TUNISIA

Tunisia is a country in Northern Africa touched by the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Algeria to the west and Libya to the south-east.

The territory covers 163,610 square km.

Tunisia has about 10 million inhabitants with a density of more than 60 inhabitants per square km.

Tunis, in the north of the country. The name Tunus could originate from the Berber language and means "promontory" or, more probably, "place where to spend the night". Tunis counts 640,000 inhabitants. A walk in the city centre means visiting the medina and the casbah, full of merchandises. The Saint Luis Cathedral is also very nice; it was built in 1890 with a Byzantine Moorish style.

Tunis, Sfax, Ariana, Bizerte, Jerba, Hammamet.

International Airport Zarzis - Jerba; International Airport Habib Bourguiba - Monastir.

The strategic position of Tunisia assured to the country an history rich in events. Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans and French landed on this country. The first evidence of a human settlement was discovered in the southern part of the country and it dates back to 200,000 years ago. The Phoenicians settled for the first time in Tunisia in Utica in 1100 BC, making it a port located on the route between their "mother-city" Tyre (today in Lebanon) and Spain. They founded the port of Carthage, which became the main port in the Western Mediterranean Sea at the beginning of the fifth century BC, till the Romans razed it to the ground in 146 BC. This territory was then ruled by the Romans. The emperor Julius Caesar founded Carthage again as a Roman city in 44 BC declaring it capital of the Africa Proconsularis, i.e. of the African possessions of Rome. Tunisia became the barn of the Empire, the corn crops covered more than 60% of the need of the subject territories. At the beginning of the fifth century, when the Roman power had completely declined, the Vandals conquered Carthage and made it their capital. Their exploitation politics earned them the hate of the Berbers who began to found small kingdoms and to attack the Vandal settlements. They were followed by the Byzantines, as much as fierce, who ruled for 150 years. Between the seventh and the eighth century the Arabs conquered the whole Northern Africa. In spite their conversion to the Arabic religion, the Berbers tried several time and without success to rebel. Towards the middle of the sixteenth century Tunis was controlled by several population in a period of 50 years before being conquered by the Turks in 1574; it was now part of the Ottoman territory. The Ottoman domination lasted till 1881 when France sent 30,000 soldiers to Tunisia on the pretext of controlling the border with Algeria and preventing possible border raids into the country that they had conquered. As a matter of fact they occupied Tunis, obliged the bey to give up his powers and, little by little, they took possession of the best lands in Tunisia. After the downfall of France during the World War II, the Tunisian nationalist movement organized its own independence campaign. France was willing to negotiate, so Tunisia gained full independence in March 20, 1956, with Bourguiba as Prime Minister. The Republic was declared on the following year and Bourguiba became President, adopting a program of huge political and social reforms and limiting the role Islam played in the society, as he considered it as a power opposite to the country evolution process. The shari'a tribunals (Koran law) were abolished and the lands that had financed mosques and religious institutions were confiscated. The presidency of Bourguiba lasted till 1987 when, after years of commitment in the battle against the Islamic party, he was betrayed by his Home Secretary, Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, who took advantage of the tensions among Islamic citizens and let Bourguiba be declared mentally unstable obliging him to "retire" in a palace outside Monastir. Ben Ali immediately committed himself to reassure the Islamic opposition and to this purpose he went on a pilgrimage to Mecca and ordered to observe the fast during the Ramadan. His party settled at the government. Today the main opposition parties have a marginal importance and the censorship is normal. During the elections which took place in October 1999, Ben Ali won with 99.44% of the votes - a quite too high percentage not to arouse suspects. In May 2002 a referendum backed the constitutional reform which allowed Ben Ali in 2004 to obtain the fourth presidential mandate, lasting for other five years of government. The main opposition candidate obtained only 0.95% of the votes.

The 3rd of August, National Holiday and the 20th of March Independence Day.

Presidential Republic. The President of the Republic has the executive power and is elected by a universal direct suffrage.

Arabic is the official language. French is also widespread, above all in the cities; in some areas in the Southern country and on the Jerba Island Berber is still spoken and it may happen to find someone who speaks Italian.

Islam.

No difference as compared to Italy. When in Italy the Daylight Saving Time is in use, the difference is one hour behind.

Italian citizens travelling for tourism are only required to hold a valid passport. In case of package tours bought in a travel agency, you can enter the country also holding the identity card valid for expatriation.

The country's monetary unit is the Tunisian dinar. Considering the current exchange rate, Tunisia is an absolutely economical country for Italian tourists.

CHECK THE CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE

The main international credit cards are accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants.

No vaccinations are required to visit Tunisia. It is nevertheless advisable to provide oneself with intestinal disinfectants.

In the north of the country there is a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, while towards the south the climate is drier and warm because of the proximity to the Sahara desert. Sea lovers find in Tunisia the best conditions: it is possible to practice water sports from late spring to the end of October. In the hinterland the temperature difference between day and night is great.

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST IN REAL TIME

The voltage is 220 volt.

To call Italy from Tunisia is very easy: dial 0039, then the Italian area code - including zero for fixed net numbers - and the number you wish to call (for example: to call a fixed net telephone number in Milan just dial 0039 02 63... ; to call a mobile phone number dial 0039 329 41...). To call Tunisia from Italy, dial the international code 00216, followed by the area code - without zero - and the number you wish to call. The GSM network works perfectly; therefore our mobile phones may be used here. As phone tariffs vary according to the service provider, it is advisable to get informed about costs before the departure, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises at home.

