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TUNISIA
Background:Following independence from France in 1956, President Habib BOURGUIBA established a strict one-party state.He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation. In recent years, Tunisia has taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in its foreign relations. Domestically, it has sought to diffuse rising pressure for a more open political society.
Location:Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Libya
Geographic coordinates: 34 00 N, 9 00 E
Area: 163,610 sq km
Climate: temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south
Coastline: 1,148 km
Population: 9,974,722 (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic groups: Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%
Languages: Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)
Economy:Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural, mining, energy, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Governmental control of economic affairs while still heavy has gradually lessened over the past decade with increasing privatization, simplification of the tax structure, and a prudent approach to debt.Tunisia has agreed to gradually remove barriers to trade with the European Union over the next decade. Broader privatization, further liberalization of the investment code to increase foreign investment, improvements in government efficiency, and reduction of the trade deficit are among the challenges for the future.
Country name: TunisianRepublic
Government type: republic
Capital: Tunis
Administrative divisions:24 governorates; Ariana (Aryanah), Beja (Bajah), Ben Arous (Bin 'Arus), Bizerte (Banzart), Gabes (Qabis), Gafsa (Qafsah), Jendouba (Jundubah), Kairouan (Al Qayrawan), Kasserine (Al Qasrayn), Kebili (Qibili), Kef (Al Kaf), Mahdia (Al Mahdiyah), Manouba (Manubah), Medenine (Madanin), Monastir (Al Munastir), Nabeul (Nabul), Sfax (Safaqis), Sidi Bou Zid (Sidi Bu Zayd), Siliana (Silyanah), Sousse (Susah), Tataouine (Tatawin), Tozeur (Tawzar), Tunis, Zaghouan (Zaghwan)
Independence: 20 March 1956 (from France)
Legal system:based on French civil law system and Islamic law; some judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint session
Religion:Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%
Natural resources: petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt, arable land
7/12/2008
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