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Tunisia
TUNISIA
Tunisia, officially the Republic of Tunisia, is the northernmost country in Africa, situated in the Maghreb region. It is bordered by Algeria, Libya, and the Mediterranean Sea, with maritime borders with Italy. Known for its ancient architecture, such as the archaeological sites of Carthage and the Great Mosque of Kairouan, Tunisia covers an area of 163,610 square kilometers and has a population of 12.1 million. The country features the eastern end of the Atlas Mountains, the northern reaches of the Sahara Desert, and 1,300 kilometers of coastline. The capital and largest city is Tunis, and the official language is Modern Standard Arabic
In 1869, Tunisia declared bankruptcy, leading to an international financial commission taking control of its economy. This financial instability provided France with a pretext to invade in 1881, under the guise of responding to a Tunisian incursion into Algeria. The invasion forced the Bey of Tunis, Muhammad III as-Sadiq, to sign the Treaty of Bardo, making Tunisia a French protectorate. European settlements, particularly by the French and Italians, grew significantly during this period.
During World War II, Tunisia, under the Vichy French regime, saw the implementation of antisemitic laws and persecution of Jews. The region was occupied by Germany from November 1942 until May 1943, leading to the Tunisia Campaign, where Allied forces eventually liberated Tunisia, marking the end of the war in Africa.
Post-war, the struggle for independence intensified. The French reasserted control, banning nationalist activities and deposing popular figures like Moncef Bey. Habib Bourguiba emerged as a key nationalist leader, advocating for independence through diplomatic efforts across the Middle East, the United States, and Europe. His efforts, alongside the formation of the Union Générale des Travailleurs (UGTT), a powerful labor organization, fueled the independence movement.
In 1956, Tunisia achieved independence from France, with Bourguiba becoming the first Prime Minister and later the first President when Tunisia was declared a republic in 1957. Bourguiba's tenure was marked by progressive policies but also repressive measures. The nationalization of foreign farmlands in 1964 led to economic challenges, and Tunisia gained international recognition as a filming location for the Star Wars franchise.
In 1987, Bourguiba was declared unfit to rule, and Zine El Abidine Ben Ali assumed the presidency in a bloodless coup. Ben Ali's regime, lasting until 2011, was characterized by significant corruption and human rights abuses. The Ben Ali family was accused of widespread corruption, with economic liberalization creating opportunities for financial mismanagement. Amid growing discontent and popular unrest, Ben Ali fled the country in January 2011, marking the end of his rule and the beginning of a new era for Tunisia.
The revolution of 2011, part of the wider Arab Spring, ushered in greater political freedom and democratic reforms. Tunisia's journey from bankruptcy and colonial control to independence and revolution reflects a resilient nation's struggle for sovereignty and justice.
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