The internet is widespread in the big cities and in the holiday resorts; checking or sending e-mails will not be a problem.

For those who like videos and pictures Tunisia is a real paradise. There are no restrictions to take pictures or make amateur videos for private use. As in any other country, it is advisable to politely ask local people for their permission before taking pictures of them. In fact people could ask you money or a visit in their shop.

Shopping in Tunisia is probably one of the activities preferred by tourists, but good business requires time and patience. Tunisian people are born sellers, they will invite you for a tea in their shop and will show you the carpet collection, they will praise your beauty to sell you a nacre mirror and, above all, they will give a price that has for sure to be revised. The tourist ability is therefore to haggle without offending (the Hammamet traders are susceptible to too rude answers) and to refuse an object he does not like at 100%. In the souqs you will find everything; nobody has never left Tunisia without a souvenir. Among many knickknacks, it is possible to find wonderful handicrafts. If you can not help buying a hookah, remember that you will not use it much at home. Some objects loose their charm if they are far from their origin....

The gastronomic tradition in Tunisia is particularly rich in special perfumes and tastes, a mix of traditions coming from Europe, from Eastern countries and from desert populations. The presence of hot spices derives from the neighbouring countries faced on the Mediterranean Sea and from the several populations who ruled the Tunisian soil: the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Arabs, the Turks, the French and the native Berbers. Many of the gastronomic traditions and of the tools had their origin when the ancient tribes were nomad. The couscous is one of the national dishes and can be prepared in several different ways, with lamb meat or grouper. Fish dishes are also much used, accompanied by a typical egg brick, made with a thin puff pastry filled with tuna and eggs. Each dish is served with hot and tasty sauces (famous is the Harissa sauce). The delicious cakes are not to forget, they are rich in dates, almonds and honey. Do not overeat! At the end of the meal the traditional green tea is normally offered; it is very sweet and served very hot in nice small glasses. Another pleasant tradition at the end of the meal is using the hookah, prepared with a sweet tobacco (apple or berry fruits).

In July and August the International Festival in Carthage is an annual event which explores the world of music, dance and theatre. Do not miss this event hosted in the ancient and charming Roman theatre of Carthage. It is the most important laic event scheduled in Tunis. The International Festival of symphonic music of El-Jem is held in July while the Dougga Festival for classical theatre is held in July and August.

In the most important and tourist-visited centres there are many night clubs: tourist-style clubs furnished with carpets and brass objects where tea and hookah are served in a relaxing atmosphere, easy-going clubs patronized quite exclusively by local men, typical restaurants where delicious couscous are served and discos for young people. In smaller cities, such as Monastir, nights are more quiet but it could be nice walking along the streets in the city centre. If you are near Tunis spend an evening in Sidi Bou Said, a wonderful quarter on the Tunis gulf.

Like in all Muslim countries, the most important holiday period is the Ramadan, which corresponds to the ninth month of the Muslim lunar year. From sunrise to sunset all people have to fast. Most of the shops are closed and the streets are almost empty. At sunset life restarts with collective feasts and prayers. Also tourists should, when among other people, respect the Ramadan. The period of the Ramadan sacred month closes with a feast called Aid al-Fitr or small feast. The big feast is the one celebrated during the 10th day of the Pilgrimage month, the Aid al-Adha or sacrifice feast and it is the most important solemnity of the Islamic calendar. This feast celebrates the miracle made by Allah in replacing the son of Abraham with a ram during the sacrifice. Another important celebration of the Islamic lunar year is the Aid-Milad-an-Nabi, when they commemorate the birthday of the prophet Mohammed. Among the laic feasts it is important to remember the National Holiday on the 20th of March, the Youth Holiday on the 21st of March, the Martyrs' Day on the 9th of April, the Labour Day on the 1st of May, the Republic Day on the 25th of July, the Women's Day on the 13th of August and the Feast of the 7th November 1987.

The Tunisian gastronomy is very spicy and hot. It is said that in the past a man could judge the love of his wife according to the quantity of hot pepper used while cooking. If the food was not so hot the husband could think that the wife did not love him anymore. If the food was hot it meant that passion was still alive.

1) The medina in Tunis
2) The souq in Tunis
3) Carthage
4) The village of Sidi Bou Saïd
5) The peninsula of Cap Bon
6) The Roman ruins of Dougga
7) The ancient Coliseum of El-Jem
8) The city of Tozeur
9) Hammamet
10) Jerba and the oases of the Sahara desert.

- Tips: Tips are not compulsory, but beyond being highly appreciated, tipping the waiter is quite a common habit.

- Safety: there are no risky areas in the Country, anyway the region bordering Algeria is under the control of the military Administration. Avoid to reach these areas though! Respect all rules foreseen by Islam; in particular avoid to eat, drink and smoke in public during the month of Ramadan, from sunrise to sunset. While visiting mosques women are obliged to cover their shoulders and men can not wear short trousers.

- Taxi : they are available in the main cities.

Via F.Baracchini, 10 - Milan (Italy)
Phone: 0039 02 8645 3026
Fax: 0039 02 862 752
E-mail: info@turismotunisia.it
www.turismotunisia.com

Via Asmara, 7 - Rome (Italy)
Phone: 0039 06 8603 060
Fax: 0039 06 8621 8204

Rue de Russie, 1002 - Tunis (Tunisia)
Phone: 00216 1 321 811
Fax: 00216 1 324 155
E-mail: ambitalia.tun@email.ati.tn
www.ambitalia-tn.bo.cnr.it