Quick Facts: Tunisia

Interesting facts about Tunisia

Gateway Between Africa and Europe

Located in North Africa, Tunisia lies at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert, with strong influences from Arab, Berber, Roman, and French cultures.

Carthage – A Powerful Ancient Empire

Tunisia was home to the ancient city of Carthage, one of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world and rival of Rome.

Star Wars Filming Location

Several Star Wars scenes were filmed in Tunisia, particularly around Matmata, Tataouine, and the salt flats of Chott el Jerid, serving as the fictional planet Tatooine.

Home to the Sahara Desert

A large part of southern Tunisia is covered by the Sahara, offering visitors desert adventures like camel treks, oasis visits, and sandboarding.

Ancient Roman Sites

Tunisia boasts some of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy, including El Djem Amphitheatre, a massive Roman colosseum that once held 35,000 spectators.

Mediterranean Beaches

With a long coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and historic coastal cities like Sousse and Hammamet.

Arab Spring Began Here

In 2010, Tunisia became the birthplace of the Arab Spring, a wave of pro-democracy movements that spread across the Arab world.

Tunis – A City of Contrasts

The capital city Tunis blends ancient medinas, French colonial architecture, and modern life, with nearby access to Carthage and the Bardo Museum.

Couscous and More

Tunisia’s national dish is couscous, and the cuisine combines Mediterranean and North African flavors, using spices like harissa, olive oil, and fresh seafood.

Multilingual Nation

While Arabic is the official language, French is widely spoken, and many Tunisians also understand English and Italian.