Tunisia may be the smallest country in North Africa but it has more than enough variety to make up for what it lacks in size. It offers ancient sites, walled cities, graceful French boulevards, authentic Tunisia hotels, the Sahara desert landscape, fabulous beaches, salt lakes and forested mountains. The people are warm and friendly and they proudly embrace a modern cosmopolitan lifestyle while carefully preserving their past.
Tunisia is a fine blend of the old and the new, ancient civilizations blend harmoniously with modern European thoughts making it one of the most liberal Islamic countries.
There is so much to see and do in Tunisia. Tunisia's 1,400-km (875 miles) long Mediterranean coast is dotted with stunning beaches. The Sahara desert covers a large part of southern Tunisia. The south is also marked by the presence of salt lakes and architectural symbols of the ancient Berber tribes. The region was made famous by the Star Wars movies and the English Patient. The mountains of north Tunisia are covered by cork forests, while central Tunisia and the north-eastern Cap Bon peninsula are full of vineyards, groves of olive and other fruit trees.
Reminders of its past are visible all across the land - for example, the remnants of the great city-state of Carthage, Roman ruins that prove without a doubt that Tunisia was the wealthiest Roman province, medinas or walled cities built during the medieval Arabic era, and the graceful French colonial boulevards of the more recent 19th century. These are ideally visited on a locally led tour in Tunisia which not onlyshows you the sights, but also gives information on the history and culture of this fascinating country. Tunisia's cuisine too reflects a medley of influences - French, Middle Eastern, North African and Turkish.
After gaining independence in 1956, Habib Bourguiba ruled over Tunisia for three decades. He was a modern thinker and a paternalistic ruler. After his fall, Tunisia has been under President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who has continued the same style of governance. He has successfully kept state and religion separate, has not allowed Islamic fundamentalism or any other kind of opposition to thrive, and has kept the media under strict control. Women enjoy more rights here than in any other Arabic country and there is no ban on the use of alcohol.
Tunisia's history is replete with the stories of the Berbers during the ancient times to those of the French in more modern times. The culture of Tunisia too has borne the changes brought about by the many conquests and invasions. The mosaic collections and artefacts displayed in the major museums tell the story of the different civilizations that thrived in Tunisia. The festivals too showcase the history and culture of the land.
There is a wealth of Tunisia hotels for its visitors to stay in. You'll find a wide range of accommodation in Hammamet, which is one of North Africa's top beach resorts. You can even use our interactive Tunisia map to choose your hotel in Tunisia based on its location.
Hammams or public bathhouses are still a prominent part of Tunisian life. Visiting a bathhouse is considered the most effective way of relaxing and socializing. Separate hammams for men and women exist in every Tunisian town. Another popular centre of socialising is the cafés. Men gather at the cafés every evening to talk, play cards and smoke chicas or water pipes.
Tunisian art and craft includes eye-catching items made of ceramics, copper, glass, leather, textiles and wrought iron. Other specialty products are the well-designed blankets, Berber rugs, grass mats and knotted carpets. The jewellery of Tunisia is usually homemade. The "Hand of Fatima" or the "Khomsa" is the most popular Tunisian design and it can be frequently spotted in gold or silver pendants and earrings. Guitars, lutes and drum or the malouf are most often used to play Tunisian music.
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