Where is Tunisia Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 18, 2024

Where is Tunisia located on the map? Tunisia is an independent nation located in Northern Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Tunisia on maps.

Tunisia Location in World Map

Tunisia is located in North Africa and borders the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. On the western border of Tunisia you will find Algeria and in the southeast is Libya. Tunisia is one of the countries of the Maghreb. When you look at it on the map, it looks like a triangle. It also seems a bit squeezed between its neighboring countries Algeria and Libya.

Tunisia is located in North Africa.

Location Information of Tunisia

Tunisia is located in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east, Algeria to the west, and Libya to the southeast. It is the smallest country in North Africa, but it has a rich history and diverse landscapes ranging from sandy beaches to the Sahara Desert. Tunisia’s central location between Europe and the Middle East has made it an important crossroads of civilizations for millennia.

Latitude and Longitude

Tunisia is situated between 30° and 38° North latitude and 7° and 12° East longitude. It has a diverse geography that includes a Mediterranean coastline, the Atlas Mountains, and the vast Sahara Desert, which covers much of the southern part of the country.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Tunis

The capital city of Tunisia is Tunis, located in the northern part of the country on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It has a population of about 1 million people and serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. The city is known for its blend of modern infrastructure and historical significance, with both French colonial architecture and ancient Islamic landmarks.

Tunis is located at 36.8065° N, 10.1815° E and is the gateway for most travelers to Tunisia, with the country’s primary international airport, Tunis-Carthage International Airport, located nearby. The city also serves as a hub for Tunisian universities, art institutions, and the media.

Key features of Tunis include:

Medina of Tunis: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the medina is a walled historical quarter with narrow alleys, markets, and centuries-old mosques and palaces.
Bardo Museum: Home to one of the most important collections of Roman mosaics, the museum showcases Tunisia’s rich archaeological and historical heritage.
Carthage: The ruins of the ancient city of Carthage, once a powerful Phoenician civilization, are located just outside of Tunis and are a major historical attraction.

Major Cities

Sfax: Located on the eastern coast, Sfax is Tunisia’s second-largest city, with a population of about 330,000. Known as the country’s commercial and industrial hub, Sfax is the center of Tunisia’s fishing industry and is famous for its olive oil production and agricultural exports. The city lies at 34.7400° N, 10.7619° E.
Sousse: A coastal city located between Tunis and Sfax, Sousse is famous for its Mediterranean beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant tourism sector. It has a population of approximately 220,000 and is home to the famous Ribat of Sousse, a 9th-century fortress and mosque. The city’s coordinates are 35.8256° N, 10.6364° E.
Kairouan: Often considered the fourth holiest city in Islam, Kairouan is located in central Tunisia and has historical significance due to its early Islamic heritage. It is home to the Great Mosque of Kairouan, which is one of the most important examples of early Islamic architecture. Kairouan is located at 35.6617° N, 10.0990° E.
Tozeur: Located in southern Tunisia, Tozeur is a town at the edge of the Sahara Desert. It is a gateway for desert excursions and is known for its oasis and date palms. Tozeur is located at 33.9193° N, 8.1292° E.
Gabès: Another important southern city, Gabès is located on the Mediterranean coast and serves as a port city and agricultural center. It has a population of around 150,000 and is known for its phosphate mining industry. The city’s coordinates are 33.8833° N, 10.0983° E.

Time Zone

Tunisia operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC +1:00. Unlike many European countries, Tunisia does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Therefore, the time remains consistent throughout the year, with no shifts between winter and summer time.

Time difference with New York City: Tunisia is 6 hours ahead of New York City during standard time, and 5 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time in the U.S.
Time difference with Los Angeles: Tunisia is 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles during standard time, and 8 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time in the U.S.

Climate

Tunisia enjoys a Mediterranean climate along its coast, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. As one moves inland toward the central and southern parts of the country, the climate becomes semi-arid and eventually desert-like, with extremely hot summers and very little precipitation.

Coastal Climate: In cities like Tunis, Sousse, and Sfax, summers are hot and dry, with average temperatures between 30°C and 40°C (86°F to 104°F). Winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F), and rainfall is most common in the winter months.
Inland Climate: In central cities like Kairouan and Tozeur, the climate becomes more extreme. Summer temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F), and winters can be quite cold, especially at night, with temperatures dropping below 5°C (41°F).
Desert Climate: The southern regions of Tunisia, including Douz and Tozeur, experience a Saharan climate, characterized by scorching summers where temperatures can exceed 45°C (113°F). Rainfall is extremely rare in these areas, and the environment is dominated by sand dunes and oases.

