Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis is the capital of Tunisia, lying on a coastal lagoon beside the ancient ruins of Carthage. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world and the smallest North African capital — but its UNESCO-listed medina makes it one of the most rewarding to visit.
Highlights
- Medina of Tunis (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Ruins of Carthage (UNESCO) on the coast
- Bardo Museum (one of the world's largest Roman mosaic collections)
- Sidi Bou Said — the blue-and-white cliffside village
History
Settled near ancient Carthage (founded ~814 BCE), Tunis was a secondary city until the Arab conquest of the 7th century, when it grew into a major Aghlabid and later Hafsid capital. Under Ottoman rule, French protectorate (1881-1956) and then independent Tunisia, Tunis has been the political and intellectual capital of the country.
Economy
Tunis hosts most of Tunisia's services, banking and government. It is also the headquarters of the Arab League (returned from Cairo 1979-90 due to the Israel-Egypt peace treaty) and a major Mediterranean trade and tourism centre.
Neighborhoods
The Medina is the historic core; the Ville Nouvelle (built under French rule) is the modern commercial centre; La Marsa and Carthage are upscale northern coastal suburbs; Sidi Bou Said is the famous blue-and-white village.
Distances from Tunis
Calculate distance and flight time from Tunis to other major African cities: