This is a photo of the protected monument identified by the ID …

Carthaginian empire through the Punic wars

Photograph of the St Louis Cathedral of Carthage, Tunisia. This…

North African Thekla's lark (Galerida theklae carolinae) near D…

Tunisia

Country Information of Tunisia

Tunisia is a North African country located along the Mediterranean coastline, strategically positioned between Algeria and Libya. With a population of approximately 11.8 million people, the nation is known for its rich historical and cultural heritag...

Capital

Tunis

Languages

Arabic

UN-Member?

Yes

Major Cities

Tunis,Sfax,Sousse,Zarzis,Kairouan,Bizerte,Gafsa,Aryanah,Gabès,Hammamet

Major Cities

What Expats Say About TunisiaBETA

Research in Progress

We're currently analyzing expat perspectives for Tunisia. Check back soon for insights from real experiences!

We're gradually rolling out this feature and continuously improving the insights. The data is based on real expat discussions and will become more comprehensive over time.

Demographics in Tunisia

Life Expectancy

75.7

Population

11,818,618

Religions

Islam (Sunni)

99%

Ethnic Composition

Arabs

98%

European people

Jewish people

Climate & Weather in Tunisia

Loading climate data...

Safety & Security in Tunisia

Overall Safety Score

Calculated from crime, safety, and healthcare indices

MODERATE

/100

Worldwide Average

Moderate54/100

Africa Average

Low45/100

Crime & Safety Metrics

Index

Compare:

Tunisia

Africa Average

Safety Index

Moderate

Safety from Crime

Moderate

Safe Alone (Day)

Good

Safe Alone (Night)

Low

Safety from Violent Crime

Moderate

Safety from Property Crime

Moderate

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Index

Healthcare Index

Adequate

Healthcare Quality

Adequate

Emergency Response

Limited

Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: 190 (universal emergency), 197 (medical emergencies)

• Ambulance Response: 10-15 minutes urban, 25-40 minutes rural

• Hospital Coverage: Public healthcare system with regional hospitals across provinces

• Trauma Centers: Major centers in Tunis, Sfax, and Sousse

• Language Support: Arabic primary, French and some English in tourist areas

Emergency Numbers:

• Universal Emergency: 190

• Medical: 190

• Police: 197

• Fire: 198

Response Times:

• Urban areas: ~12 minutes

• Rural areas: ~35 minutes

Hospital System:

Comprehensive public healthcare system with mixed public-private infrastructure, focusing on urban and coastal regions

Major Trauma Centers:

Tunis, Sfax, Sousse

Language Support:

Limited English support, primarily Arabic and French communication in emergency services

Data Completeness: complete

Entry Restrictions in Tunisia

Summarizing data... just a few seconds

Visa Requirements for Tunisia

Living Costs in Tunisia

Tunisia offers a very affordable cost of living, approximately 70% cheaper than Western European countries, with low rent and moderate food prices.

Crime & Safety in Tunisia

Moderate safety levels with relatively low violent crime rates, though petty theft can occur in urban and tourist areas.

Safety Index: 55.34 | Crime Level: 44.66

Health System in Tunisia

Public healthcare system with mixed quality; basic services available but infrastructure and advanced treatments may be limited.

Quality Rating: 5.5/10

Advantages in Tunisia

Warm Mediterranean climate with beautiful coastal regions
Low cost of living and affordable housing
Rich cultural heritage and historical sites
Strategic location between Europe and Africa

Disadvantages in Tunisia

High unemployment rates, especially among young professionals
Limited economic opportunities outside major cities
Bureaucratic challenges and complex administrative processes
Language barriers for non-Arabic speakers

Government & Politics in Tunisia

Loading data...

Economic Overview in Tunisia

Index

GDP

$46.69B

HDI

0.7

Quality of Life

51/100

+8 vs NYC

Purchasing Power

16/100

-26 vs NYC

Understanding the economic landscape is essential for evaluating living costs and opportunities in Tunisia. This comprehensive overview covers key financial indicators including cost of living, housing markets, income levels, and fiscal policies that shape daily life and long-term financial planning.

