Cruising to TunisiaBackgroundFollowing 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. Tunisia has long taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in its foreign relations. Domestically, it has sought to defuse rising pressure for a more open political society. Current Weather ReportGeographyLocation: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between
Algeria and Libya Coastline1,148 km Maritime claimsTerritorial sea: 12 nm ClimateTemperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south TerrainMountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges into the Sahara Elevation extremesLowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m EconomyTunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural, mining, energy, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Governmental control of economic affairs while still heavy has gradually lessened over the past decade with increasing privatization, simplification of the tax structure, and a prudent approach to debt. Progressive social policies also have helped raise living conditions in Tunisia relative to the region. Real growth slowed to a 15-year low of 1.9% in 2002 because of agricultural drought and lackluster tourism. Better rains in 2003 through 2005, however, helped push GDP growth to about 5% for these years. Tourism also recovered after the end of combat operations in Iraq. Tunisia is gradually removing barriers to trade with the EU. Broader privatization, further liberalization of the investment code to increase foreign investment, improvements in government efficiency, and reduction of the trade deficit are among the challenges ahead. TransportationAirports: 30 (2005) Merchant marineTotal: 10 ships (1000 GRT or over) 149,142 GRT/118,333 DWT Sailing Specifics: Ports and terminalsBizerte, Gabes, La Goulette, Skhira Other Sailing Destinations in the RegionAlbania - Algeria - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Egypt - France - Georgia - Gibraltar - Greece - Israel - Italy - Lebanon - Libya - Malta - Monaco - Morocco - Romania - Serbia and Montenegro - Slovenia - Spain - Syria - Tunisia - Turkey - Ukraine Further Reading |
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