TUNISIA uncovered- The most impressive North African country

Tunisia is one of the most fascinating countries you can visit not just in North Africa, but around the world. If you have the opportunity to do so, it's sure to surprise you, and if you've been there already, you're probably in agreement. Due to its unique landscapes, Tunisia has been chosen to film scenes for major Hollywood productions. This country boasts a vast desert area of the Sahara and numerous oases, making it the perfect setting for certain types of science fiction, historical, or adventure films. This scene from Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark, that's Tunisia. So is this one from Star Wars Episode 4, A New Hope, and this one from Star Wars Episode 1, The Phantom Menace. Stay with me to learn about what Tunisia is like, trivia about the country, places you can't see anywhere else in the world, its culture, what life is like, what the Tunisians are like, and much more. Before we begin, I ask that you hit like, as it encourages me to keep making videos like this one. Let's get started. Number 1. Tunisia is located in North Africa. It covers an area of 63,170 square miles. It shares a border with Algeria to the west, with Libya in the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the east and north. Nearly 40% of Tunisia's surface is desert, with the remainder consisting of fertile lands. Number 2. Tunisia's landscapes are highly varied, with a great deal of natural contrasts. In the north of the country is the Mediterranean coast, which boasts golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Additionally, on the north coast, you will find coastal cities, like the capital, also named Tunisia, Hammamet, Sousse, and Monastir, offering a blend of history and beach tourism. Number 3. In the center of the country, you will find the Atlas Mountain Range, an area that is much greener than the south. This area also features Ichkil National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which serves as a crucial sanctuary for migratory birds. Jebel Shambi, with a height of 5,066 feet, is Tunisia's tallest mountain, located at the end of the Atlas Range. Number 4. In the south of the country, you will encounter the stunning Sahara Desert, the largest sand desert in the world, spanning 3.5 million square miles. It covers a large part of Tunisia and includes sand dunes, canyons, oases, and plateaus. Here, you will find the village of Doz, known as the Gateway to the Desert, which in times past was a significant stopover on caravan routes passing through the Sahara. Today, it's a tourist destination for those who want to explore and travel across the desert on camels, motorcycles, or all-terrain vehicles. Number 5. The region we know today as Tunisia has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlements dating back more than 100,000 years. During antiquity, the region was colonized by the Phoenicians, who established a series of commercial colonies along the coast. From these Phoenician settlements emerged the Punic Empire, a naval power that controlled much of the western Mediterranean. In the 3rd century BC, the Roman Empire defeated Carthage, and the region became an important Roman province. After 800 years, the Arabs conquered the territory, and in the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire arrived, holding control for 300 years, until 1881, when France took over. Finally, Tunisia gained independence in 1956. Number 6. Although it's now primarily a desert region, Tunisia was once covered in forests and savannas instead of sand. At the end of the last Ice Age, nearly 8,000 years ago, the Sahara Desert took over, dominating these spaces. Number 7. The national capital, called Tunis, was long considered one of the largest and richest cities of Islam. It is located beside Lake Tunis, within the Gulf of Tunis. The city center of Medina of Tunis has about 700 monuments, including madrasas, mosques, palaces, and mausoleums. One of the main monuments of the Medina is the Al-Zaytuna Mosque, the oldest and largest in the capital, having been built around the year 703 and covering almost 53,820 square feet. It has nine entrances and 160 ancient columns, brought directly from Carthage. Another iconic building of the Medina of Tunis is Dar al-Bay, which is currently the headquarters of the Tunisian government. For this reason, it is also known as the Government Palace. The Bardo National Museum is located in the Bardo district, on the outskirts of the city. It is one of the largest museums in the Mediterranean and displays many archaeological pieces, including one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics, Greek works, African and Asia Minor pottery, and Christian and Islamic exhibitions. Furthermore, near the capital, there are golden sandy beaches like El Raoud, La Marsa, or La Colette. Number 8. The form of government is a semi-presidential republic, with representative democracy, and it is divided into 24 governorates or wilayat. The majority of the country's population is made up of Arabs, while the Berbers, native inhabitants of North Africa, are a minority. The official