Tunisia is a popular seaside destination. But what do we know about this country? Going on vacation, we do not always think about what this or that region is like. In our article, we want to talk in more detail about such an exotic country as Tunisia.
The geographical position of the country and its structure
What continent is Tunisia on? The state is located in northern Africa and is one of the countries of the Maghreb. So called the medieval historians of the state, located west of Egypt. And even now the concept of the Maghreb is actively heard in politics. It also includes Libya, Algeria, Morocco and other administrative territories. The area of Tunisia is only 164 thousand square meters, so the country is considered the smallest state.
For many millennia, it has been a kind of "intermediary" or link between African and European countries. Tunisia includes not only mainland lands, but also two more islands - Djerba and Karkana. The country is a presidential republic headed by the President of Tunisia. And the legislatureconcentrated in the hands of a unicameral parliament. The current president of Tunisia is Beji Caid Essebsi. The country has gone through different stages of history and is now an independent state.
The monetary unit of Tunisia is dinars. Tourists can exchange foreign currency at banks or exchange offices. There are special exchange points at airports, hotels and ports. They have a fixed rate of the Central Bank of the country.
Ethnic composition of the population
The country has two official languages - French and Arabic. In addition, Italian, German and English are incredibly common. In the south of Tunisia and in the mountainous regions, even Berber dialects are still preserved. Islam is considered the state religion. It is worth noting that most of the local residents, approximately 95%, are Sunni Muslims, and all the rest profess Christianity and Judaism.
The ethnic composition of the population of Tunisia is very diverse due to the complex historical path. Even outwardly, the indigenous people differ significantly from each other. Here you can see both fair people, who look like Europeans, and dark-skinned people. Most of the population of Tunisia are Arabs (97%). In addition, Italians, Turks, Jews and French live in the country.
Tunisia currently has a population of over ten million.
History of the country
Historians believe that the territory of the country was first developed by man more than a million years ago. The first state formations appeared here quite early. On the coast inIn the twelfth century, the first Greek settlements appeared, and then the Phoenician ones. Carthage already in the third century BC reached unprecedented power. The state was considered the strongest in the Mediterranean. Later, having lost the wars with Rome, Carthage became a Roman province. In this status, the land was until the fifth century AD. After the fall of the great empire, the lands of Tunisia for a long time passed from the hands of one conqueror to another. Later, in the seventh century, the Arabs appeared here, who spread Islam throughout the territory.
Tunisia formed its own state in 800. Having achieved independence, the country became respected in the Arab world. But later Spain encroached on its territory, as a result of which the state had to go under the care of Turkey. After some time, such submission became purely conditional. But in 1881, Tunisia was captured by the French. All internal resistances were severely suppressed. But the internal struggle flared up with renewed vigor after the end of the First World War. Tunisia managed to become a fully independent state in 1956, having done away with the colonial past. The country declared itself a republic. Around the same time, the modern currency of Tunisia appeared.
Internal geography
The lands of Tunisia are mountain spurs and savannahs. Much of the country is incredibly deserted. The spurs of the Atlas Mountains occupy about a third of the country. The Mediterranean Sea has a significant influence on the climate in Tunisia. On the coast can be enoughcool, and in the south of the country at this time hot weather can reign. On the territory of the state there is only one large river Majarda, which flows into the Gulf of Tunis.
A favorite place for tourists, the Sahara desert occupies almost half of the country's territory. The capital of the state is the city of Tunis. Of the major cities of Tunisia, it is worth highlighting Sfax, Sousse, Gabeas, Ariana, La Marsa, Kasserine, Monastir, Houmt Souk, Hammamet, Midoun and others. Some of them are popular and famous resorts. Travelers should be aware that the time in Tunisia differs from Moscow by only two hours.
