Monastir, interior of Bourguiba's mausoleum

Tunisia is truly a kaleidoscopic destination that surpasses its limitation as the smallest country in the African continent. This hospitable land of colours and contrasts offers you the lucrative opportunity to watch the sunrise over the Sahara and end your days with a sunset view over the Mediterranean coasts. Existence of ancient sites and legendary cities, rapidly growing urban addresses and charming climatic conditions are conducive to holidaying in Tunisia. Take a long walk along miles of sparkling beaches, sunbathe on the warm golden sands, discover numerous Punic and Roman archaeological sites or simply enjoy a gourmet meal at a seaside resort, Tunisia has it all. This country marks the northern most point of Africa and is situated over a landscape that juts out to the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape of Tunisia marks the division of the East and West Mediterranean Sea, which also makes the maritime boundary on the northern part of the country. On rest of the sides, it is surrounded by Algeria to the west and Libya to the south and east. Tunis is the capital and largest city of Tunisia. Most Tunisians are Sunni Muslims and Arabic is the official language of the country.
The geographical features and patterns of Tunisia encompass nearly all elements of nature. The landscape varies from the cliffs of the north coast to the woodlands of the interior, from rich arable lands to desert areas. The Atlas mountain ranges roll down from Algeria to the northern part of Tunisia. A journey towards the central part of the country brings along fertile soil. This part is rich in agriculture and home to a large segment of the population. The Sahara Desert lies in the southernmost part and takes away forty percent of the surface area of Tunisia. The vast coastlines of the country are easily accessible from all parts of the country and stretches over 1,148 km.

Amphitheatre of El Jem

The Berber tribes were the original inhabitants of Tunisia until the coastal regions of the country were settled by Phoenicians in tenth century B.C. This was followed by a series of invasion by different foreign powers that included the Carthage, Roman Empire, Vandals and Byzantines. The Arabs arrived with the influence of Islam in seventh century and founded Al Qayrawan. Despite Berber rebellions, the Muslim dynasties of the Aghlabids and of the Zirids belonging to the Berber followers of the Fatimids prospered over Tunisia. After brief invasion by Moroccan rulers, the Ottoman Empire was established within 1570–1574. French troops occupied the country in 1881 and a French protectorate was declared on May 12, 1881. The Tunisian independence was achieved in 1956 and the Constituent Assembly deposed the bey or Tunisian ruler on July 25, 1957 to establish Tunisia as a republic.

Ruins of the ancient Carthage

Tunisia is headed by a president who is popularly elected after every five years. He appoints a prime minister and a Council of Ministers who assists him in executive matters. The unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Majlis al-Nuwaab has 189 seats. The Deputies are elected through universal suffrage to serve five-year terms. The Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation heads the judiciary of Tunisia.
Tunisia has managed to attain a healthy annual growth rate through increment of privatisation, simplification of the tax structure and efficient handling of debt matters. Tourism, agriculture, mining, energy and manufacturing sectors form the mainstay of the economy.

Sidi bu Said seaport

Monastir, Bourguiba's mausoleum