religion is Islam, and the president is constitutionally required to be Muslim, although there is freedom of religion. There is also a small Jewish community. Moreover, there is a small group of Christian believers who are natives of the region. Number 9. The Berbers, or Amazigh, are a group of ethnicities, native inhabitants of Tunisia and other parts of Africa. For almost 250 years, Berber kings from the House of Massanissa ruled in Numidia, which included much of Tunisia, as well as adjacent regions. They currently live in the southern part of the country, around cities like Marmara, Number 10. In Tunisia, there is also a small population of about a thousand nomadic Bedouins, who travel between Algeria and Tunisia through the desert, looking for pastures for their livestock. They live relatively isolated from modern society, without passports, identification documents, or birth certificates. Traditionally, political borders have not mattered to these tribes, but in recent years they have faced more restrictions. Camel and goat dairy products are their primary source of food, and they can be distinguished by their clothes that cover the entire body, except for feet, face, and hands. Number 11. Just a few miles from the Tunisian capital are the archaeological remains of the ancient city of Carthage, the capital of the Punic or Carthaginian Empire. Destroyed in the Third Punic War by the Roman Empire, Carthage was the birthplace of Hannibal Barca, the Carthaginian general known as the father of strategy. This war is briefly mentioned in one of the most memorable scenes from the movie Gladiator. It is in the first battle in the Colosseum where Proximo's gladiators are hired to fight in the recreation of the Battle of Zama, where the Carthaginian Hannibal was defeated by the legions of the Roman general Scipio Africanus. In this scene, the Carthaginians are referred to as barbarians, and Maximus' team plays the role of the Carthagians, winning the battle. Commodus asks Cassius if the barbarians really won the Battle of Carthage, and he tells him they did not. Some of the places you can see in Carthage are the Tophet, where it is believed that sacrifices were made, burning Carthaginian children alive. The Baths of Antinous, one of the most important of the Roman Empire, or the Rooms of Roman Villas. Number 12. Another one of the most incredible places you can visit in Tunisia is the Chabika Oasis, which has a palm grove and a water spring. It is located in the west of the country, in the Tunisian Atlas, near the border with Algeria. It has been inhabited for thousands of years. First, it was a Roman post, then a mountain refuge for the Berbers. It was used as a trading center for dates, olives, and other agricultural products, and it was also an important stop for travelers crossing the Sahara Desert. Number 13. In Tunisia, there are about 200 oases, with the largest being Tamerza, where there is an abandoned village. Often in oases, there are villages or towns such as the oasis city of Tozeur, which is considered the largest oasis in Tunisia and one of the most important cities in the south of the country. The complex irrigation system of this oasis, dating back to the 13th century, is famous for being fed by 200 springs. Being fertile lands in the middle of the desert, oases were important for transportation across the Sahara, and in some of them, populations and cities grew. What is most surprising about these oasis cities is the contrast between the palm trees and the water of the oasis and the large desert areas or sand dunes around them. One of the most visited places in Tozeur is the palm grove, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country, with about 300,000 date palms. There is also the Medina of Tozeur, one of the best preserved in the country. Number 14. These are gorfas, rooms that the Berbers used to store grain that are still in use today. Gorfas are usually found in the Kazaar, which are fortified cities in North Africa. One of the most imposing is Kazaar Chinini, at a height of 328 feet and with about 200 gorfas. Number 15. George Lucas, creator of Star Wars, was inspired by the city of Tatooine in southern Tunisia to name the fictional planet Tatooine. There are several locations in Tunisia where scenes from this saga were filmed. One is in the Sidi Driss Hotel in Matmada, which appears in Episode 4. Centuries ago, the Berbers built these houses to take refuge from the heat, and then it became a hotel that operates to this day. Others are the Gorfas of Kazaar al-Soltein, in the fictitious city of Tatooine. It appears in Episode 1, The Phantom Menace. The Mos Espa spaceport, the native city of Anakin Skywalker from Episode 4 and 1, was built for the first film in Angemon, near Tozeur. The most icely cantina from Episode 4, where Luke Skywalker meets Han Solo and Chewbacca, is on the island of Jerba. Number 16. Near Tozeur is Chant el Jezirit, a salt lake about 155 miles long. Due to the extreme climate of this region, with temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit and low precipitation, the water that arrives evaporates quickly, becoming completely dry in