Climate resort country
There are two climatic zones on the territory of the country: desert tropical in the south and subtropical Mediterranean in the north. On the coast, the summer heat is far from always noticeable due to the influence of the Mediterranean Sea. In general, the summer in Tunisia is incredibly hot and dry, but the winter, on the contrary, is wet and mild. During the period of hot south winds from the Sahara, the heat covers the entire territory of the country. At this time, the air temperature rises above +40 degrees. For tourists, the most suitable time to visit local resorts is the period from late April to November. In spring and autumn, you can take time for excursions and trips. But summer is the time for beach and sea holidays. The swimming season here lasts until the beginning of November, and begins in May. Djerba Island is a very special place with its own microclimate and weather conditions.
What documents do I need for a holiday?
Since 2014A visa-free regime has been introduced between Russia and Tunisia. This makes it possible for Russians to enter the country with only a passport. You can stay on the territory of the state for up to three months - 90 days. The trip does not require any additional documents in the form of confirmation from the hotel or vouchers. At the border, the Russians are not too bothered by document checks. The only procedure is the presentation of the migration card, which is issued on the plane, immediately before landing. It must be filled out correctly and presented at passport control. The card is kept until the departure in the opposite direction. In fact, it is a temporary residence permit in the country.
Country culture
The culture of Tunisia is incredibly interesting and rich. For a long time it was formed under the influence of various civilizations. Europe has also had a huge impact. A couple of years ago, UNESCO awarded Tunisia the title of Cultural Capital of the Mediterranean. It is worth noting that the country is one of the most attractive African states.
The country's richest cultural heritage, peculiar traditions and customs are of genuine interest to many tourists. In Tunisia, centuries-old traditions can be found literally on every corner. They are forever imprinted in architectural masterpieces, dances and music. The local population of Tunisia still produces pottery and handicrafts for tourists.
Traditions and customs of the country are reflected in clothes. Locals - women and men - do not wear revealing clothes. Women are characterized by long dresses that hidewhole body. A feature of the local culture is the wearing of a veil that covers the face. Traditional clothing includes wide embroidered shirts, chitons, wide-cut trousers and mules. Men wear silk fez as a headdress, and women wear long scarves. In addition, the fair sex wears a lot of jewelry.
Local cuisine is somewhat similar to European, but has its own characteristics. For dishes often use harissa - a spicy seasoning that is served with olive oil. Tunisian bread is similar in appearance to our long loaf; lavash is also used here. Tunisians never cut bread, it is customary to break it. From meat, the population consumes lamb and beef, sometimes camel meat. However, people love seafood more than meat. The daily diet contains sardines, mackerel, tuna and other marine life. Tunisia produces alcoholic beverages - vodka, wine and beer.
Indigenous people are very fond of visiting the hammam. Men go to the bath in the first half of the day, and women - in the second. There are a lot of art galleries in Tunisia. Some of the most famous are the Yahia Gallery and the House of Living Arts.
Sights of Tunisia
Tunisia is an ancient country with a rich history dating back over three thousand years. The country is rich in historical sights that are of interest to tourists. Beach holidays here can be combined with trips and excursions. Of course, it is impossible to see even the best sights of Tunisia in one vacation, because there are so many of them. Butthere will always be a reason to come back here again.
Carthage is probably known to every tourist. Currently, it is a fairly prestigious suburb of the capital. But millennia ago, the city was not only rich, but also incredibly powerful. Later, Carthage was completely destroyed and now you can see only what little is left of it. The ancient ruins attract historians and archaeologists from all over the world. And for tourists, it is the main place to visit. The ancient ruins are located in completely different places, the main excavation site stretches for six kilometers.
El Jeme Coliseum
Time in Tunisia flies by, because there are so many interesting things around and you need to have time to see everything. One of the most visited places is the Roman amphitheater in the city of El Jem. Outwardly, in beauty, it can be compared with the Roman counterpart. The Colosseum is listed as a UNESCO heritage site. The building was built in 238 during the heyday of the Roman Empire. The grandiose arena was built for gladiator fights and all kinds of performances. The Colosseum was able to accommodate up to thirty thousand spectators.
