Following independence from France in 1956, President Habib BOURGUIBA established a strict one-party state. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation. In recent years, Tunisia has taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in its foreign relations. Domestically, it has sought to diffuse rising pressure for a more open political society.

PEOPLE
Modern Tunisians are the descendents of indigenous Berbers and of people from numerous civilizations that have invaded, migrated to, and been assimilated into the population over the millenia. Recorded history in Tunisia begins with the arrival of Phoenicians, who founded Carthage and other North African settlements in the 8th century BC.

ECONOMY
Tunisia is in the process of economic reform and liberalization after decades of heavy state direction and participation in the economy. Prudent economic and fiscal planning have resulted in moderate sustained growth for over a decade. Tunisia's economic growth historically has depended on oil, phosphates, agriculture, and tourism.

U.S.-TUNISIAN RELATIONS
The United States has very good relations with Tunisia, which date back more than 200 years. The United States has maintained official representation in Tunis almost continuously since 1797, and the American treaty with Tunisia was signed in 1799. The two governments are not linked by security treaties, but relations have been close since Tunisia's independence. U.S.-Tunisian relations suffered briefly after the 1985 Israeli raid on PLO headquarters in Tunis, after the 1988 assassination of PLO terrorist Abu Jihad, and in 1990 during the Gulf War when Tunisia objected to U.S. intervention following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. In each case, however, relations warmed again quickly, reflecting strong bilateral ties.

Full country name: Republic of Tunisia
Area: 163,610 sq km
Population: 9.92 million
People: Arab-Berber (98%), European and Jewish
Language: Arabic, French, English, German
Religion: Islam, Christianity, Judaism
Government: Republic
Head of State: President Zine el-Abidine ben Ali
Head of Government: Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi
GDP: US$49 billion
GDP per capita: US$5,200
Annual Growth: 5%
Inflation: 3.3%
Major Industries: Petroleum, mining, tourism, textiles, footwear, food, beverages
Major Trading Partners: EU, North African countries, Asia, US