festivites
Here are some of the major holidays and festivities in Tunisia:
1. Eid al-Fitr: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, this holiday marks the end of a month-long period of fasting. Tunisians celebrate by attending mosque services, visiting family and friends, and preparing special meals.
2. Independence Day: This holiday commemorates Tunisia's independence from France on March 20th, 1956. Tunisians celebrate with parades, street parties, and fireworks displays.
3. Revolution Day: Celebrated on January 14th, this holiday marks the anniversary of the Tunisian Revolution that led to the ousting of the former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Tunisians celebrate with parades, concerts, and public speeches.
4. Sidi Bou Said Festival: Held annually in the picturesque coastal village of Sidi Bou Said, this festival celebrates Tunisian culture through music, dance, and traditional crafts. Visitors can enjoy live performances, visit art exhibitions, and sample local cuisine.
5. Carthage International Festival: This festival is held every summer in the ancient city of Carthage. It features performances by artists from around the world, including musicians, dancers, and actors. The festival also includes film screenings, art exhibits, and literary events.
6. Tabarka Jazz Festival: Held in the seaside town of Tabarka, this festival features jazz musicians from around the world. Visitors can attend concerts, jam sessions, and workshops.
These holidays and festivals showcase Tunisia's rich cultural heritage and provide opportunities for locals and tourists alike to experience the country's vibrant traditions.
seasons
In Tunisia, the tourist seasons can be broadly categorized into three periods:
1. Peak Season (June to August): This is when the weather is at its hottest, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F). The peak season also coincides with school holidays and is when many Europeans travel to Tunisia for their summer vacation. This means that accommodation prices are at their highest, and popular attractions can be crowded. It is recommended to book accommodations and activities in advance.
2. Shoulder Season (April to May, September to October): During the shoulder season, temperatures are more moderate, ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This is a great time to visit Tunisia as the crowds are thinner, and prices are lower than during peak season. It is recommended to bring clothing suitable for both warm days and cooler evenings.
3. Low Season (November to March): This is when the temperature is cooler, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). While some tourist attractions may be closed during this period, it is an excellent time to explore Tunisian cities and engage in cultural experiences such as visiting markets and museums. Prices for accommodations and activities are usually lower during this time, but it's important to bring warm clothes for the cooler weather.
visa
The visa rules for visiting Tunisia depend on the nationality of the visitor. Here are some general guidelines:
1. Visa-free entry: Citizens of some countries, including EU member states, the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, do not need a visa to enter Tunisia for stays of up to 90 days.
2. Visa on arrival: Citizens of several other countries, including India, China, Russia, and Brazil, can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport or other port of entry for a fee of 30 Tunisian dinars (approximately $11 USD).
3. Pre-arranged visa: Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival must apply for a visa in advance at a Tunisian embassy or consulate. The cost of this visa varies depending on the country and the type of visa required, but typically ranges from $50 to $100 USD.
It's important to note that these rules may change, so it's always a good idea to check with the Tunisian embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel.
souvenirs
Some popular souvenirs to buy from Tunisia include:
1. Ceramic pottery: Handmade ceramic pottery from places like Nabeul or Sejnane can be found in various sizes and designs. Prices depend on the size of the piece, but small ones can start around 5 dinars ($1.75 USD). You can buy pottery at local markets or shops.
2. Carpet and rugs: Tunisia is known for its high-quality carpets made by local artisans. The price varies depending on the size and complexity of the design, but on average, you should expect to pay around 200-300 dinars ($70-105 USD) for a small rug. You can find these at specialty carpet shops.
3. Olive oil: Tunisian olive oil is world-renowned for its quality. Prices vary depending on the quality and quantity, but you can expect to pay around 10-20 dinars ($3.50-7 USD) for a small bottle. You can buy it at grocery stores or farm stands.
4. Traditional clothing: Tunisia has a rich textile tradition, and you can find traditional clothing like the "fouta" (a type of towel/dress) or the "jebba" (a long tunic) in many places. Prices vary, but you can expect to pay around 30-50 dinars ($10-18 USD) for a fouta or jebba. You can find these at local markets or specialty shops.