summer. Here you can observe the Fata Morgana effect, which can make distant objects appear distorted and elevated in the air, as if they were floating. The landscape will depend on the season you visit. In summer, it will be full of bright mirages and cracked and white earth. In winter, it partially fills with water, forming a strange lake. Number 17. The Grand Erg Oriental is a field that is part of the Tunisian Sahara. Tourists often get to know it by riding dromedaries or hiking. In its northern part, you can come across several oases. Number 18. The largest amphitheater in North Africa and the fourth largest in ancient Rome is El Dajem, and you can find it in Tunisia, in the city of El Dajem. It had a maximum capacity of 35,000 spectators and was built around the year 238 AD. Number 19. In Tunisia, there is also one of the longest aqueducts of the Roman Empire, at 82 miles, the Zaghawan Aqueduct built by Emperor Hadrian. Number 20. The Tunisian Sahel is the cultural and geographical region of central-eastern Tunisia. Here is the El Dajem Amphitheater and the Monastir Ribat, an Arabic defensive structure. It is the oldest ribat built by the Arab conquerors of the Maghreb or Northwest Africa. Number 21. The ancient remains of the Roman site of Duga are collectively considered the best-preserved examples of an Afro-Roman city in North Africa. It has also been called the most magnificent Roman site on the African continent. This city was occupied by the Punic, Numidian, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. Number 22. For lovers of architectural beauty and the coast, Sidi Bou Said is an incredible option. It is a typical Mediterranean-style coastal village about 12 miles from the city of Tunis. It stands out for its small shops, colored in white and blue, and for its streets full of craftsmanship, with an incredible view of the Mediterranean Sea. The charm of the village lies especially in its Arab-Andalusian architecture houses, which are white with doors and windows in blue shades. Number 23. A similar village is Hammamet, also called La Mahometa. In addition to its beaches and its relaxing natural and architectural landscape, its main tourist attraction are the walks and shopping in its old town. Number 24. The Great Mosque of Kairouan, in the city of Kairouan, is one of the most important in Tunisia and is considered the oldest sanctuary in the Muslim West. Built in the year 670 or year 50 according to the Islamic calendar, with 96,875 square feet, it is also one of the largest temples in North Africa. Number 25. The Medina of Sousse is located in the historic heart of the city of Sousse, the third-largest Tunisian city after Tunis and Sfax. It is a typical example of the first Islamic cities in the Maghreb. It has fortifications and the Great Mosque of Sousse, located on the coast, and, as a consequence of climate change, it is considered a heritage vulnerable to sea level rise. Number 26. The Tunisian island of Djerba is the largest in North Africa. The odyssey tells that the lotus eaters lived here, and Odysseus and his crew were stranded on their journey through the Mediterranean. It is famous as a destination for water sports and for relaxation. Number 27. Matmada is a Berber village almost 22 miles southwest of the city of Gabès. It was fundamentally agricultural, although tourism is increasingly gaining ground with its picturesque troglodyte dwellings. Houses built into the mountain that protected from cold in the winter and heat in the summer. In addition to the Star Wars films I've already told you about, scenes from the life of Brian were also filmed here. Number 28. Oulou Réhia is an archaeological site in northwestern Tunisia near Tabarka. It is a Roman ruin with an origin prior to this empire. Ingeniously constructed underground villas to withstand the harsh climate of the area. Today, it leaves incredibly well-preserved houses as a legacy. Visiting it, you can walk through Roman houses with intact walls and characteristic mosaics. Number 29. The Roman ruins of Sabetla or Sufetila are known for its well-preserved Roman-form building. It also includes a triumphal arch, public baths, and temples. During its heyday, it prospered thanks to its crops and olive trees. And during the Byzantine era, it became a key bishopric. Number 30. In total, there are 17 national parks in Tunisia. The Jebel National Park is the largest with 370,658 acres of the Sahara Desert. It is home to animals such as the fennec fox, various species of snakes, and gazelles. Number 31. The Ichkael National Park is one of the few wetlands in North America that does not dry up throughout the year and one of the most important on the African continent, as it is a stopover for hundreds of species of birds. Here is Lake Ichkael, where migratory birds such as geese, ducks, storks, and pink flamingos stop. Number 32. The flag of Tunisia has a red background with a central white disc containing a red star and a red crescent. Both elements are traditional symbols of Islam, and they indicate that Tunisia was part of the Ottoman Empire due to these symbols and the chosen colors. It has not undergone major changes since it