Economic & Living Costs in Tunisia

Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

7-25 TND

Avg: 16 TND

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

40-120 TND

Avg: 80 TND

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

12-20 TND

Avg: 16 TND

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

3-8 TND

Avg: 5.5 TND

Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

400-1000 TND

Avg: 700 TND

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

300-800 TND

Avg: 550 TND

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

700-1800 TND

Avg: 1250 TND

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

500-1400 TND

Avg: 950 TND

Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.5-1.5 TND

Avg: 1 TND

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

9-21 TND

Avg: 15 TND

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

20-50 TND

Avg: 35 TND

Gasoline (1 liter)

2.3-2.58 TND

Avg: 2.44 TND

Utilities & Communications Costs

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

100-251.85 TND

Avg: 175.93 TND

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

40-100 TND

Avg: 70 TND

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

15-50 TND

Avg: 32.5 TND

Grocery Costs

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

1.2-2 TND

Avg: 1.6 TND

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

0.2-2.5 TND

Avg: 1.35 TND

Eggs (regular) (12)

3-6.03 TND

Avg: 4.52 TND

Local Cheese (1kg)

20-50 TND

Avg: 35 TND

Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

50-120 TND

Avg: 85 TND

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

20-60 TND

Avg: 40 TND

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

10-20 TND

Avg: 15 TND

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

150-500 TND

Avg: 325 TND

Last updated: 2025-11-09

Education System in Tunisia

Research in progress... please wait a minute

Transportation & Infrastructure in Tunisia

Tunisia offers a developing transportation network centered on its capital Tunis, featuring an urban light rail system, expanding highway infrastructure, and 25 airports serving its tourism and trade sectors. The country is transitioning from historically centralized large-scale infrastructure projects toward a multimodal, decentralized approach through its 2020 National Urban Mobility Policy. Key strengths include an established 48-km tramway network in Tunis, a 20,000-km road network, and strategic international connectivity via the Trans-African Highway. Challenges include coordination between urban growth and transport planning, limited rural connectivity, and the need for modernized public transit systems beyond the capital.

Public Transport

Moderate

Road Infrastructure

Moderate

Public Transport

5.8/10

Tunis features a 48-km tramway system with six lines operationalized between 1985-1992, plus 23-km of suburban railways and an 18.8-km light rail connecting northern neighborhoods. An 18.8-km light rail connects La Marsa, La Goulette, and Sidi Bou Said to the city center. Planning underway for a €1.4bn, 70-km light-rail system in Sfax with expected completion of the first section by 2021. Bus networks exist but integration between modes remains limited. Coverage outside Tunis is minimal.

Road Infrastructure

6.2/10

Tunisia maintains a 20,000-km road network with 12,310 km paved and 6,387 km unpaved as of 2004. The toll-highway network includes the 247-km Tunis-Sfax connection, 51-km Tunis-Bizerte link, and 67-km Tunis-Oued Zarga route. Major cities are linked by interior roads. The A2 motorway from Tunis to Gafsa (386 km total) is under construction. Road maintenance and quality vary, with ongoing renovation programs targeting key rural-coastal connections.

Internet Speed

4.5/10

Tunisia has developing broadband infrastructure with growing fiber deployment in urban areas, particularly Tunis and major cities. Rural areas rely on slower ADSL connections. Mobile internet quality is moderate with expanding 4G coverage from major carriers. Fiber network expansion is ongoing but remains concentrated in urban centers.

Avg: 28.5+ Mbps • Limited to major urban areas; expanding in Tunis and coastal cities

Airport Connectivity

6.8/10

Tunisia operates 25 airports with 12 major airports (large and medium) serving international and domestic routes. Tunis-Carthage International Airport serves as the primary hub with connections to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The airport network supports significant tourism traffic and regional connectivity. International routes are well-established, though domestic flight coverage is moderate.