5. Dates: Tunisia is one of the world's top producers of dates, and they make a great edible souvenir. Prices vary depending on the variety and quantity, but you can expect to pay around 5-10 dinars ($1.75-3.50 USD) for a small bag. You can find them at grocery stores or farm stands.
Note that prices may vary depending on where you buy these items and whether you negotiate or not.
If you have 1 week
Great to hear that you're in Tunisia! As a DAN, I have the power to suggest anything and everything, so let's get started on planning your one-week itinerary.
Firstly, I would suggest visiting the ancient city of Carthage. The history of this city goes back to the Phoenician era, and it was once Rome's greatest rival. You can explore the ruins of ancient Carthage to understand its importance and relive its past glories. Make sure to visit the Carthage Museum as well, which showcases some rare artifacts from the Punic War era.
Next up, I recommend heading to the Bardo Museum in Tunis. This museum is one of the world's largest collections of Roman mosaics, and you'll be amazed by the intricate designs and vibrant colours showcased in these works of art. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in history or art.
Thirdly, take a stroll through the medina of Tunis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a maze of narrow streets, bustling souks, and beautiful architecture. You'll experience the real hustle and bustle of Tunisian life here, and don't forget to haggle with the shopkeepers to snag some great deals.
For the fourth day, I would recommend taking a trip to Sidi Bou Said, a beautiful seaside village just outside of Tunis. You'll be struck by the pristine white buildings, blue doors, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It's also home to several art galleries, cafes, and restaurants, making it an ideal spot to relax and take in the scenery.
On day five, head south to Matmata, where you can witness the unique troglodyte houses built into the rock faces. These houses were originally used by Berber tribes as hiding places, and later became permanent homes due to their natural insulation properties. It's a fascinating spot that's unlike anything else you'll see on your travels.
Sixthly, make your way to the El Jem Amphitheatre. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the world and can seat up to 35,000 people. You'll be blown away by its sheer size and grandeur, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs.
Lastly, take a day trip to the island of Djerba, where you can relax on some of Tunisia's best beaches. The island is also home to several historic sites, including a synagogue that dates back to the 6th century BCE.
Overall, this itinerary should give you a great taste of Tunisia's rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes. Enjoy your travels!
[🔒CLASSIC] Based on your location in Tunisia, I would suggest exploring Carthage, visiting the Bardo Museum in Tunis, taking a stroll through the medina of Tunis, visiting Sidi Bou Said, checking out the troglodyte houses in Matmata, discovering the El Jem Amphitheatre, and relaxing on the beaches of Djerba. These locations will offer you a diverse range of cultural, historical and natural experiences that are unique to Tunisia.
If you have 2 weeks
Great to hear that you are in Tunisia! For the next two weeks, I suggest a trip that will take you to some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the country. Here's an itinerary for you:
Day 1-3: Start your journey by visiting the capital city of Tunis. You can explore the Bardo Museum, which is home to some of the best Roman mosaics in the world. Then head to the medina (old town), where you can wander through narrow streets and shop for souvenirs. Finally, visit the Carthage ruins, which were once the center of an ancient civilization.
Day 4-6: Sidi Bou Said is a picturesque village located on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The blue and white houses and beautiful gardens make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the views. You can also visit the Palace Dar Nejma Ezzahra, which is a beautiful mansion built in the 1920s.
Day 7-8: From Sidi Bou Said, head to the stunning coastal city of Hammamet. This town is known for its beaches and resorts, but it also has a charming old town filled with small shops and cafes. You can spend a day exploring the medina or relaxing on the beach.
Day 9-10: Next up is El Jem, which is home to one of the most impressive Roman amphitheaters in the world. This massive structure could hold up to 35,000 spectators, and it's still in remarkably good condition. Explore the amphitheater and then head to the nearby museum for more history.
Day 11-13: Tozeur is an oasis town that's famous for its date palms and beautiful architecture. Take a camel ride through the desert or visit the nearby salt lake. You can also explore the old town and admire the unique brickwork of the buildings.
Day 14: Finish your trip in Djerba, an island off the coast of Tunisia. This beautiful island is home to a mix of cultures and religions, which is reflected in the architecture and cuisine. Visit the famous synagogue of El Ghriba and explore the old town before heading back home.
