The Tunisian Republic is the smallest country in Northwest Africa and is also the smallest of the countries which are traditionally referred to with the name Maghreb (in Arabic, “maghreb” means the place where the sun sets). Cape Ras al Abyad (the White Cape), which is the northernmost point of the continent is situated within the territory of Tunisia. The country shares a border with two other states – Algeria and Libya. To the north and northeast, is has 1148 km outlet on the Mediterranean Sea. The predominant relief is flat and hilly. The easternmost spurs of the Atlas Mountains are located in the northern part. In the central part, there is the region of the salty lakes called chotts, the biggest of which is Chott el Djerid. Southern Tunisia includes a part of the Sahara desert.
Due to their proximity to Southern Europe, the lands of Tunisia have been an object of invasions of a few countries since ancient times – Carthage, Byzantium, the Arab Caliphate, the Ottoman Empire. The country gains its independence from its last colonial ruler – France, in 1956. Today, the historical and archeological monuments in these lands, the warm climate and the magnificent sandy beaches attract millions of tourists from all over the world, who have chosen Tunisia for a holiday or an excursion (5.1 million.)
Situated on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the city of Tunis is the capital of the Tunisian Republic. It is a big port, automobile and railway center and has a big international airport. The city is the industrial, commercial and cultural center of the country. It is a peculiar blend of the eastern and the western world – French atmosphere prevails in the modern quarters while in the markets and in the labyrinth of streets of the old town (the medina), the charm of the Arab world can be felt. In the old town, the streets are narrow and curved. The most interesting object is the old mosque, the construction of which started in 732 and has later been overbuilt many times since then. Among the other famous landmarks are the “Al Ksar” Mosque and the palaces “Dar Othman” and “Dar al- Monastiri”. There are also two domed mausoleums. The construction of the new town began during the time of the French ruling. From the time of the French, there is a Christian cathedral, a theater and a large park. Since the beginning of the 60s of the XX century, the construction works are very intensive and the city has begun to have a modern look. Nowadays, there are many museums, cinemas, theatres and universities in Tunis.
The beautiful beaches combined with the favorable climate are a prerequisite for the development of recreation. Along the Mediterranean coast, the major resorts such as Sousse, Hammamet, etc are located, which are chosen by foreign tourist for recreation and holiday. The island of Djerba is situated in the Mediterranean Sea. This particular island is perfect for a holiday in Tunisia. The traditions of the ethnical architecture have been preserved in all settlements on the island. Since the beginning of the 70s of the XX century, construction of hotel and touristic complexes has begun here. Today the island is a significant touristic center.
An excursion to Tunisia would be unthinkable without a visit to the ancient, full of history city-state of Carthage. It is situated in Northern Africa, on the coast of the Tunis Bay in the Mediterranean Sea. Its ruins are in a very close proximity to the capital city Tunis. Magnificent thermae (baths) have been built in Carthage – the most famous ones after those in Rome. The town enjoyed its greatest prosperity in the second half of the IV century. The final destruction of Carthage came in 698 when the Arabs conquered the city, set it on fire and turned it into a quarry.
For centuries, stones and columns have been taken from there for the construction of mosques. And though the Roman city has been destroyed, archeologists have succeeded in discovering and following its remains. The contours of many fortifications, the famous thermal baths and the huge former aqueduct have been found. At the place of the former Roman citadel Byrsa, the remains of two Roman temples have been discovered. There also are remains of two theaters, an amphitheater, a Byzantine basilica, etc.
One of the main touristic destinations in Tunisia is the city of El Jem. Is has preserved the history of the Romans thousands of years ago. It is in this city that the third largest amphitheatrical building (coliseum) in the world is situated, after the ones in Rome and Capua (Italy). The coliseum is with a capacity of 35 000 visitors and has been used by gladiators for their battles.