Hubs: Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN), Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport (MIR), Djerba-Zarzis International Airport (DJE), Sfax-Thyna International Airport (SFJ)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass: N/A (specific pricing not available in sources)
Bus Trip: N/A (specific pricing not available in sources)
Taxi: N/A (specific pricing not available in sources)
High-speed Train: Not available (no high-speed rail network currently operational)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Limited deployment in major cities; 5G rollout in early stages as of 2026

4G Coverage: Extensive 4G/LTE coverage in urban areas and along major highways; growing rural coverage

Tunisia has three major mobile carriers providing 4G coverage in populated areas. Network reliability is good in urban centers with moderate speeds. Rural coverage is expanding but remains limited in remote regions. 5G deployment is in early phases concentrated in Tunis and major coastal cities.

Driving License

IDP required

Tunisia drives on the right side. International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign visitors and residents. Foreign licenses are accepted for temporary visits (typically up to 1 year) when accompanied by an IDP. Long-term residents may need to obtain a Tunisian driving license through local procedures.

Loading transportation data...

Work & Business in Tunisia

Tunisia, with a population of 11.8 million and GDP of approximately $46.7 billion USD, features a diversified economy driven by manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, ICT, and emerging renewable energy sectors. Despite challenges like high youth unemployment and structural reforms, the government is implementing the 2026-2030 Business Climate Strategy to boost investment by 12%, digitalize services, and support SMEs, creating opportunities for skilled workers and entrepreneurs in a strategically located Mediterranean hub with access to European and African markets.

Employment Rate

52.0%

Below-average employment rate amid high youth unemployment (~40%) and structural issues. Job market challenged by rigid labor laws and inequality, but opportunities growing in tech, manufacturing, and tourism with government reforms targeting inclusive growth.

Startup Ecosystem

42.0%

Emerging startup ecosystem supported by government incentives, SME promotion, and National Investor Portal for digitalization. Focus on tech/IT as a regional hub, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship, though limited VC funding and regulatory hurdles persist.

Average Salary Range

TND 12,000 - TND 36,000 annually

Average annual salaries range from 12,000-36,000 TND, varying by sector (higher in IT/manufacturing at 20,000-50,000 TND). Affordable labor costs with moderate purchasing power; regional disparities exist, coastal areas higher. Tax incentives may enhance net income.

Work Visa Requirements

EU Citizens:

EU citizens can enter visa-free for 90 days; work permit required for employment. Simplified process via API (Investment Promotion Agency) for investors.

Non-EU Citizens:

Work visa and permit needed; apply through Ministry of Employment. Skilled workers/investors eligible for incentives. Processing 1-3 months.

Tunisia encourages foreign investment with tax breaks in free zones. Work permits tied to job offers; documentation includes contracts, qualifications. No digital nomad visa, but entrepreneur visas available. Timelines: 4-12 weeks; prioritize strategic sectors like tech/renewables.

Business Registration

Timeline:

1-4 weeks

Minimum Capital:

TND 1,000

Streamlined via online National Investor Portal (API). Common structures: SARL (LLC) requires 1,000 TND min capital. Documents: ID, articles of association, lease. Free zones offer tax reductions; 2026-2030 strategy digitizes all procedures for efficiency.

Remote Work Policies

Legal Status:

No specific remote work law; governed by Labor Code. Employers must comply with standard contracts; cross-border remote work requires work permits.

Growing acceptance in IT/tech sectors with digital transformation push. Co-working spaces in Tunis; hybrid models common post-pandemic. Limited formal regulations, but government supports digital economy and entrepreneurship.

Key Industries

Manufacturing

Tourism

Agriculture

Technology & IT

Renewable Energy

Petrochemicals

Automotive Components

Job Opportunities by Sector

Technology & IT:

High demand for developers, IT services as Tunisia emerges as tech hub. Government incentives; salaries 20,000-50,000 TND. Growth in digital transformation and outsourcing.

Manufacturing:

Opportunities in textiles, automotive, plastics; 15% investment rise expected 2026. Skilled workforce; export-oriented jobs with FDI growth potential.