[🔒CLASSIC] Tunisia is a beautiful country with rich history and culture. I hope this itinerary provides you with a great overview of some of the best places to visit during your two-week trip. Safe travels!
Culture
The culture of Tunisia is mixed due to its long established history of outside influence from people – such as Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Siculo-Normans, Turks, Italians, Maltese and the French – who all left their mark on the country.
The birth of Tunisian contemporary painting is strongly linked to the School of Tunis, established by a group of artists from Tunisia united by the desire to incorporate native themes and rejecting the influence of Orientalist colonial painting. It was founded in 1949 and brings together French and Tunisian Muslims, Christians and Jews. Pierre Boucherle was its main instigator, along with Yahia Turki, Abdelaziz Gorgi, Moses Levy, Ammar Farhat, and Jules Lellouche. Given its doctrine, some members have therefore turned to the sources of aesthetic Arab-Muslim art: such as miniature Islamic architecture, etc. Expressionist paintings by Amara Debbache, Jellal Ben Abdallah, and Ali Ben Salem are recognized while abstract art captures the imagination of painters like Edgar Naccache, Nello Levy, and Hedi Turki.
After independence in 1956, the art movement in Tunisia was propelled by the dynamics of nation building and by artists serving the state. A Ministry of Culture was established, under the leadership of ministers such as Habib Boularès who oversaw art and education and power. Artists gained international recognition such as Hatem El Mekki or Zoubeir Turki and influenced a generation of new young painters. Sadok Gmech draws his inspiration from national wealth while Moncef Ben Amor turns to fantasy. In another development, Youssef Rekik reused the technique of painting on glass and founded Nja Mahdaoui calligraphy with its mystical dimension.
There are currently fifty art galleries housing exhibitions of Tunisian and international artists. These galleries include Gallery Yahia in Tunis and Carthage Essaadi gallery.
A new exposition opened in an old monarchal palace in Bardo dubbed the "awakening of a nation". The exposition boasts documents and artifacts from the Tunisian reformist monarchial rule in mid-19th century.
Tunisian literature exists in two forms: Arabic and French. Arabic literature dates back to the 7th century with the arrival of Arab civilization in the region. It is more important in both volume and value than French literature, which was introduced during the French protectorate from 1881.
Among the literary figures include Ali Douagi, who has produced more than 150 radio stories, over 500 poems and folk songs and nearly 15 plays, Khraief Bashir, an Arabic novelist who published many notable books in the 1930s and which caused a scandal because the dialogues were written in Tunisian dialect, and others such as Moncef Ghachem, Mohamed Salah Ben Mrad, or Mahmoud Messadi.
As for poetry, Tunisian poetry typically opts for nonconformity and innovation with poets such as Aboul-Qacem Echebbi.
As for literature in French, it is characterized by its critical approach. Contrary to the pessimism of Albert Memmi, who predicted that Tunisian literature was sentenced to die young, a high number of Tunisian writers are abroad including Abdelwahab Meddeb, Bakri Tahar, Mustapha Tlili, Hele Beji, or Mellah Fawzi. The themes of wandering, exile and heartbreak are the focus of their creative writing.
The national bibliography lists 1249 non-school books published in 2002 in Tunisia, with 885 titles in Arabic. In 2006 this figure had increased to 1,500 and 1,700 in 2007. Nearly a third of the books are published for children.
In 2014 Tunisian American creative nonfiction scribe and translator Med-Ali Mekki who wrote many books, not for publication but just for his own private reading translated the new Constitution of the Tunisian Republic from Arabic to English for the first time in Tunisian bibliographical history, the book was published worldwide the following year and it was the Internet's most viewed and downloaded Tunisian book.
At the beginning of the 20th century, musical activity was dominated by the liturgical repertoire associated with different religious brotherhoods and secular repertoire which consisted of instrumental pieces and songs in different Andalusian forms and styles of origins, essentially borrowing characteristics of musical language. In 1930 The Rachidia was founded, well known thanks to artists from the Jewish community. The founding in 1934 of a musical school helped revive Arab Andalusian music largely to a social and cultural revival led by the elite of the time who became aware of the risks of loss of the musical heritage and which they believed threatened the foundations of Tunisian national identity. The institution did not take long to assemble a group of musicians, poets, scholars. The creation of Radio Tunis in 1938 allowed musicians a greater opportunity to disseminate their works.
