Tunisia
By: CeCe Ugwulebo
What Makes Tunisia Such a Unique Country?
About Tunisia
- The capital of Tunisia is Tunis
- The population is estimated to be about 10.8 million people
- Majority (98%) of Tunisians are Arabized-Berber or Arab-Berber
- There is a small population of Christianity
- There is a small Jewish population mostly in Tunis or the island of Djerba
- Nearly all Tunisians are Muslim
Location & Hemisphere
- Tunisia is located in Northeast Africa near the northeastern coast.
- Neighboring countries are Algeria & Libya.
- Closest body of water is the Mediterranean Sea.
Physical Map of Tunisia
Political Map of Tunisia
How the Location Impacts the Lives of the People and Climate
Climate
- The Tunisian climate is a mixture of two seasons; A long, hot Summer followed by a brief season of rain, while the rest of the country has Spring and Autumn.
- Heat waves are more intense and last longer in the region.
- Longer and more intense droughts.
- Rising temperature associated with climate change are expected to decrease land area, shorten the length of growing season, and reduce crop fields.
How the Climate Affects the People
- The water supply will be impacted negatively due to the evaporation caused by the heat.
- Coastal aquifers will become more salty.
- Less water will be able to be provided for crops.
- Land area will decrease.
How the Type of Economy Affects the People
- Tunisia's economical growth depends on oil, phosphates, agri-food products & tourism.
- Tunisia rates first in Africa and 36th globally for economic competitiveness.
- Tunisia's important goods consist of textiles, machinery, equipment hydrocarbons, chemicals and foodstuffs.
How the Type of Government Affects the People
- Tunisia functions within a Democracy, with a President serving as a head of state. A Prime Minister serving as head of government, and a court system influenced by French Civil Law.
- People are treated according to their civil rights & human rights.
- The government has limited power over the people.
- Tunisia is the 109th freest country in the 2014 index.
- Unemployment is only 18.9%
Man Made Landmarks
Megaliths
Group of megalithic tombs and other structures near the village of Ellès. It is assumed that these structures were created around 2500 BC.
Ancient Carthage
Built as a Symbol of the Capital; Tunis.
- Destroyed by Romans in 146 B.C.
- Reestablished by Romans
- Destroyed by Muslims in 698 A.D.
El Jem Amphitheatre
- Third largest Roman Amphitheatre
- Constructed around 238 AD and has a capacity of 35,000 seats
- Used mainly for gladiator shows and chariot races.