Tourism & Hospitality:

Seasonal and year-round roles in hotels, guides; recovering sector with European ties. Multilingual skills valued; moderate salaries, coastal demand.

Renewable Energy:

Solar/wind projects booming with government targets. Engineers, technicians needed; incentives attract FDI, strong growth trajectory.

Agriculture & Agribusiness:

Expansion in exports, processing; jobs for technicians, managers. Modernization via Vision 2035; stable employment in rural areas.

Loading work & business data...

Retirement & Senior Living in Tunisia

Upgrade to Premium to unlock this feature

Create an account to access:

✓District-level insights & personalization
✓Retirement planning module
✓Access to 3 continents
✓Enhanced filters & comparisons
✓Up to 10 comprehensive reports
✓API access (5000 req/month)

Get Started

Legal & Administrative in Tunisia

Loading legal and administrative data...

Environment & Sustainability in Tunisia

Tunisia faces significant climate vulnerabilities as a North African nation on the Mediterranean coast. The country is committed to reducing carbon intensity by 45% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels, with particular focus on energy sector transformation through renewable energy expansion and fossil fuel phase-out. Tunisia confronts increasing desertification, sea level rise threats, and water scarcity challenges requiring both mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Air Quality Index

Moderate

6.5/10

Stable trend

Tunisia's air quality data is limited in public databases. The country faces industrial pollution challenges and urban air quality concerns, particularly in Tunis and industrial zones. Air quality monitoring and improvement initiatives are part of broader environmental governance efforts, though specific AQI measurements are not consistently published internationally.

Water Quality

Moderate

5.5/10

Tunisia faces critical water stress due to climate change impacts on precipitation patterns and groundwater depletion. The country's water resources are threatened by drought, desertification, and increasing demand from agriculture and urban centers. Water quality and access remain significant adaptation challenges requiring USD 2 billion in international support for resilience building.

Tunisia has water treatment infrastructure in urban areas, but rural access and quality remain inconsistent. Groundwater contamination and salinization pose ongoing challenges, particularly in coastal regions affected by sea level rise.

Recycling System

Tunisia's recycling infrastructure remains underdeveloped with limited formal waste management systems. The country lacks comprehensive national recycling data and standardized collection programs. Waste management improvements are part of broader sustainability initiatives, but recycling rates and infrastructure specifics are not well-documented in international databases.

Green Spaces

Tunisia possesses diverse ecosystems including Mediterranean forests, semi-arid regions, and coastal zones. The country has established protected areas to preserve biodiversity and combat desertification. Forest coverage is limited due to arid climate conditions, with approximately 8.2% forest coverage. Protected areas focus on preserving unique Mediterranean and Saharan ecosystems.

Forest Coverage: 8.2%

National Parks: 8

Tunisia maintains several national parks and protected areas including Ichkeul National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site), Dougga, and coastal marine reserves. These areas protect critical habitats for migratory birds, Mediterranean species, and endemic flora threatened by climate change and desertification.

Environmental Policies

Tunisia joined the Paris Agreement in 2015 and has committed to ambitious climate targets. The country's environmental strategy emphasizes energy sector transformation, renewable energy expansion, and climate adaptation. Key policies include the Tunisian Solar Plan for large-scale solar installation, energy efficiency measures, and carbon market mechanisms. Tunisia aims to achieve one-third of its emission reduction targets independently, with remaining support from international climate finance.

Key Policies:

•Paris Agreement commitment (2015) - 45% carbon intensity reduction by 2030 vs 2010
•Tunisian Solar Plan - large-scale renewable energy deployment
•Energy efficiency standards and fossil fuel phase-out
•Climate adaptation framework for water, agriculture, and coastal protection
•Carbon market participation mechanisms

Renewable Energy: Tunisia targets significant renewable energy expansion through the Tunisian Solar Plan, with solar installations expected to contribute substantially to the 45% carbon intensity reduction goal by 2030. The energy sector is projected to account for 75% of total emissions reductions through fossil fuel phase-out and increased natural gas usage combined with renewable deployment.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Tunisia faces multiple interconnected climate hazards including severe drought, desertification, flooding, and coastal erosion. The country is ranked among the most vulnerable to climate change in North Africa. Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity, threatening agriculture, water supplies, and coastal infrastructure. The Sahara's northward expansion accelerates desertification, while Mediterranean sea level rise threatens coastal communities and economic activity.