was adopted in 1831. Number 33. Tunisian music reflects the diverse influences the country has experienced throughout its history, with cultures such as Arab, Andalusian, Greek, Turkish, Persian, and French. One of the most popular genres is Malouf, which originated in Andalusia and was brought to Tunisia by Arab and Andalusian immigrants. This musical genre has elements of classical Arab music, including intricate melodies and poetic lyrics, as well as elements of Andalusian music, such as rhythmic patterns and instrumentation. Another popular genre of Tunisian music is Mezwed, which is a type of folk music usually played at weddings and other celebrations, dealing with social issues such as racism, immigration, love, or family. Number 34. Nearly all of Tunisia's population is proficient in Tunisian Arabic, which is the official language, and French. Tunisian Arabic has several dialects that have been influenced by the variety of people who have inhabited this country. Number 35. Tunisian food is a mix of Mediterranean cuisine and the typical culinary elements of this region. Its ingredients are varied, among which we can highlight olive oil, cumin, cinnamon, mint, orange, and anise. It stands out from other Arab cuisines in the spicy touch that most of its dishes usually have. Its main spicy condiment is harissa, a traditional Tunisian hot chili paste that accompanies most of its preparations. Number 36. The national dish is called couscous, made from tiny grains that are cooked and served with meat and vegetables. In Tunisia, fish couscous is very popular, and other varieties are often prepared with octopus, squid, and other seafood. Its sweetest version is called masfou. Other typical dishes are shakshouka, poached eggs in tomato sauce, with onions, peppers, cumin, and paprika. The sisa, a mixture of toasted cereals with herbs, spices, and olive oil, which nomads used on their long journeys. Or the Tunisian tagine. Different from the Moroccan tagine, it is a baked gratin which combines egg and cheese with a mixture of fresh vegetables, meats, spices, and herbs. Number 37. Men from the rural areas usually wear jeba, a tunic that is worn over a shirt, vest, and baggy trousers. The cheche is the traditional hat, cylindrical and flexible. It is believed to have been imported from Spain by the Arabs, who were expelled after the conquest of Granada in 1492, and who established it as a craft in Tunisia upon finding there a second homeland. Number 38. The sefzeri is the traditional veil for women, a piece of cloth that covers the entire body. It is usually white, but in rural areas it can be brightly colored. Both city and country women often wear large amounts of gold ornaments and jewelry. Number 39. The hamsa is a very popular amulet in Tunisia and throughout the Maghreb. Shaped like a palm and used in jewelry and tapestries, it symbolizes an open right hand and is believed to offer protection against the evil eye. Number 40. Tunisia is one of the best places in the world to learn belly dancing, with several schools in the capital. In cities like Sousse, there are daily shows in hotels, bars, and restaurants. Number 41. In Tunisia, there are usually two different types of cafes, those that are for Cafes that are for men only often have large groups of men smoking shisha and drinking coffee. In some cafes, women are not allowed, while in others their entry is discouraged. However, locals are very friendly, so if you are a man, you are likely to make new friends. For women travelers, it is recommended to look for mixed cafes. Number 42. It's normal to haggle over prices, whether in a shop or a souk. One type is to start by giving a low offer and then gradually increase. But don't give an offer that's too low, as it can be considered disrespectful. Number 43. The preferred sport of Tunisians is football. Their national team is known as the Eagles of Carthage, which won the African Cup of Nations in 2004. They have also attended several FIFA World Cup competitions. Number 44. Currently, several international organizations consider Tunisia to be one of the Arab societies that practice democracy. Despite its past adversities, it contributes to improving its international image by having one of the best qualities of life on the African continent. Number 45. In Tunisia, the current position of women is one of the most privileged in North Africa and is comparable to many Western societies. Women can inherit land and pass on their nationality and name to their children. This greater equality is mostly reflected in the cities, but not so much in rural areas, where there can be a great difference between men and women. Number 46. Tunisia was the first Arab country to outlaw polygamy in 1956 and remains one of the few Muslim-majority nations to have done so. Number 47. It is among the top African countries with the best education. Since independence, it has been considered a priority. In fact, it is mandatory and free for all children between 6 and 16 years old. The education system is divided into two main cycles, the basic cycle and the secondary cycle. Number 48. The most important economic activities of the country