Tunisian Republic. The smallest Arab state in North Africa. The area of Tunisia is 164,000 km2. Religion – Islam. Currency – Tunisian dinar.
GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION, NATURE
In the south it borders on Libya, in the west – on Algeria, in the north and east it is washed by the Mediterranean Sea.
Tunisia is the sacred temples of the ancient gods, the coliseums and the immortal grandeur of Carthage, the sultry sun of the Sahara and the precious coolness of the oases, plantations of date palms and the spicy scent of jasmine, picturesque cities and modern villages of troglodytes … Tunisia is a warm sea, golden beaches of fine sand, emerald pools surrounded by palm trees and snow-white hotels of international class… this is a cloudless vacation in an atmosphere of bliss and peace, exquisite exotic national cuisine in luxurious restaurants, European comfort and oriental hospitality, political stability and personal security… fireworks of entertainment. Surfing and golf, scuba diving and parachuting, hunting and fishing, pulsing disco and jazz rhythms in cozy bars, exotic travels across the Sahara by jeeps and camels…. belly dance.
CAPITAL, MAJOR CITIES
Capital, main seaport and main industrial center – Tunisia (674, 1 thousand people, 1994). Other large cities: Sfax (230.9 thousand), Bizerte (98.9 thousand) and Sousse (125 thousand). The ancient Arab capital of Kairouan (102.6 thousand) is considered a sacred city.
Climate
In the north of Tunisia, mild Mediterranean, further south it becomes hotter and drier. The average temperature in January (in the northern regions) is about 10 (r)С, the average temperature in July is about 26 0С.
POPULATION
Approximately 8,933,000 Ethnic groups – Arabs, 98%.
LANGUAGE
Arabic. Tunisians also speak French and Berber.
RELIGION
Most Tunisians are Muslims.
HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS
01.01 – New Year
03/20 – Independence Day (1956)
03/21 – Youth
Day 04/09 – Day of Remembrance of the Victims
05/01 – Labor
Day 07/25 – Republic Day (1957)
08/13 – Woman
‘s Day 10/15 – Evacuation Day (withdrawal of French troops in 1963)
07.11 – Anniversary of November 7, 1987
CUISINE
In contrast to the traditional Arabic cuisine, replete with spicy spices, Tunisian is closer to European. Tunisians are supporters of using a natural, rather than crushed, product in food. Only natural meat, poultry, fish, cooked on special braziers or on a skewer or skewers.
Transport
The cost of taxi rides in Tunisia is very reasonable. A trip of 5 km. costs about 2 TD (about $2). Pay the taxi driver strictly according to the meter.
The metro in Tunisia is a modern tram. Trains run on predetermined routes from the city center to Den Den, to Ariana to the north, and to Ben Arus to the south.
You can also travel around Tunisia by bus, railway and local airlines, you can rent a car.
TIME
Time is 2 hours behind Moscow time.
MONEY
Tunisian dinar. 1 dollar is approximately equal to 1.35 dinars.
Visas, CUSTOMS CONTROL
To enter the country, a voucher issued by a travel agency that sends tourists is sufficient. It can be written for the whole group or individually.
Permitted: alcoholic beverages with a strength of up to 20 degrees – 2 liters; with a strength of more than 20 degrees – 1 liter; cigarettes – 20 packs. Items imported in commercial quantities are confiscated. You can export everything from Tunisia, including souvenirs, carpets, gold, silver, fruits, etc.
RESORTS – TUNISIA
MAHDIYA
Formerly a small fishing village, today it is a new and rapidly developing resort. The resort of Mahdia is famous for its beaches with surprisingly fine golden sand and clear transparent sea.
MONASTERY
Located 165 km from Tunis. Thanks to its location, beautiful beaches, modern hotels with rich and sophisticated interiors, Monastir has now become one of the leading resorts in Tunisia. The Great Mosque, built in the 10th century BC, and the fortress – Ribat Monastery adorn the city. The city is all green: both in summer and in winter. Everywhere – the realm of Tunisian architecture, which is based on vaults and domes. The interior design is discreet, elegant and scrupulously traditional, even if it is the most modern solution. Monastir is a haven of beauty, sun and melancholy, as Michel Tournier wrote.
SOUSSE AND PORT EL KANTAOUI
The third largest city in Tunisia, considered one of the best resorts in the country. The tourist center is located on the coast in a picturesque bay, 140 km from the capital of Tunisia. Antiquity and modernity merged in this city together. An ancient mosque, a majestic fortress, nightclubs, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, comfortable hotels harmoniously complement each other. 10 km north of Sousse is the famous port of El Kantaoui. It is believed that this fertile city is even older than Carthage.
The Arabian city, spread out on a hillside, demonstrates the exquisite geometry of its white houses, turned towards the port and the sea. The round and modest tower-minaret is one of the links in the chain of fortified monasteries of the 19th century. There are also Christian catacombs in Sousse with about 25,000 graves. And finally, in the Muslim part of Sousse, which you need to walk along, following its streets – stairs, there are several shops-workshops where they make and sell products from leather, copper, iron, wood.
HAMMAMET
Located 60 km. from Tunisia – the capital of the state. The green plantations of orange and olive trees surrounding Hammamet have given it the name “City of Gardens”. This friendly city has long been known as a great holiday destination. The coast is a single tourist complex. Comfortable hotels, night clubs, discos are waiting for you. Hammamet is also an international cultural center. Numerous musical and theatrical performances take place here. Flaubert, Maupassant, Wilde, Churchill, Francoise Sagan, Sophia Loren resigned to the charm of his fragrances and colors. The old fortress on the very seashore guards numerous luxurious hotels located among orange, lemon, jasmine groves and gardens.
