Tunisia

From Heterodontosaurus Balls

Tunisia, officially the Republic of Tunisia, is a North African country situated on the Mediterranean coast. He shares borders with Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast. Covering an area of approximately 163,610 square kilometers, Tunisia has a pretty diverse landscape that ranges from the giant Sahara Desert in the south to the fertile plains and coastal regions in the north. The capital and largest city is Tunis.

The population of Tunisia is around 12 million people, predominantly Arab and Muslim, with Arabic as the official language and French widely spoken. Tunisia is noted for his relatively progressive stance in the Arab world, particularly regarding women's rights and education. His economy is diverse, encompassing agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism, which is bolstered by his Mediterranean climate and historical sites, including numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites.

History[edit | edit source]

The Bourguiba Era[edit | edit source]

In 1957, Tunisia becomes a republic with Habib Bourguiba as his first president. In 1959, the first constitution of Tunisia is adopted. In 1961, the Bizerte crisis occurs, a confrontation between Tunisia and France over the French naval base in Bizerte. In 1963, the crisis was over as France withdraws from Bizerte.

Starting in 1961, Ahmed Ben Salah, as a minister of planning, finance, and other related things, implements socialist-inspired economic policies. This came to an end in 1969 as the government reverses the socialist policies following economic difficulties, and Ahmed Ben Salah is dismissed and later imprisoned.

In 1975, Bourguiba is proclaimed president for life. In 1981, the first multi-party elections are held, but Bourguiba's party retains power amidst allegations of electoral fraud. In 1984, bread riots occur due to a rise in the price of bread and basic goods, leading to unrest and government crackdown.
LITERALLY 1984

The Ben Ali Era[edit | edit source]

In 1987, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali ousts Bourguiba in a bloodless coup, citing Bourguiba's advanced age and health reasons. And in 1988, Ben Ali initiates political reforms, including the release of political prisoners and the legalization of opposition parties. In 1989 Ben Ali wins his first presidential election. But in the 1990s, Ben Ali's regime becomes increasingly authoritarian, suppressing opposition and controlling media. He won in 1999 presidential elections again with an overwhelming majority amidst allegations of fraud. In 2002, Constitutional changes allow Ben Ali to extend his rule. All this added up as in 2005, Tunisia experiences growing discontent due to corruption, unemployment, and lack of political freedom.

The Jasmine Revolution[edit | edit source]

In December 2010, Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor, self-immolates in protest against police corruption and ill-treatment, sparking nationwide protests. January 2011 saw the protests escalate, leading to violent clashes with security forces. The protest comes to a success in January 14, 2011, as Ben Ali flees to Saudi Arabia after weeks of protests, marking the success of the “ Jasmine Revolution”. An interim government is established, led by Mohamed Ghannouchi, followed by Beji Caid Essebsi.

Transition and Democratic Consolidation[edit | edit source]

In October 2011, the moderate Islamist party Ennahda wins the majority in the constituent assembly elections. In 2013, political tensions rise leading to the assassination of opposition figures Chokri Belaid and Mohamed Brahmi, causing political crisis.

In 2014, Tunisia adopts a new constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights and setting up a parliamentary system. Beji Caid Essebsi also wins the presidential election, marking the first free and fair elections in Tunisia.

In 2015, Tunisia faces terrorist attacks targeting tourists and security forces, prompting a state of emergency. Also in 2015, the National Dialogue Quartet is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in building a pluralistic democracy.

On 25 July 2019, president Essebsi dies, and Kais Saied, a political outsider and law professor, wins the presidential election. In 2020, Tunisia is hit and struggles with economic challenges and political instability amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In July 2021, president Saied dismisses the prime minister and suspends parliament, citing an emergency situation, which critics label as a coup. In 2022, Saied extends his powers through a constitutional referendum, giving himself more control over the judiciary and executive branches.

Relations[edit | edit source]

Friends[edit | edit source]

Enemies[edit | edit source]

  • Israel - One of the worst countries! FREE PALESTINE AND NEVER FORGET YOU BOMBED ME IN 1985 YOU ARAB-PHOBE!! AND STOP CLAIMING YUORSELF AS THE ONLY DEMOCRATIC CLAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST BECAUSE I'M DEMOCRATIC TOO! Well technically I’m North African but you know what I mean!

How to draw[edit | edit source]

Flag of Tunisia
  1. Draw a ball.
  2. Fill it with red.
  3. Draw a white circle in the middle of the ball.
  4. Draw a red Islam symbol (star and crescent) in the red circle.
  5. Add the eyes and you are done!
Color Name HEX
KU Crimson #E70013
White #FFFFFF

Gallery[edit | edit source]