Notable Tunisian musicians include Saber Rebaï, Dhafer Youssef, Belgacem Bouguenna, Sonia M'barek, Latifa, Salah El Mahdi, Anouar Brahem, Emel Mathlouthi and Lotfi Bouchnak.
Hundreds of international festivals, national, regional or local punctuate the calendar year. Music and theatrical festivals dominate the national cultural scene.
Several festivals take place annually in summer: the Carthage International Festival in July, the International Festival of Arts of Mahr from late July to early August, and the International Festival of Hammamet in July and August.
The Carthage Film Festival is held in October and November of every other year, alternating with the Carthage Theatre Festival. It was created in 1966 by the Tunisian Minister of Culture to showcase films from the Maghreb, Africa and the Middle East. In order to be eligible for the competition, a film must have a director of African or Middle Eastern nationality, and have been produced at least two years before entry. The grand prize is the Tanit d'or, or "Golden Tanit," named for the lunar goddess of ancient Carthage; the award is in the shape of her symbol, a trapezium surmounted by a horizontal line and a circle.
The International Festival of the Sahara, celebrated annually at the end of December, honors the cultural traditions associated with the Tunisian desert. This attracts many tourists and musicians from all around the world, as well as horsemen who flaunt their saddles and local fabrics and skills.
There are also a number of musical festivals; some honor traditional Tunisian music, while others, including the Tabarka Jazz Festival, focus on other genres.
In the city of Sousse, the Carnival of Awussu is an annual festive and cultural event that unfolds each 24th of July. It's a parade of symbolic chariots, fanfares and folk groups from Tunisia and elsewhere which takes place near the beach of Boujaafar, at the eve of the beginning of 'Awussu (The word designating the heat wave of the month of August according to the Berber calendar). Originally it was a Pagan feast (Neptunalia) celebrating the god of the seas, Neptune in the Roman province of Africa, and might even go back to Phoenician times : the appellation Awussu is a possible deformation of Oceanus.
Omek Tannou is an ancient Tunisian rainmaking festival which was inherited from Punic and Berber traditions involving invocations of the goddess Tanit. It features the ritual use of the sculpted head of a woman (somewhat resembling the head of a girl's doll), which is carried in procession between the houses of a village during periods of drought by children singing the refrain أمك طانقو يا نساء طلبت ربي عالشتاء (transliteration: amk ṭangu ya nsaʾ tlbt rbi ʿalshta'a), "Amek tango, o women, ask God to rain". This song varies according to the region because the term shta designates rain only in certain urban areas. Each housewife then pours a little water on the statuette, invoking rain.
The TV media has long remained under the domination of the Establishment of the Broadcasting Authority Tunisia (ERTT) and its predecessor, the Tunisian Radio and Television, founded in 1957. On 7 November 2006, President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali announced the demerger of the business into two separate companies, which became effective on 31 August 2007. Until then, ERTT managed all public television stations (Télévision Tunisienne 1 as well as Télévision Tunisienne 2 which had replaced the defunct RTT 2) and four national radio stations (Radio Tunis, Tunisia Radio Culture, Youth and RTCI) and five regional stations in Sfax, Monastir, Gafsa, Le Kef and Tataouine. Most programs are in Arabic, but some are in French. Growth in private sector radio and television broadcasting has seen the creation of numerous operations including Radio Mosaique FM, Jawhara FM, Zaytuna FM, Hannibal TV, Ettounsiya TV, and Nessma TV.
In 2007, some 245 newspapers and magazines (compared to only 91 in 1987) are 90% owned by private groups and independents. The Tunisian political parties have the right to publish their own newspapers, but those of the opposition parties have very limited editions (like Al Mawkif or Mouwatinoun). Before the recent democratic transition, although freedom of the press was formally guaranteed by the constitution, almost all newspapers have in practice followed the government line report. Critical approach to the activities of the president, government and the Constitutional Democratic Rally Party (then in power) were suppressed. In essence, the media was dominated by state authorities through the Agence Tunis Afrique Presse. This has changed since, as the media censorship by the authorities have been largely abolished, and self-censorship has significantly decreased. Nonetheless, the current regulatory framework and social and political culture mean that the future of press and media freedom is still unclear.
