Formally named the Tunisian Republic, Tunisia occupies its position in the northernmost area of the African continent. It is part of the Arab Maghreb region. Tunisia is bounded by the Atlas mountain ranges in the northwest and the Sahara desert passes through much of the country’s southern regions. Tunisia boasts of a 1300 km long Mediterranean coastline along the northeastern regions. Tunis is the capital city.

The earliest Tunisians were nomads, called Numidians from whom the Berbers descended. The Berbers are the ancient forefathers of present day Tunisians. The Phoenicians ruled in Tunisia in the 5th century BC and were replaced by the Roman Empire, which continued till the 6th century AD. Under the Roman influence, Tunisia prospered economically by becoming a major exporter of agricultural produce like cereals, olive oil, figs and grapes to the large and growing Roman Empire. Other export products included textiles, marble and wine.

In the course of their conquest of Africa, the Arab Muslims entered Tunisia in the early 7th century, causing an Islamic reign in the country. In 1869, the French invaded Tunisia and the country became a French Protectorate. Tunisia obtained its independence from France in 1956.

Unfortunately, Tunisia was not yet fated to become a democracy. After nearly two and a half decades of facing restrictions on freedom of any kind, experiencing high unemployment and poor living conditions, the people of Tunisia broke out into a peaceful civil revolution to demand democratic rights in 2011.

Like many African countries, Tunisia exhibits climatic variation depending on the location. The northern areas along the Mediterranean coastline have a temperate climate characterized by dry summers and mild to moderately cold winters interspersed with rain. The southern regions have desert like climate with extreme temperatures in summer and winter.

Almost 98% of the Tunisians are Arab-Berber in origin. A small minority of population is made of Europeans (the French and Italians). Almost all people in Tunisia follow Islam, though there a few Catholics and Jews in the country. Islam is the official religion in Tunisia, though the Constitution guarantees citizens secular freedom.