cellular subscriptions have reached 16.4 million.

72%: Internet user percentage (2023).
16.4 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
1.863 million: Fixed-line subscriptions (2023).
1.73 million: Broadband subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	12,048,847 (2024 est.)
Area	163,610 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$156.086 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	16.3% (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	100%	(2022 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth	77.3 years (2024 est.)
Urban Population	70.5%	(2023)
Total Fertility Rate	1.93 children/woman (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
CO2 Emissions	24.645 million metric tons (2023 est.)