What is the Capital of Tunisia? Tunis

Capital City of Tunisia: Tunis

City Overview

Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, is the largest city in the country and serves as the political, cultural, and economic center. Located in the northeastern part of Tunisia, along the Mediterranean coast, it sits near the Lake of Tunis, and just a few miles south of the ruins of the ancient city of Carthage, one of the most influential cities of the ancient Mediterranean world.

Tunis has a long history, dating back to its founding by the Phoenicians around the 9th century BCE. Over the centuries, the city was influenced by various civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, each leaving behind significant architectural and cultural legacies. Following the French colonial period, Tunis became the capital of independent Tunisia in 1956 after the country gained independence from France.

The city’s historical and modern aspects blend seamlessly, with a Medina (old town) that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, narrow alleyways, ancient mosques, and markets standing side by side with modern buildings, highways, and hotels. Tunis serves as the cultural hub of Tunisia, with major institutions such as the National Theatre, the Bardo Museum, and the Carthage Film Festival all based in the city.

Tunis is not only a historical center but also an economic powerhouse. The city is the core of Tunisia’s service sector, with many businesses, banks, and governmental institutions located here. It is the main hub for trade, finance, and transportation in the country, serving as the gateway for imports and exports via the nearby Tunis Port and Carthage International Airport.

Key Facts:

• Area: 698 km² (Greater Tunis metropolitan area)
• Population: Approximately 2.7 million (2023 estimate)
• Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC +1
• Highest Mountain: Jebel ech Chambi, 1,544 meters (located in the western part of Tunisia, not far from the border with Algeria)
• Longest River: Oued Medjerda, 450 km, flowing through northern Tunisia into the Mediterranean Sea.

Tunis is a city of contrasts, where the bustling markets and ancient mosques of the Medina coexist with the modern business districts and residential neighborhoods of the Ville Nouvelle (New City). The city is also a center of education, with prominent institutions such as the University of Tunis and several technical institutes that attract students from across the Arab world and beyond.

Major Landmarks in Tunis

Tunis is home to many historical landmarks, with ancient ruins, beautiful mosques, and colonial-era architecture, offering a mix of cultural heritage and modernity.

1. Medina of Tunis

The Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved medieval Islamic cities in the world. It is a labyrinth of narrow streets, bustling souks (markets), mosques, madrasas (Islamic schools), and hammams (public baths). Visitors can explore its vibrant markets selling everything from spices to textiles, and marvel at historical buildings like the Zitouna Mosque (built in the 8th century), which is one of the largest and most important mosques in Tunisia.

2. Bardo Museum

The Bardo Museum in Tunis is one of the most important museums in the world for Roman and Punic art and history. It is home to one of the finest collections of Roman mosaics, ancient sculptures, and Islamic art in the region. The museum is located in a former Ottoman palace, and its exhibits cover Tunisia’s rich history from the Phoenician period to the Islamic era.

3. Carthage

Just a short distance from the city center, the ancient ruins of Carthage (a UNESCO World Heritage site) are a key landmark. Founded by the Phoenicians around 814 BCE, Carthage was a powerful city-state and rival to Rome. Visitors can explore the Carthaginian ruins, including the Tophet, Carthage’s ancient harbor, and the Antonine Baths, which were once among the largest Roman baths in the world.

4. Habib Bourguiba Avenue

This main thoroughfare is one of the most important landmarks of modern Tunis. It is named after Habib Bourguiba, the first President of Tunisia, who led the country to independence from France in 1956. The avenue is lined with impressive French colonial buildings, luxury hotels, cafes, and shops. It is also home to several important government buildings and embassies.

5. Belvédère Park

Belvédère Park is the largest public park in Tunis, located on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the city. It is a popular place for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the outdoors. The park also contains the Tunis Zoo and several monuments commemorating Tunisia’s independence.

6. The Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul

Built in the late 19th century, the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul is an important Catholic church located in the heart of Tunis. Its Neo-Gothic architectural style and its location in a predominantly Muslim country make it a symbol of the country’s religious diversity.

Climate Overview

Tunis experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Due to its coastal location, the city benefits from relatively moderate temperatures compared to other parts of the country, though summer temperatures can still reach 30-40°C during the hottest months of July and August. Winters are generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10-15°C.

Monthly Average Climate Data (Tunis):

Month	Average Temperature (°C)	Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days
January	12°C	80 mm	5
February	13°C	70 mm	6
March	15°C	60 mm	8
April	18°C	50 mm	9
May	22°C	30 mm	10
June	27°C	10 mm	12
July	32°C	2 mm	13
August	32°C	1 mm	13
September	28°C	10 mm	10
October	21°C	30 mm	8
November	16°C	60 mm	6
December	12°C	75 mm	5

Other Cities as Capital in Tunisia’s History

Historically, Tunisia has had several important cities, but Tunis has been the longest-standing capital of the country since the Arab Muslim conquest in the 7th century.

1. Carthage (Before Tunis, 9th Century BCE – 146 BCE)

Before the rise of Tunis, Carthage was the capital of the Carthaginian Empire, founded by the Phoenicians. Carthage was a major Mediterranean power, particularly famous for its conflict with Rome during the Punic Wars. The city was eventually destroyed by the Romans in 146 BCE.

2. Kairouan (7th Century CE – 16th Century CE)

After the Arab conquest of Tunisia, the city of Kairouan became the capital for several centuries. Kairouan is known for its religious significance as the first great Muslim city in North Africa and as a center for Islamic scholarship. The Great Mosque of Kairouan, one of the oldest and most important mosques in the Muslim world, remains a key symbol of Tunisia’s Islamic heritage.

Country Facts

Tunisia, located in the northernmost part of Africa, is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, with its Mediterranean coast and Saharan desert offering diverse landscapes. Since gaining independence in 1956, Tunisia has made significant strides in political and economic development.

Key Country Facts:

• Population: Approximately 13.5 million (2023 estimate)
• Area: 163,610 km²
• Largest City: Tunis
• Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TND)
• Official Language: Arabic
• ISO Country Codes: TN (Alpha-2), TUN (Alpha-3)
• Government: Semi-presidential republic
• Independence: March 20, 1956 (from France)

Tunisia is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations (UN), Arab League, and African Union. The country is known for its rich archaeological sites, ancient ruins, and historical landmarks that attract tourists from around the world. Its economy is based on agriculture, mining, tourism, and petroleum exports. Tunisia is also famous for being the birthplace of the Arab Spring in 2011, a pivotal event that led to significant political changes across the Arab world.