Country Profile: Tunisia

Tunisia is a North African country located along the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast. With a population of approximately 11.96 million, it is characterized by a diverse society predominantly of Arab descent, and an official language of Arabic. The economy is classified as lower middle-income, facing challenges such as high unemployment and public debt, while the government operates as a parliamentary republic with a complex political landscape shaped by historical shifts since gaining independence from France in 1956.

Geography

Tunisia's geographical location offers a strategic advantage in the central Mediterranean, featuring a varied climate and terrain, from coastal areas to the Sahara desert. The country covers an area of 163,610 square kilometers, with 62.4% of its land used for agriculture. The population is predominantly located in the northern part of the country, while the southern region remains less populated.

163,610 sq km – total area
1,148 km – coastline length
62.4% – percentage of agricultural land (2023)
1,495 km – total land boundaries with Algeria and Libya
1,544 m – height of Jebel ech Chambi, the highest point
4.5% – percentage of forest cover (2023)
8,250 sq km – total water area

People and Society

Tunisia has a diverse population of about 11.96 million people as of 2025, with a high literacy rate of 86.2% and a median age of 34.1 years. The society is predominantly Muslim (99%), and Arabic is the official language, though French is widely spoken in commerce. Urbanization is prevalent, with over 70% of the population living in urban areas, reflecting a consistent trend of modernization.

11,962,995 – estimated population (2025)
99% – percentage of Muslims in the population
70.5% – urban population (2023)
34.1 years – median age (2025)
40.1% – youth unemployment rate (2024)
86.2% – literacy rate (2023)
11.35 births/1,000 – birth rate (2025)

Economy

Tunisia's economy is classified as lower middle-income, heavily reliant on agriculture, services, and tourism. The country grapples with challenges like high unemployment rates, particularly among youth and women, and increasing public debt. Economic reforms are in progress to attract foreign investment and address structural economic issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

$156.086 billion – real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
16.3% – unemployment rate (2024)
62.1% – services sector contribution to GDP (2023)
40.1% – youth unemployment rate (2024)
16.6% – population below poverty line (2021)
$19.732 billion – total exports (2023)
$21.953 billion – total imports (2023)

Government

Tunisia is a parliamentary republic with a complex governance structure established after the Arab Spring in 2011. The government has undergone significant reforms, with a new constitution approved in 2022 that expanded presidential powers. The political landscape consists of multiple parties, and the country has been navigating a path towards democratic governance since its independence from France.

Republic of Tunisia – official country name
Kais SAIED – current president (since 2019)
Parliamentary system – governance type
24 – number of administrative divisions (governorates)
18 years – minimum voting age
161 – seats in the Assembly of People's Representatives
15.8% – percentage of women in the Assembly (2022)

Military and Security

The Tunisian Armed Forces are responsible for the country's defense and internal security, with approximately 35,000 active-duty personnel. The military faces challenges related to counter-terrorism and border security, particularly along the borders with Algeria and Libya. Military expenditures account for 2.5% of the GDP, reflecting the government's commitment to national security.

35,000 – active military personnel (2025)
2.5% – military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024)
840 – troops deployed in UN peacekeeping missions (2025)
12 months – compulsory service for men aged 20-35
18 years – voluntary service age
North African focus – primary operational area
NATO cooperation – involved in bilateral military training exercises

Energy

Tunisia's energy sector is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, although there is a modest push towards renewable sources like solar and wind. The country has achieved 100% electrification, with a majority of electricity generated from fossil fuels. Natural gas imports are significant as domestic consumption continues to rise.

100% – electrification rate (2022 est.)
96.1% – electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023)
5.131 billion cubic meters – natural gas consumption (2023)
19.153 billion kWh – total electricity consumption (2023)
35,000 bbl/day – total petroleum production (2023)
2.3% – electricity generation from solar (2023)
6.639 million kW – total installed electricity generation capacity (2023)

Environment

Tunisia faces several environmental challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, and deforestation. The government is a participant in various international environmental agreements, aiming to address these issues through reforms and awareness. Urbanization and agricultural practices also significantly impact the environment.

24.645 million metric tonnes – CO2 emissions (2023)
2.7 million tons – municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
10.9% – percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)
62.4% – agricultural land usage (2023)
4.615 billion cubic meters – total renewable water resources (2022)
4.5% – forest area (2023)
2.71 billion cubic meters – total water withdrawal for agriculture (2022)

Transportation

Tunisia has a well-developed transportation network, including railways, roads, and ports. The country has 14 airports and a merchant marine fleet that contributes to its trade with international partners. The rail system, while extensive, has parts that require modernization and investment.

2,173 km – total railway length (2014)
14 – number of airports (2025)
72 – vessels in the merchant marine fleet (2023)
16 – total ports (2024)
11 – number of heliports (2025)
4.629 billion kWh – transmission and distribution losses in electricity (2023)
3,000 metric tons – coal imports (2023)

Communications

The communications infrastructure in Tunisia includes fixed and mobile telephony, with a high percentage of internet penetration. The country has made significant investments in broadband and mobile services, enabling greater connectivity for its citizens.

14.4 million – mobile cellular subscriptions (2024)
72% – percentage of the population using the internet (2023)
1.863 million – fixed-line subscriptions (2023)
1.73 million – fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
15 – fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023)
14 – broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023)
2 – state-owned TV stations operating in the country

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	11,962,995	Estimated for 2025
Area	163,610 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$156.086 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	16.3%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	11.35 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2025
Youth Unemployment Rate	40.1%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy at Birth	77.3 years	Estimated for 2024
Percentage of Urban Population	70.5%	Total population living in urban areas (2023)
Electricity Access	100%	Total population with access (2022)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	33.754 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023