As-salamu alaykum! Welcome to the gateway of the Sahara—Tunisia, the northernmost country in Africa, where ancient Roman ruins meet Mediterranean beaches. There are around 12,000,000 people living here, and the capital is Tunis, a city famous for its blend of French colonial avenues and a historic Medina that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The official language is Arabic, though French is used extensively in business and education, and a unique Tunisian dialect (Derja) is the heartbeat of daily life.
Tunisia covers about 163,610 square kilometers (63,170 square miles). The country is roughly the same size as the state of Georgia in the U.S., or about twice the size of Austria. Despite its relatively small size, it boasts a diverse landscape that moves from the fertile green hills of the north to the rolling golden dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental in the south.
The most popular sport is Football, and the national team is affectionately known as the “Eagles of Carthage.” Their national animal is the Dromedary (Arabian Camel), a vital companion for Saharan life, though the Lion appears on the national coat of arms and the Eagle is the symbol of their sporting pride.
The flag features a red field with a white central circle containing a red crescent and a five-pointed star, where the red symbolizes the blood shed by martyrs in the struggle against oppression, the white disk represents peace and the sun, and the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam.
The food is a spicy, fragrant adventure often centered around Harissa, a fiery chili paste found on almost every table. You must try Couscous, the national dish, which in Tunisia is often served with fish, lamb, or vegetables and a rich tomato-based sauce. Another favorite is Brik, a thin, deep-fried pastry usually filled with a whole egg, tuna, and parsley. For a popular street snack, look for Fricassé, a savory fried donut filled with tuna, olives, and boiled potatoes.
Tunisia is home to Carthage, the ancient seat of a powerful empire that once challenged Rome for control of the Mediterranean. The country features the Amphitheatre of El Jem, one of the largest and best-preserved Roman colosseums in the world, once capable of seating 35,000 spectators. You can visit the Island of Djerba, known for its white-washed houses, ancient Jewish heritage at the El Ghriba Synagogue, and beautiful Mediterranean coastline. For a touch of movie magic, head to Matmata, where the underground “troglodyte” homes served as the filming location for Luke Skywalker’s home in Star Wars. Interestingly, Tunisia was the first country in the Arab world to abolish slavery in 1846, several years before many Western nations!
From the blue-and-white clifftop village of Sidi Bou Said to the vast, salt-crusted expanse of Chott el Djerid, Tunisia is a land of revolutionary spirit and ancient soul. Asslama! That means “Thank you!”