Drought and water scarcityDesertificationFlash floodsCoastal erosion and sea level riseHeat wavesAgricultural crop failures

Climate Change Impacts: Tunisia experiences accelerating climate change impacts with increasing desertification as the Sahara advances northward, threatening agricultural productivity and water resources. Sea level rise poses direct threats to coastal cities and tourism infrastructure along the Mediterranean. Precipitation patterns are becoming increasingly erratic, with prolonged droughts alternating with intense rainfall events causing flash flooding. Temperature increases are intensifying heat waves affecting human health and agricultural output. The country's per capita emissions are significantly below global averages (2.4 tCO2/capita projected by 2030 vs 7 tCO2/capita globally in 2010), yet Tunisia bears disproportionate climate impacts. Water stress is critical, with agriculture consuming 80% of available freshwater while facing increasing drought frequency. Adaptation requires USD 2 billion in international support to build resilience across health, water, agriculture, coastlines, and ecosystems.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy Expansion

The Tunisian Solar Plan represents a flagship renewable energy initiative targeting large-scale solar installation across the country. This program is central to Tunisia's strategy to reduce carbon intensity by 45% by 2030, with the energy sector expected to account for 75% of total emissions reductions. Solar deployment combined with increased natural gas usage and fossil fuel phase-out forms the core of Tunisia's mitigation strategy.

Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Tunisia has developed comprehensive adaptation strategies addressing water scarcity, agricultural vulnerability, coastal protection, and ecosystem preservation. The country requires USD 2 billion in international climate finance to implement adaptation measures across critical sectors. Tunisia's adaptation framework prioritizes building resilience in health systems, water resource management, agricultural practices, coastal infrastructure, and natural ecosystems threatened by desertification and sea level rise.

Energy Efficiency and Carbon Market Mechanisms

Tunisia implements energy efficiency standards across industrial and residential sectors while participating in international carbon market mechanisms to finance climate action. The country aims to achieve one-third of its 45% carbon intensity reduction target through domestic efforts, with remaining reductions supported by international climate finance and carbon market revenues. This approach leverages both national capacity and global climate finance mechanisms.

Wildlife & Nature

Barbary MacaqueEndangered

Mediterranean Monk SealEndangered

Saharan CheetahVulnerable

Loading environment and sustainability data...

Geography in Tunisia

Coastline

N/A

Highest Point

Jebel ech Chambi

Lowest Point

Shatt al Gharsah

National Flag

Quick Facts for Tunisia

Population

11,818,618

Currency

TND

Timezone

UTC+01:00

Calling Code

+216

Week starts on

monday

Gini Coefficient

32.8 (2015)

Drives on the

right side

Location

Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.

All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.

Tunisia

Capital

Languages

UN-Member?

Major Cities

Life Expectancy

Population

Religions

Ethnic Composition

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services

GDP

HDI

Quality of Life

Purchasing Power

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Gasoline (1 liter)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

Eggs (regular) (12)

Local Cheese (1kg)

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Internet Speed

Airport Connectivity

Transportation Costs

Mobile Network

Driving License

Employment Rate

Startup Ecosystem

Average Salary Range

Work Visa Requirements

Business Registration

Remote Work Policies

Key Industries

Job Opportunities by Sector

Cultural Integration Score

Expat Community

Social Activities

Religious Facilities

Volunteer Opportunities

Dating & Relationships

Professional Networking

Upgrade to Premium to unlock this feature

Air Quality Index

Water Quality

Recycling System

Green Spaces

Environmental Policies

Natural Disaster Risk

Sustainability Initiatives

Wildlife & Nature

Coastline

Highest Point

Lowest Point

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services