Genral Tunisia information:

Basic data
Official name: Republic of Tunisia
Area: 162.155km2
Capital: Tunis
Population: 10 million (2004)
Life expectancy: 73 years
Currency: Tunisian dinar
Per Capita Income: 3.500 dinars
Time zone: GMT + 1
Languages: Arabic (official language), French, English, Italian, German
Rate of schooling: 99% (2004)
Vaccinations: No vaccinations needed

Tunisia , officially the Tunisian Republic, is a country located in North Africa. It is bordered by Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast. It is the northernmost country on the African continent, and the smallest of the nations situated along the Atlas mountain range. Around forty percent of the country is composed of the Sahara desert, with much of the remainder consisting of particularly fertile soil and a 1300 km coastline. Both played a prominent role in ancient times, first with the famous Phoenician city of Carthage, and later as the Africa Province, which became known as the bread basket of the Roman Empire.

The land
With one coast pointing to Italy, the other plunging into the Sahara, Tunisia is an amazing connection between Europe and Africa, between East and West. It was influenced very early by some of the greatest civilizations; it was the centre of the Carthaginian Empire, it has been a major Roman province, and a testimony of the first centuries of Arabo Islamic Civilization.

Climate
As with its landscape, Tunisia’s climate offers a season for everyone’s taste. Sailing, Surfing, diving, golfing, exploring the archaeological sites, deserts and oases is a pleasure from October to May when the average temperature from 12-28°C. Spring, March through May brings spectacular displays for wild flowers throughout the countryside and autumn, October to December offer warm seas and a particularly golden sun. From June through September, warm weather is the rule and August brings the peak of the summer heat. This is the season for the joy of refreshing a sun bronzed body in the cool sparkling Mediterranean.

People
The original inhabitants of Tunisia were the Berbers, followed by settlers and tradesmen from throughout the Mediterranean basin. Throughout the centuries, Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and Visigoth settlers, colonizers and traders intermingled with the population. However it was the Arabs who, in the 7th century, exerted the most influence and established themselves permanently. The Tunisian of today, city dweller, and rural farmer, inhabitant of the desert or the mountains is proud of his «Tunisian identity», a composite of various civilization influences. Aware of their rich historical heritage, Tunisian people show a genuine interest and definite respect for others as evidenced in their moderation

Culture
Tunisia is the first class destination for cultural tourism. Having been rich In great empires and influential kingdoms, it has all possible facets of Mediterranean history concentrated into a small area.Archeological sites in the heart of the country side, museums with rich collection Fortresses from different ages and sumptuously decorated places will delight visitors.

More information can be found on the World Congress website.