10 Fascinating Facts About Tunisia

From camel rides in the Sahara Desert to film sites where Star Wars took place, Tunisia is full of surprises.

The beauty of Tunisia lies in its variety. From camel rides in the Sahara Desert, soaking your feet in the Mediterranean Sea, visiting film sites where Star Wars took place, to visiting local houses that belong to native Berbers…it’s a land with a sordid history but an extraordinary destination.

1. Location

As the most northern country in the continent of Africa. It calls both Algeria and Libya neighbors, along with the gorgeous coastline of the Mediterranean Sea where the city Hammamet embodies beautiful resorts that tourists have flocked to since the 1960’s. In addition, travelers can traverse through the magnificent Sahara Desert.

2. Name

Tunis is Tunisia’s capital and it’s also the city that gave the country its name. Tunis is situated in the northeast part Tunisia.

Tunisia Tunis view — Tunis view. PHOTO Wendy Hung

3. History

Since long ago, Berbers have always lived in Tunisia. During the 12th century BC, Phoenician began to migrate into the land and established Carthage. During 149 BC, the Romans battled and won over Carthage while infusing Christianity and architecture to Tunisia.

During the first century of Islam, the Arabs took over Tunisia, then did the Ottomans from 1534 to 1574. In 1881, France conquered Tunisia hence travelers can get by easily speaking French in today’s Tunisia. By 1957, Tunisia retrieved independence with Habib Bourguiba and the country became the Tunisian Republic in 1957.

Tunisia desert camels — Camels. PHOTO Wendy Hung

4. Politics

After its independence, the Tunisian Revolution in 2011 overthrew President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Tunisians gained the right to vote for parliament in 2014 and for its President a month later.

Tunisia berbers — Berber village. PHOTO Wendy Hung

5. Population

Tunisia’s population is approximately ten million made up of mostly Arab-Berber. Other minorities include Europeans from France and Italy.

Tunisia market — Local market. PHOTO Wendy Hung

6. Language

There are two languages spoken in Tunisia: Arabic and French.

7. Religion

The majority of the population are Muslims with 99.1% being Sunni Muslims and 1% of Shia Muslims, Christians, Jewish and Baha’i. When you visit the great mosques in Kairouan, keep in mind that’s the fourth most important Muslim city behind Mecca.

Tunisia Kairouan mosque — Kairouan. PHOTO Wendy Hung

8. Archeology

Travelers are typically surprised to see a heavy influence of Roman archeology in Tunisia. These World Heritage Sites and museums are must-see’s, including the Carthage-related landmarks that are surely at the top of every itinerary.

Tunisia Roman archeology — Roman archeology. PHOTO Wendy Hung

9. Transportation

Traveling throughout Tunisia requires a hired driver, especially if you’d like to visit cities outside of Tunis. The capital is also the only city with a proper metro system.

Tunisia Tozeur motorbike Star Wars — Tozeur, set of Star Wars. PHOTO Wendy Hung

10. Hollywood

Fans of Star Wars have flocked to Tunisia to spot numerous filmmaking sites, including: Djerba (Episode IV), Tozeur, Lars Homestead Exterior (Luke’s home), Mos Espa, Tataouine…and so many more.

Tunisia Tozeur Star Wars — Tozeur. PHOTO Wendy Hung

Wendy Hung

CEO, FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As the founder of Jetset Times, Wendy is an avid traveler and fluent in five languages. When she's not traveling, Wendy calls Paris and Taipei home. Her favorite countries so far from her travels have been: Bhutan, Iran, and St. Bart's because they were all so different!