Tunisia Population

Population Distribution

As of 2023, the latest population of Tunisia is 11,721,177, based on our calculation of the current data from UN (United Nations).

People in Tunisia

Originally the Berbers settled in Tunisia. The Berbers lived all over the north of Africa. Little is known about the exact origin of the Berbers. But they are among the original peoples of Africa.

Arabs came here in the 7th and 8th centuries. In addition to Islam, they also brought their language and culture with them. Many Berbers were Arabized in this way and now consider themselves Arabs. They speak a dialect of Arabic, Tunisian Arabic. 98 out of 100 Tunisians are Arabs.

About eleven million people live in Tunisia, which is about twice the size of Austria and half the size of Germany. But the European influence can also be felt in Tunisia. This is due to tourism on the one hand and Tunisia’s history on the other. Because the country was once a French colony and the French influences shaped the country and still shape it today.

Big differences between town and country

As everywhere, there are differences between town and country. Many people are more open, especially in the tourist areas, because tourism contributes to their prosperity. Due to the large number of foreign tourists who mostly spend their holidays in the beach hotels by the sea, money flows into the country. Because many people are dependent on tourists, they are often unable to defend themselves against customs and traditions that are alien to them; even if they don’t like some of the things the tourists do.

Many devout Tunisians in the countryside do not particularly like the clothes that tourists wear. This often leads to misunderstandings and conflicts between tourists and locals. A Tunisian woman would not travel without a man with her. And that is exactly what many tourists from Europe do. But in the big cities of the country you will hardly be able to tell young Tunisians from tourists by their clothes. In the country it looks very different again.

But even today you can see more and more veiled women in the old town of Tunis or other large cities. In the past – in the time before the revolution – wearing a headscarf or veil was forbidden and now it has become a form of freedom for many women to wear a headscarf. What we see as backward, others see as a sign of freedom. There are now many different ways to live in Tunisia.

Languages in Tunisia

Arabic is the official language.

Religions in Tunisia

98 out of 100 Tunisians are followers of Islam. Very few Christians practice their faith in Tunisia. Some Jews still live on the island of Djerba. Even if most Tunisians are Muslims and live their faith, a lot in Tunisia is not handled as strictly as in Egypt or even in Saudi Arabia, Yemen or Pakistan.

On the other hand, there are also more so-called “strict believers” who are committed to ensuring that women fully veil themselves. So they despise people of other faiths too. Both currents of Islam – the modern and the strictly religious – coexist and you will find very modern, open-minded people in Tunisia, but also some who live backwards and very traditionally.

Tunisia Overview

Tunisia, located on the northern coast of Africa along the Mediterranean Sea, is famous for its rich history, diverse cultural heritage, and stunning coastal landscapes. The country is renowned for its ancient ruins, including the impressive Roman amphitheater of El Djem and the well-preserved city of Carthage. Tunisia’s vibrant markets, labyrinthine medinas, and beautiful beaches attract visitors seeking a blend of history, culture, and relaxation. The Tunisian Revolution of 2011, which sparked the Arab Spring, highlighted the country’s role in the fight for democracy and political change in the region.

• Capital City: Tunis
• Population: Approximately 11.7 million
• Area: 163,610 square kilometers
• Full Country Name: Republic of Tunisia
• Currency: Tunisian dinar (TND)
• Language: Arabic
• ISO Country Codes: ISO 3166-1 alpha-2: TN, ISO 3166-1 alpha-3: TUN

Bordering Countries of Tunisia

Tunisia is a North African nation located on the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Tunisia has a population of 11.7 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in Africa.

To the north and east of Tunisia lies Italy and Malta, both of which have strong cultural ties with Tunisia due to their close proximity. To the south is Algeria, which shares a long border with Tunisia that stretches for nearly 1,000 miles. This border was established during French colonial rule in 1881, and since then it has been an important trading partner for both countries. Further south lies Libya, which is separated from Tunisia by only a small stretch of water known as ‘The Gulf of Sidra’.

Tunisia also has close ties with several other North African nations such as Morocco and Egypt due to its Mediterranean location and strong historical ties with these countries. In recent years there have been increasing trade links between these nations as well as political cooperation in order to promote peace in North Africa and beyond. Finally, Tunisia also shares maritime borders with Spain’s Balearic Islands such as Ibiza and Mallorca, both of which are popular tourist destinations for Tunisians looking for a beach holiday.