Tunisia: The Land of Sun, Sand, and Couscous

Welcome to Tunisia, a tiny Mediterranean country that packs a punch, both figuratively and literally. Tunisia, also known as the “Gateway to Africa”, is a country that has a rich history, a unique culture, and a rocky but interesting political landscape.

History & Culture

Tunisia has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, but the country’s real claim to fame is its role in the history of ancient civilizations. The Punic Wars, where Carthage, one of the largest Phoenician cities, went head-to-head with Rome, took place in Tunisia. Anyone in Tunisia will tell you this fact within the first five minutes of meeting them, so be prepared.

In more recent times, Tunisia gained independence from France in 1956, and its first president, Habib Bourguiba, was in power until 1987. Bouguiba was known for trying to modernize the country in a big way by outlawing polygamy, promoting free education, and granting women more rights than they had previously had in the more traditional society.

Tunisian culture is characterized by Islam, the French language, and the Mediterranean lifestyle. Tunisians love to eat. Their signature dish is couscous, and they put djerba, a sort of spicy sauce, on everything. They also have a sweet tooth and eat a LOT of baklava, an Arab pastry that could give you a sugar high for days.

Politics

You may have heard of Tunisia on the news recently, as it was the birthplace of the Arab Spring in 2011. Protests and riots ensued after a young street vendor set himself on fire in protest of the police harassing him. This triggered a revolution that led to the overthrow of the long-time dictator, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Tunisia has been trying to transition to democracy ever since, but it hasn’t been an easy road. The country is still plagued by corruption and unemployment, and there have been several terror attacks in the past few years.

Tourism

If you’re brave enough to overlook the recent troubles and decide to visit Tunisia, you won’t be disappointed. The country has some of the most beautiful Mediterranean beaches, and the people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet. Just don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, because the sun in Tunisia can roast a chicken in minutes.

Tunisia’s medinas, the old parts of town with twisting, maze-like streets, make for a great shopping experience. You can find everything from handmade pottery to leather goods to traditional jewelry.

But perhaps the best part of visiting Tunisia is the opportunity to stay in a Tunisian bungalow. What is a bungalow, you ask? It’s a small, bricked house that typically has a roof terrace and a garden. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun (if you can survive the heat), and you might just forget about all your worries back home.

So, if you’re looking for a little bit of sun, sand, and culture, Tunisia is definitely worth considering. And if you do decide to go, make sure to try the couscous – it’s a-maize-ing.