Tunisia

When to go

Weather

Warm all year. Very hot inland and June-September.

Festivals

There are many religious events based around the lunar year calendar. Other festivals include the International Carthage Festival in July, Festival of the Oases in November - featuring camel racing - and the Sahara Duoz Festival, celebrating desert folklore.

Highlights

“Good reputation is better than wealth.” Tunisian proverb

Tunis

The capital and heart of modern Tunisia. Visit the Bardo Museum containing pieces from the many cultures and civilizations that have flourished here. Or walk through its busy, meandering streets and admire its architectural beauty.

Carthage

The centre of the maritime Punic Empire and later the capital of the Roman Province of Africa, Carthage is rich in history and beauty. The Antonine Baths are one of the best preserved sites. Once the largest baths in Africa, they are positioned between the sea and Avenue Habib Bourguiba. Stroll just south of the baths and you will find the archaeological gardens. A short visit will provide an overview, but a few extra days are needed to fully appreciate this ancient area.

Beaches

Top quality beaches and resorts fill this strip of sun-scorched Mediterranean coast.

Sahara

Sweeping across the southern tip of Tunisia is a gorgeous section of dune-filled desert. If you get achance it’s worth witnessing the grand desolation of it and wandering through the towns on the desert fringe.

Tatouine

Unpack your light sabre and re-enact scenes from one of the most popular film franchises of all time. Locals still inhabit the distinct underground dwellings made famous by the Stars Wars films, the landscape formed much of the backdrop for Luke Skywalker’s home planet, Tatooine.

Tozeur

Amble through the old quarter of this beautiful oasis town set against the desert dunes.

Being there

Etiquette

Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. The country follows Arab culture and traditions, although it is one of the more tolerant and liberal Muslim countries. Dress can be informal, but cover your shoulders and knees when visiting a religious monument. Beachwear should be kept to the tourist resorts. Tunisians are a very hospitable race; a gift would be advised in appreciation of hospitality or as a token of friendship.

Food and Drink

Tunisian dishes are often cooked with olive oil, spiced with aniseed, coriander, cumin, caraway, cinnamon or saffron. Lamb or dorado (bream) are often served with couscous, the tajines (stews) are generally excellent. Brik, a fried pastry envelope with a savoury filling, is a popular snack. Local wines are excellent.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Copperware, olive-wood items, leather goods, pottery, embroidery, enamelled jewellery.

Additional Info

People and Places

Capital: Tunis.
Language: Arabic.
Population: 9,889,900.
Population Density: 60.4. (pop per km²)
Size: 163,610. (area km²)

Transport

Tunis (TUN) is 8 km from city. Monastir (MIR) is 8 km from city, Djerba (DJE) 8km, Sfax (SFA) 15 km, Tozeur (TOE) 10 km.
Excellent road and air network. Reasonable railway.

Red Tape

National driving licence, vehicle log book, insurance.
UK: 29 Prince’s Gate, London SW7 1QG, tel (020) 7584 8117, fax (020) 7225 2884. USA: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005, tel (202) 862 1850, fax (202) 862 1858, email atwashington@verizon.net.
UK: Rue du LacWindermere, Les Berges du Lac, 1053 Tunis, tel (71) 108 700, fax (71) 108 749, email tntolondon@aol.com. USA: Zone Nord-Est des Berges du Lac, Nord de Tunis, 2045, La Goulette, tel (71) 107 000, fax (71) 962 115.

State of the Nation

Life expectancy: M 73.2, F 76.71.

Finance: Credit cards and traveller’s cheques widely accepted.
Business hours: Winter: 0800-1230 and 1430-1800 Monday-Friday. Summer: 0800-1300 Monday-Saturday.
GMT: + 1.
Voltage guide: 220 AC, 50 Hz.
Country dialling code: 216.