Tunisia is
geographically situated near the centre of the Mediterranean basin. The most northerly
country in Africa, Tunisia faces both Europe and the Middle East and is considered to be a
link between these two regions and cultures. The country's population of more than nine
million people (in 1998) is concentrated mainly in the coastal region. The population is
primarily Muslim and Arab and more than 55 percent live in urban areas. Arabic is the main
language spoken, although French is taught beginning in primary school, and is the common
language of scientific and literary circles.
The Republic of
Tunisia gained independence in 1956. The following year, the Chamber of Deputies appointed
Habib Bourguiba to the presidency. In the elections held in 1959, after the adoption of a
new constitution, Bourguiba was elected by the people and remained in power until 1987.
His successor, Ben Ali, was re-elected in 1994, for a second five-year term, with over 99
percent of the votes.
In the Arab world,
Tunisia is a leader in gender equality and a society undergoing rapid modernization. The
country's current political stability allows it to address economic and social issues. A
member of the United Nations since 1956, Tunisia maintains relations with several Arab,
European and African states.
Tunisia's principal
resources are petroleum, natural gas and phosphates. Tourism and remittances constitute
increasing sources of foreign currency. The exploitation of petroleum and natural gas
reserves (20 percent of exports) has permitted the financing of economic infrastructure,
the development of professional training and the diversification of the economy.
Agriculture employs about one third of the labour force.
Tunisia's principal
trading partners are the countries of the European Union, with which it signed a free
trade agreement in 1995. The country imports primarily the products needed to ensure the
smooth operation of the manufacturing sector. Traditionally an exporter of raw materials
(phosphate, petroleum, and agricultural products), Tunisia is exporting an increasing
amount of processed goods, such as textiles and leather.
As the 21st century
approaches, the Tunisian government must meet the challenges of employment and
globalization. It must ensure that the young people entering the job market have
productive jobs and that enterprises are competitive, both nationally and internationally.
In fact, since 1986, the government has been implementing a reform program to restructure
the public sector, liberalize prices and the exchange market and achieve greater openness
of the economy. The aim of these measures is to build a foundation for a dynamic market
economy, which will enable the productive sector to be more competitive, nationally and
internationally.
Tunisia has a well
advanced telephone network. In 1998, the country had over 752.2 thousand connected lines
resulting in a telephone density of 7.92 lines per hundred of population.
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