Tunisia (Republic of Tunisia) is an Arab state in northern Africa, one of the countries of the Arab Maghreb. In the west and southwest, Tunisia borders on Algeria, in the southeast on Libya, from the north and east its territory is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. On a geographical map, the outlines of Tunisia resemble the wing of a bird, so the inhabitants of the Maghreb countries like to compare the entire Maghreb with a bird, whose body forms Algeria, and the wings of Morocco and Tunisia.
The area of Tunisia is 164.1 thousand square meters. km.
Population – 9.5 million people (Arabs – 98%, Europeans – 1%, Jews and other communities – 1%).
Nature and animals
The variety of natural landscapes in Tunisia provides an excellent opportunity to organize a trip for every taste. Fans of picturesque landscapes, wildlife can make a trip from the north to the south of the country. The route, about 600 km long, starts from the Mediterranean coast and goes through the very beautiful Tel Atlas mountain ranges, covered with cork oak forests, where it carries its waters. There are picturesque canyons in its valley. The northern mountain forests of Tunisia are a true paradise for wild boar hunters. True, hunting is allowed only with a license strictly for certain seasons. To the south of Tel Atlas stretch hilly plains covered with high (up to a meter, or even human height) alpha grass. The Tunisian steppe is characterized by gigantic depressions filled with saline water – the Big Shotts. Rare trees are scattered among the alpha – Aleppo pine, oak, Phoenician juniper.
Climate
According to directoryaah, the climate is subtropical Mediterranean. The warmest months in Tunisia are July and August (average temperature + 35 * C), the coldest January (+ 10 * C). In January-February, snow sometimes falls on the northern coast, which lasts until the first noon rays. The swimming season is in and lasts from May to November. The Mediterranean Sea warms up well during the summer, and even in the autumn months the water temperature does not drop below +20*C. In summer, the heat of +33+37*C, typical for these places, is quite easily tolerated due to the dryness of the air. In autumn, tourists are advised to take warm clothes with them for the evening, since after sunset and at night the temperature can drop to + 20 * C, while during the day you can sunbathe and swim.
Language
The official language of the country is Arabic; French is also widely used. The school system maintains the principle of bilingualism. Teaching is entirely in Arabic only in the first two classes. Newspapers are published in Arabic, French and Italian.
Religion
Muslims make up 98% of the population, Christians 1%, Jews 1%.
Time
behind Moscow by 3 hours in summer, by 2 hours in winter.
Flight time
Moscow – Tunisia – 4 hours
Moscow – Monastir – 4 hours 15 minutes.
The Dinar currency
is made up of a thousand milims. Exchange rate 1 $ – 0.85 dinars.
Visa
For tourists from Russia, Tunisia is a visa-free country. In the case of a private visit, it is necessary to apply for an ordinary visa, for which you must submit to the embassy one passport-sized photograph, one completed application form in English or French, as well as a passport and an invitation. The period required for issuing a visa by the consular department is from 1 to 5 days. Consular fee – about 7 USD. The visa is valid for entry within one month from the date of issue at the consulate and is valid for one month from the date of entry into the country. The passport must be valid for 3 months after return.
Customs regulations
Video cameras are subject to declaration (cameras and accessories to them are not required to be specified). Alcoholic drinks with a strength of up to 20* can be carried up to 2 liters, drinks with a strength of over 20* up to 1 liter. Cigarettes – no more than 20 packs. When exchanging currency, you should definitely take an exchange receipt: this will make it possible to exchange dinars for dollars (but not more than 100 dinars) at the airport before departure, provided that the total amount of currency exchange receipts is not less than 300 dinars. When importing and exporting more than 1000 USD, it is recommended to declare the currency before passing through customs in a special window, above which Declaration de devises is written in large letters.
Connection
For a telephone conversation with Tunisia from Moscow, dial 8-10-216 and the area code. Tunisia area code – 1, Bizerte, Nabeul, Hammamet – 2, Mahdia, Sousse, Monastir – 3, Sfax -4, Gabes, Tatavin, Kebili, Djerba – 5, Gafsa, Tauzar, Sidi Bou Zid – 6, Kairouan, Kasserine – 7, Tabarka, Le Kef – 8. For long-distance calls within Tunisia, a zero is added before the city code. The cost of a phone call from a hotel is about three times more expensive than from a pay phone, but there is no shortage of phone booths in Tunisia.
Transport
Tunisia is connected with Moscow by direct flights. The international airport of the capital of Tunisia – Carthage is located 8 kilometers northeast of the Tunisian capital. Buses to the city and back leave every half an hour. A taxi from the airport can be reached for three Tunisian dinars, at night for four and a half Tunisian dinars. In addition, the international airports Sfax El-May, Djerba-Melita, Saknes-Monastir, Touzar-Nefta operate in Tunisia.
Traveling around Tunisia is more convenient by train than by bus, but bus service is cheaper.
In cities, buses are usually crowded, and it is more convenient to travel by taxi. Tunisian taxis are yellow and have meters. Collective fixed-route taxis, designed for five passengers, are very popular among local residents. They are sent only when all places are filled.
The role of the metro in Tunisia is performed by a high-speed tram, which will help you quickly get from the city center to the Bardo National Museum, the Belvedere district and railway stations. Tram routes are constantly changing, so you should check them at the box office.
