Country Profile: Tunisia

Tunisia, located in Northern Africa, borders the Mediterranean Sea and is positioned between Algeria and Libya. It has a population of approximately 11.96 million people and is characterized by a diverse ethnic makeup, predominantly Arab. The economy is classified as a lower middle-income, heavily influenced by agriculture, industry, and services, with a significant focus on tourism and mining. The political landscape has undergone significant changes following the Arab Spring, transitioning to a parliamentary republic with a complex governance structure.

Geography

Tunisia covers an area of 163,610 square kilometers, featuring a varied terrain that includes mountains in the north and a desert landscape in the south. The country has a Mediterranean climate in the north, transitioning to a hot, dry desert climate in the south. Tunisia has a coastline of 1,148 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea, which is vital for its maritime activities.

163,610 sq km: Total area of Tunisia.
1,148 km: Length of the coastline.
62.4%: Percentage of land utilized for agriculture (2023 est.).
4.5%: Percentage of forested land (2023 est.).
1,495 km: Total land boundaries with Algeria and Libya.

People and Society

Tunisia's estimated population is about 11.96 million, with a majority residing in the northern part of the country. The nation is predominantly Arab (98%), with a significant percentage of the population being Muslim (99%). The literacy rate is relatively high, and urbanization is increasing, with over 70% of the population living in urban areas.

70.5%: Percentage of the urban population (2023).
34.1 years: Median age of the population (2025 est.).
10.6 deaths/1,000 live births: Infant mortality rate (2025 est.).
86.2%: Overall literacy rate (2023 est.).
1.59 children/woman: Total fertility rate (2025 est.).

Economy

Tunisia's economy is facing various challenges, including high unemployment rates, especially among youth and women, exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country relies heavily on exports to the European Union and is making efforts to reform its economy to attract foreign investment.

16.3%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
$156.086 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024.
62.1%: Contribution of the services sector to GDP (2023 est.).
40.1%: Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24, 2024 est.).
6%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2023).

Government

Tunisia is a parliamentary republic with a complex political structure. The government is led by President Kais Saied, who has expanded executive powers through constitutional changes. The political environment remains dynamic, with a blend of political parties retaining roles despite significant governmental shifts since the Arab Spring.

Kais Saied: President since 2019.
18 years: Minimum voting age.
24: Number of administrative divisions (governorates).
2.5%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.).
9: Total World Heritage Sites in Tunisia.

Military and Security

The Tunisian Armed Forces are tasked with national defense and internal security, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The government has shown commitment to counterterrorism, especially regarding threats from groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda.

35,000: Active-duty military personnel (2025).
2.5%: Percentage of GDP allocated to military expenditures (2024).
840: Military deployments in peacekeeping missions (2025).
12 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
99.7%: Electrification in rural areas (2022).

Energy

Tunisia's energy sector relies primarily on fossil fuels, with a significant portion of its electricity generated from these sources. The government is working to diversify its energy portfolio, including investments in renewable energy.

100%: Electrification rate for the total population (2022).
96.1%: Fossil fuels make up the electricity generation sources (2023).
35,000 bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023 est.).
1.313 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production (2023 est.).
33.754 million Btu/person: Total energy consumption per capita (2023 est.).

Environment

Tunisia faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation and water pollution. The government is a party to numerous international environmental agreements, reflecting its commitment to addressing these issues.

26.5 micrograms/m³: Particulate matter emissions (2019 est.).
62.4%: Percentage of agricultural land (2023).
10.9%: Municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.).
4.615 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.).
24.645 million metric tons: Carbon dioxide emissions (2023 est.).

Transportation

Tunisia boasts a developed transportation network, including a mix of railways and ports. The country's infrastructure supports both passenger and freight movement effectively.

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

Communications

Tunisia has a rapidly developing communication infrastructure, with significant internet usage among the population and a robust mobile cellular network.

14.4 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
72%: Percentage of internet users (2023).
1.73 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
1.863 million: Fixed line subscriptions (2023).
15: Fixed line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	11,962,995	Estimated for 2025
Area	163,610 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$156.086 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	16.3%	Estimated for 2024
Electricity Access	100%	Total population (2022)
Life Expectancy at Birth	77.3 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	86.2%	Estimated for 2023
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	33.754 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Urban Population	70.5%	Percentage of total population (2023)
Military Personnel	35,000	Estimated for 2025