Gazi Mustafa's Fortress
The fortress is the most serious attraction of the island of Djerba. Its military history began in the ninth century, it was then that the Arabs built a fortress to protect against pirates. But a powerful structure did not always save from attacks. The fortress was built from coastal sandstone, it looks incredibly beautiful in the rays of the setting or rising sun. And from its walls you can admire the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.
MuseumBardo
In Tunisia is the main museum of the country - Bordeaux. It houses the largest collection of Roman mosaics in the world, as well as an impressive collection of artifacts. However, the museum boasts not only large funds, but also beautiful interiors.
Not so long ago, the building was reconstructed, after which the exposition area was almost doubled. Serious archaeological excavations in the country began in 1881. Since then, they have not stopped. Over the years, many artifacts have been found, among which there are unique finds.
Sugar
The Sahara Desert is an incredibly popular attraction that almost all visitors to the country want to see. Unusual exotic desert is amazing. For the most part, getting to know the Sahara is limited to an hour-long camel ride. But if you wish, you can go on a longer journey through the desert, staying at a Saharan campsite.
La Ghriba Synagogue
In Tunisia, the oldest synagogue of La Griba, which is considered the oldest in the region of North Africa, has been preserved. In translation, its name means "amazing." The synagogue is located in a small village, in which practically only Jews have lived since the sixth century BC. The oldest scrolls are stored here, which have no price.
Hammamet Fort
If you decide to spend your vacation in the area of the famous resort of Hammamet, then you should definitely see its ancient fort. Its historical monuments are the basis fornumerous excursions. From the walls of the fort offers a beautiful view of the city. There is also a small museum, from the exposition of which you can learn about the history of the city.
It is worth noting, in which resort town you would not rest, each has its own stunning historical monuments worthy of the attention of travelers. And you can go to the most remote sights with an excursion group. Tunisia is an incredibly interesting and colorful country with a lot to see.
Tunisia Resorts
Tunisia, Gabes, Sfax, Sousse, Ariana and Bizerte are the largest cities in the country. Throughout the world, Tunisia is known as an unsurpassed resort. Among the cities of the tourism industry, the most popular are: Mahdia, Sousse, Monastir, Hammamet, Port El Kantaoui, Yassin-Hammamet. In each of them, many hotels of any level have been built with their own infrastructure and beaches. According to reviews of holidays in Tunisia, one can judge the level of local resorts. Most of the tourists are very satisfied with their holidays in this country. After all, Tunisia, on the one hand, is an exotic country, and on the other hand, it has the most tolerant attitude towards tourists.
Of course, in public places and shrines it is worth being in closed clothes, but tourists can walk around the territory of resort areas and hotels in their usual form. Since the country was a French colony for a long time, Europeans are treated well here, and local customs are not as strict as in other Arab countries.
Benefits of Leisure
According to tourists, holidays in Tunisia have a number of advantages:
- The country ranks second in the world in terms of the ability to use marine resources to maintain he alth and beauty. Local thalasso centers offer toning and healing procedures based on sea mud, s alts and algae. Such procedures are popular not only among mere mortals, but also among roy alty.
- Recreation in the country is designed not only for adults, but also for children. Most of the hotel complexes are family-oriented, offering animation and a special menu for young guests. Port el County has a large modern water park that is interesting for families. Also here you can see the botanical garden with all kinds of exotic plants. Beautiful sandy beaches and gentle entry into the sea are very suitable for children at local resorts. Yes, and warm water makes it possible to bathe babies without fear.
- The most beautiful white sand beaches are considered among the best in the world. All of them belong to the municipalities, and therefore are open to free access. But at the same time, almost every hotel has its own plot on the coast, where employees maintain order and cleanliness.
- Most hotels prefer the all-inclusive concept, which is no less loved by tourists. True, in the local version it is slightly different from the Turkish one, but it is also good.
- The tourism industry is developing at a rapid pace. Guests are offered more services at affordable prices.
- Tunisia has a very rich culture and a huge historicala heritage that never gets boring.
- Visa-free regime for Russians.