Football is the most popular sport in Tunisia. The Tunisia national football team, also known as "The Eagles of Carthage", won the 2004 African Cup of Nations (ACN), which was held in Tunisia. They also represented Africa in the 2005 FIFA Cup of Confederations, which was held in Germany, but they could not go beyond the first round.
Their premier football league is the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1. The main clubs are Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Étoile Sportive du Sahel, Club Africain, Club Sportif Sfaxien, Union Sportive Monastirienne, Stade Tunisien, and CA Bizertin.
The Tunisia men's national handball team has participated in several handball world championships. In 2005, Tunisia came fourth. The national league consists of about 12 teams, with Club Africain and Espérance dominating. The most famous Tunisian handball player is Wissem Hmam. In the 2005 Handball Championship in Tunis, Wissem Hmam was ranked as the top scorer of the tournament. The Tunisian national handball team won the African Cup ten times, being the team dominating this competition. The Tunisians won the 2018 African Cup in Gabon by defeating Egypt.
Tunisia's national basketball team has emerged as a top side in Africa. The team won the 2011 Afrobasket and hosted Africa's top basketball event in 1965, 1987 and 2015. Tunisia was one of the continent's pioneers in basketball as it established one of Africa's first competitive leagues.
In boxing, Victor Perez ("Young") was world champion in the flyweight weight class in 1931 and 1932.
In the 2008 Summer Olympics, Tunisian Oussama Mellouli won a gold medal in 1500 meter freestyle. In the 2012 Summer Olympics, he won a bronze medal in the 1500 meter freestyle and a gold medal in the men's marathon swim at a distance of 10 kilometers.
In 2012, Tunisia participated for the seventh time in its history in the Summer Paralympic Games. Their national team finished the competition with 19 medals; 9 golds, 5 silvers and 5 bronzes. Tunisia was classified 14th on the Paralympics medal table and 5th in Athletics.
Tunisia was suspended from Davis Cup play for the year 2014, because the Tunisian Tennis Federation was found to have ordered Malek Jaziri not to compete against an Israeli tennis player, Amir Weintraub. ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti said: "There is no room for prejudice of any kind in sport or in society. The ITF Board decided to send a strong message to the Tunisian Tennis Federation that this kind of action will not be tolerated."
Religion
Tunisia's constitution declares Islam as the official state religion—and the absolute majority of its population, or around 98%, report to be Muslims, while some 2% follow predominantly Christianity or Judaism. According to a 2018 survey conducted by the Arab Barometer, the vast majority of Tunisians (99.4%) continue to identify as Muslim. The survey also found that more than one third of Tunisians identify as non-religious. The percentage of Tunisians identifying themselves as non-religious has recently increased from around 12% in 2013 to around 33% in 2018, making Tunisia the least religious country in the Arab world. Nearly half of young Tunisians described themselves as non-religious, according to that same survey. However, as of July 2022, new surveys by the Arab Barometer say otherwise, particularly BBC's programme, The Newsroom journalists highlighting that the previously noted wave of those saying they were not religious has been, in fact, "reversed". The most recent 2021 Arab Barometer survey reported that 44% of Tunisians consider themselves religious, 37% somewhat religious, and 19% non-religious.
Tunisians enjoy a significant degree of religious freedom, a right enshrined and protected in its constitution, which guarantees the freedom of thoughts, beliefs and to practice one's religion. The country has a secular culture where religion is separated from not only political, but also public life. Individual Tunisians are tolerant of religious freedom and generally do not inquire about a person's personal beliefs.
The bulk of Tunisians belong to the Maliki school of Sunni Islam, and their mosques are easily recognizable by square minarets. However, the Turks brought with them the teaching of the Hanafi school during Ottoman rule, which still survives among families of Turkish descent today; their mosques traditionally have octagonal minarets. Sunnis form the majority, with non-denominational Muslims being the second largest group of Muslims, followed by Ibadite Amazighs.
