Tunisia
Country in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Libya, and Algeria. Languages: Arabic. Currency: Tunisian dinar. Capital: Tunis. Population: 10,486,339 (2009 estimate). Area: 162,155 sq km (62,608 sq mi) Official Name: Republic of Tunisia Major Cities: Tunis Tunis is the capital of Tunisia and also the Tunis Governorate, with a population of 1,200,000 in 2008 and over 3,980,500 in the greater Tunis area. It is Tunisia's largest city. Situated on a large Mediterranean Sea gulf (the Gulf of Tunis), behind the Lake of Tunis and the port of La Goulette (Halq al Wadi), the city extends along the coastal plain and the hills that surround it. At the centre of more modern development (colonial era and after) lies the old medina. Beyond this section lie the suburbs of Carthage, La Marsa, and Sidi Bou Said. The medina is found at the centre of the city: a dense agglomeration of alleys and covered passages, full of intense scents and colours, boisterous and active trade, a surfe