are tourism and services, oil, the textile and footwear industry, phosphate mining, olive oils, olives, wheat, tomatoes, and other agricultural products. Number 49. Although jasmine is not native to Tunisia, it is its national flower. For this reason, the media named the 2011 protests the Jasmine Revolution. This flower was introduced to the country by the Andalusians in the 16th century. Number 50. Tunisia has a strong maritime culture due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea and its coastal stretch of over 680 miles. This can be seen in its cuisine, with a variety of seafood dishes such as grilled fish, seafood couscous, and boula base, a soup of fish and shellfish. It also has numerous traditional fishing villages and ports. Number 51. The International Sahara Festival in Douz is one of the most recommended events in Tunisia to learn about the culture and traditions of North Africa. Here you can observe a traditional marriage, horse races, and other exhibitions. Number 52. Almost a quarter of the country is covered by esparto, which is a characteristic vegetation of the regional steppe. It has a wide variety of trees, including pines, cork oaks, oaks, and jujube, which can be appreciated, especially in the central and northern part of the country. Number 53. Some of the species that inhabit Tunisia are the damagazelle, the serval, the African golden wolf, wild boars, dromedaries, striped hyenas, the fennec fox, or the North African elephant shrew. It can be said that it does not have a national animal, but one of the most accepted for this role is the dromedary, which was introduced from Asia over 1,500 years ago. Number 54. Tunisia was the home of a few species of extinct animals. The last Barbary lion living in Tunisia died at the end of the 19th century. Currently, the white oryx is extinct in its natural habitat, although isolated individuals are kept in captivity. Elephants are also no longer found in its territory, although they were once abundant. Number 55. Tunisians are usually very open and friendly to travelers, and the culture of the cities is a mix of Western and Arab influences. In general, they have a more open attitude than other Arab countries, being more traditional in villages and rural areas. If you go to Tunisia or have already been there, leave in the comments how your experience with Tunisians has been. Number 56. On December 17, 2010, the street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi committed suicide by setting himself on fire in protest against the confiscation of his fruit stand and the humiliating response he received from the authorities when he reported the incident. He died days later, on January 4, 2011. This event sparked the Tunisian Revolution, or Jasmine Revolution, which forced President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali into exile after 23 years in power. It also generated a new economic crisis, the effects of which are still felt today. In turn, the protests in Tunisia unleashed and inspired the so-called Arab Spring, a wave of protests in which the governments of Egypt, Libya, and Yemen were overthrown at that time. Number 57. If you want to live in Tunisia or visit the country as a tourist, you will be interested to know what life in the country is like. It is a safe country, but it is advisable to take common-sense precautions, such as not carrying too much money on you and avoiding walking through unknown places. The roads are good in major cities such as the capital Tunis, Sousse, or Sfax, but in rural areas and desert regions, driving can be difficult. If you're going to drive, make sure you have the necessary license and keep in mind that it may be stressful. People tend to cross the street suddenly, or you may come across dromedaries in rural areas. If you're a pedestrian, keep in mind that drivers may not stop if you're going to cross the street. It is advisable to travel with someone who speaks French or Arabic. The health system is not yet on par with Western countries, and hospitals can be saturated. If you go to a medical center, keep in mind that you will probably have to speak in Arabic or French. Food tends to be inexpensive, but away from most touristic areas, as are properties. However, due to inflation, prices are rising rapidly in recent years. If you buy antiques, make sure you have a permit. If you buy one without government permission, you could be arrested and go to jail. It is forbidden to take photographs of embassies, military, or governmental buildings. Also, don't take photographs of Tunisians without their permission. Even the possession of small amounts of illegal substances can result in going to jail. Something that many travelers do not know is that taking Tunisia's national currency out of the country is prohibited. However, there is no need to worry, as you can easily exchange any unused Tunisian dinar at the airport before leaving. Are you Tunisian or have you visited the country? Leave your opinion about Tunisia and other curiosities or places to visit you know of in the comments. And if you want to know another Muslim country, I recommend this video of the surprising Jordan.