Economic Status

Tunisia has a diversified economy, which is driven by agriculture, industry, and services, with a growing emphasis on tourism. While the country has faced challenges in recent years, including political instability and high unemployment, it remains one of the more developed countries in North Africa.

Key Sectors of the Economy:

Agriculture: Agriculture is an important part of Tunisia’s economy, particularly the production of olive oil, grain, citrus fruits, and dates. Tunisia is one of the world’s largest exporters of olive oil and has a thriving date palm industry. Fishing and agriculture, especially in the coastal regions, contribute significantly to the GDP.
Tourism: Tunisia is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, beautiful beaches, and unique desert landscapes. Carthage, Sousse, and Djerba are some of the most visited sites. The tourism industry provides substantial foreign exchange and employs a significant portion of the population.
Energy: Tunisia produces oil and natural gas, although its reserves are relatively small compared to other North African countries. Tunisia has been expanding its renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar and wind energy, due to its sunny and windy climate. The energy sector is crucial to the economy, but Tunisia is also a net importer of energy.
Phosphates and Mining: Tunisia is one of the world’s largest exporters of phosphates, used in the production of fertilizers. The country also has deposits of iron ore and salt, which contribute to its industrial base.
Manufacturing and Industry: Tunisia has a well-developed industrial sector, including textiles, clothing, chemicals, and electronics. The textile industry is one of the largest sources of export revenue, with Tunisia serving as a manufacturing base for European and American markets.
Services: The services sector, including banking, telecommunications, and transportation, has grown significantly in recent years. Tunisia’s high literacy rate and relatively well-educated workforce support the growth of the service and technology industries.

Tourist Attractions

Tunisia is home to a wide variety of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, making it a prime destination for travelers. From ancient ruins to stunning beaches, the country has a diverse range of experiences to offer.

1. Carthage

The ancient city of Carthage, located near Tunis, was once a powerful Phoenician metropolis. The archaeological site is home to Roman baths, ancient amphitheaters, and the Carthage Museum, showcasing artifacts from Tunisia’s rich Roman and Phoenician history.

2. Sousse

The city of Sousse is known for its Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean. The Ribat of Sousse, an ancient fortress, is one of the best-preserved examples of Islamic military architecture.

3. Tozeur and the Sahara Desert

Tozeur is a town at the edge of the Sahara Desert, famous for its oasis and the surrounding sand dunes. Visitors can take camel treks into the desert or explore Chott el Jerid, a vast salt flat. The desert landscapes have been featured in movies like Star Wars.

4. Kairouan

Kairouan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Islam’s holiest cities. The Great Mosque of Kairouan, with its historic minaret, and the Medina are major attractions. Kairouan is also known for its traditional carpet-making industry.

5. Djerba

Djerba is an island located off the southern coast of Tunisia, known for its beautiful beaches, Mediterranean charm, and traditional Berber villages. The island is also home to the El Ghriba Synagogue, one of the oldest in Africa.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens traveling to Tunisia for tourism or business purposes are required to obtain a visa. For stays of up to 90 days, U.S. travelers can obtain an e-visa through the official Tunisian government website or apply at a Tunisian embassy. The e-visa process is typically quick and requires basic information about the traveler and their intended stay.

Visa Types: U.S. citizens can apply for a tourist visa, business visa, or transit visa. Business travelers may need to provide additional documentation, such as an invitation letter from a Tunisian organization.
Passport Validity: Travelers should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their planned stay in Tunisia.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance from Tunis to New York City: Approximately 7,200 km (4,475 miles), with a flight time of around 8 to 9 hours.
Distance from Tunis to Los Angeles: Approximately 9,800 km (6,085 miles), with a flight time of around 11 to 12 hours.

Tunisia Facts

Size	163,610 km²
Residents	11.29 million
Language	Arabic
Capital	Tunis
Longest river	Medjerda (450 km)
Highest mountain	Djebel Chambi (1,544 m)
Currency	Tunisian dinar