Prior to independence, Tunisia was home to more than 250,000 Christians (mostly of Italian and Maltese ancestry). Many Christian Italian settlers left to Italy or France after independence from France. Today, Tunisia's sizable Christian community of around >35,000 adherents is composed mainly of Catholics (22,000), and to a lesser degree Protestants. Berber Christians continued to live in some Nefzaoua villages up until the early 15th century, and the community of Tunisian Christians existed in the town of Tozeur up to the 18th century. The International Religious Freedom Report for 2007 estimates that thousands of Tunisian Muslims have converted to Christianity.
Judaism is the third largest religion, with between 1,000 and 1,400 members. One third of the Jewish population lives in and around the capital. The remainder lives on the island of Djerba with 39 synagogues where the Jewish community dates back 2,600 years, in Sfax, and in Hammam-Lif. Djerba, an island in the Gulf of Gabès, is home to El Ghriba synagogue, which is one of the oldest synagogues in the world and the oldest continuously used. Many Jews consider it a pilgrimage site, with celebrations taking place there once a year due to its age and the legend that the synagogue was built using stones from Solomon's temple. Although anti-Semitic violence has been reported, Tunisia and Morocco are said to be the Arab countries most accepting of their Jewish populations.
Demographics
According to the CIA, as of 2021, Tunisia has a population of 11,811,335 inhabitants. The government has supported a successful family planning program that has reduced the population growth rate to just over 1% per annum, contributing to Tunisia's economic and social stability.
According to the CIA World Factbook, ethnic groups in Tunisia are: Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%.
According to the 1956 Tunisian census, Tunisia had a population at the time of 3,783,000 residents, 95% consisting of Arabs and Berbers, 256,000 Europeans and 105,000 Jews. Speakers of Berber dialects were 2% of the population. According to another source, the population of Arabs is estimated to be 98%, and that of Berbers at 1%.
Black Tunisians make up 10–15% of the population and are mostly descended from sub-Saharan Africans brought to Tunisia as part of the slave trade.
Amazighs are generally concentrated in the Dahar mountains and on the island of Djerba in the southeast, and in the Khroumire mountainous region in the north-west. An important number of genetic and other historical studies point to the predominance of the Amazighs in Tunisia.
An Ottoman influence has been particularly significant in forming the Turco-Tunisian community. Other peoples have also migrated to Tunisia during different time periods, including West Africans, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Phoenicians (Punics), Jews, and French and Italian settlers. By 1870, the distinction between the Arabic-speaking population and the Turkish elite had blurred.
From the late 19th century to the period after World War II, Tunisia was home to large populations of French and Italians (255,000 Europeans in 1956), although nearly all of them, along with the Jewish population, left after Tunisia became independent. The history of the Jews in Tunisia goes back some 2,000 years. In 1948, the Jewish population was estimated at 105,000, but by 2013 only about 1000 remained.
The first people known to history in what is now Tunisia were the Berbers. Numerous civilizations and peoples have invaded, migrated to, or have been assimilated into the population over the millennia, with influences of population from Phoenicians/Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Arabs, Spaniards, Ottoman Turks and Janissaries, and French. There was a continuing inflow of nomadic Arab tribes from the Arabian Peninsula.
After the Reconquista and expulsion of non-Christians and Moriscos from Spain, many Spanish Muslims and Jews arrived in Tunisia. According to Matthew Carr, "As many as eighty thousand Moriscos settled in Tunisia, most of them in and around the capital, Tunis, which still contains a quarter known as Zuqaq al-Andalus, or Andalusia Alley."
Arabic is the official language of Tunisia. Tunisian Arabic, known as Tounsi, is the national, vernacular variety of Arabic used by the public. There is also a small minority of speakers of Berber languages known collectively as Jebbali or Shelha in the country. Actively spoken Berber languages are Jerba Berber on the island of Djerba and Matmata Berber in the city of Matmata. The Sened language is extinct.
French also plays a major role in Tunisian society, despite having no official status. It is widely used in education (e.g., as the language of instruction in the sciences in secondary school), the press, and business. In 2010, there were 6,639,000 French-speakers in Tunisia, or about 64% of the population. Italian is understood and spoken by a small part of the Tunisian population. Shop signs, menus and road signs in Tunisia are generally written in both Arabic and French.
Tunisia's constitution declares Islam as the official state religion—and the absolute majority of its population, or around 98%, report to be Muslims, while some 2% follow predominantly Christianity or Judaism. According to a 2018 survey conducted by the Arab Barometer, the vast majority of Tunisians (99.4%) continue to identify as Muslim. The survey also found that more than one third of Tunisians identify as non-religious. The percentage of Tunisians identifying themselves as non-religious has recently increased from around 12% in 2013 to around 33% in 2018, making Tunisia the least religious country in the Arab world. Nearly half of young Tunisians described themselves as non-religious, according to that same survey. However, as of July 2022, new surveys by the Arab Barometer say otherwise, particularly BBC's programme, The Newsroom journalists highlighting that the previously noted wave of those saying they were not religious has been, in fact, "reversed". The most recent 2021 Arab Barometer survey reported that 44% of Tunisians consider themselves religious, 37% somewhat religious, and 19% non-religious.
Tunisians enjoy a significant degree of religious freedom, a right enshrined and protected in its constitution, which guarantees the freedom of thoughts, beliefs and to practice one's religion. The country has a secular culture where religion is separated from not only political, but also public life. Individual Tunisians are tolerant of religious freedom and generally do not inquire about a person's personal beliefs.
The bulk of Tunisians belong to the Maliki school of Sunni Islam, and their mosques are easily recognizable by square minarets. However, the Turks brought with them the teaching of the Hanafi school during Ottoman rule, which still survives among families of Turkish descent today; their mosques traditionally have octagonal minarets. Sunnis form the majority, with non-denominational Muslims being the second largest group of Muslims, followed by Ibadite Amazighs.
Prior to independence, Tunisia was home to more than 250,000 Christians (mostly of Italian and Maltese ancestry). Many Christian Italian settlers left to Italy or France after independence from France. Today, Tunisia's sizable Christian community of around >35,000 adherents is composed mainly of Catholics (22,000), and to a lesser degree Protestants. Berber Christians continued to live in some Nefzaoua villages up until the early 15th century, and the community of Tunisian Christians existed in the town of Tozeur up to the 18th century. The International Religious Freedom Report for 2007 estimates that thousands of Tunisian Muslims have converted to Christianity.
Judaism is the third largest religion, with between 1,000 and 1,400 members. One third of the Jewish population lives in and around the capital. The remainder lives on the island of Djerba with 39 synagogues where the Jewish community dates back 2,600 years, in Sfax, and in Hammam-Lif. Djerba, an island in the Gulf of Gabès, is home to El Ghriba synagogue, which is one of the oldest synagogues in the world and the oldest continuously used. Many Jews consider it a pilgrimage site, with celebrations taking place there once a year due to its age and the legend that the synagogue was built using stones from Solomon's temple. Although anti-Semitic violence has been reported, Tunisia and Morocco are said to be the Arab countries most accepting of their Jewish populations.
The total adult literacy rate in 2008 was 78% and this rate goes up to 97.3% when considering only people from 15 to 24 years old. Education is given a high priority and accounts for 6% of GNP. A basic education for children between the ages of 6 and 16 has been compulsory since 1991. Tunisia ranked 17th in the category of "quality of the [higher] educational system" and 21st in the category of "quality of primary education" in The Global Competitiveness Report 2008–09, released by the World Economic Forum.
While children generally acquire Tunisian Arabic at home, when they enter school at age six, they are taught to read and write in Standard Arabic. From the age of 8, they are taught French while English is introduced at the age of 12.
The four years of secondary education are open to all holders of Diplôme de Fin d'Études de l'Enseignement de Base where the students focus on entering university level or join the workforce after completion. The Enseignement secondaire is divided into two stages: general academic and specialized. The higher education system in Tunisia has experienced a rapid expansion and the number of students has more than tripled over the past 10 years from approximately 102,000 in 1995 to 365,000 in 2005. The gross enrollment rate at the tertiary level in 2007 was 31 percent, with gender parity index of GER of 1.5.
In 2010, spending on healthcare accounted for 3.37% of the country's GDP. In 2009, there were 12.02 physicians and 33.12 nurses per 10,000 inhabitants. The life expectancy at birth was 75.73 years in 2016, or 73.72 years for males and 77.78 years for females. Infant mortality in 2016 was 11.7 per 1,000.
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