Population: 9,108,000

Area: 63, 177 square miles

Language: Arabic. French is spoken widely. English and German are spoken in the tourist areas.

Time: GMT +1

Electricity: 220 Volts AC, 50 Hz

Geography: Tunisia is located at the northern top of Africa bordering the Mediterranean. To the west of Tunisia is Algerian and to the east and south is Libya. The countryside is surprisingly varied having excellent beaches in the north - many with overhanging cliffs. The center has hill and forests and very rich land. The southern half of the country abruptly becomes the Sahara Desert.

International Airport:

Tunis - Carthage International Airport (TUN) is located about 6 miles from downtown. Travel time is 15 - 30 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis and busses are available. Taxis have a surcharge at night.

Tipping: You should be prepared to tip 10% for just about everything.

Shopping: Shops are usually open by 8 am and remain open until noon when they close for lunch. The shops reopen at 2 pm and close for the day at around 7 pm in the summer. In the winter the afternoon hours are 3 - 6 pm. Visitors should look for leathergoods, copperware, embroidery and pottery. For those with a flair for carpets, Tunisia has some of the best quality carpets to be found anywhere.

Food and Drink: When dining ask for lamb as it is done very well here. Fish is a good choice near the coast. Many specialties include fish. Most Tunisian dishes are prepared with lots of olive oil and various spices. Larger restaurants tend to try to please every palate and so tend to have a blandish taste. Smaller restaurants tend to really have the flavor which visitors expect and will undoubtedly not soon forget. Mint tea and pine nuts is popular. Coffee is excellent as well as the local beers, wines and spirits. Although Tunisia is an Islamic country, alcohol is not prohibited.

Social: Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. The country, particularly in the north, is considered an intellectual and cultural center and has benefited greatly from a large cross section of the population being well educated. The dress codes are relaxed, however conservative dress is required for entering mosques and no beachwear is considered appropriate away from the beaches and resorts.

Business: English is not very useful in business circles here. The knowledge of Arabic or French will be very helpful. Interpreters are available. Light business suits are expected. Business cards should have either French or Arabic translation. Appointments are necessary and punctuality is essential.

Tours.

Bizerte - Just outside of Tunis is the town of Bizerte with a well preserved Medina (old city) with mosques and winding old streets. At the Old Port are a number of chic cafes and small docks which provide a pleasing atmosphere.

Djerba - This is said to be the island of the Lotus Eaters which Ulysses found to be attractive.

Dougga - This is the location of the largest Roman ruins in Tunisia.

Hammamet - This is a very modern resort with lots of lovely beaches and entertainment which lasts long into the night. Orange and lemon groves abound.

Sahara Desert - This is a completely different world than you have ever experienced. Come to the white Chott El Djerid salt desert where you will very probably see a mirage. Take a tour through the desert and see herds of dromedaries, palm-fringed oasis and the endless rippling of sand dunes.

Sousse - Less than 100 miles along the coast from Tunis is the old city of Sousse which is a good base point for exploring the area. Nearby is Kairouan which is a holy city with scores of minarets and mosques. Also nearby is the huge Colosseum of El Djem which tower over the desert sands. The fortified medieval town of Monastir and town of Skanes are close by as well.

Tunis - This is a city of smart shops, good restaurants and wide boulevards. It is a very cosmopolitan city with a very rich past. Outside the city are the remains of the city of Carthage. Inside the city are mosques including the Great Mosque and a zoo in Belvedere Park. Near to Tunis is Sidi Bou Said which has little cafes and charming cobbled streets. Lake Tunis has enormous flocks of flamingoes.

Utica - A Roman city in ruins which is well worth a visit.

Money and Banks

Banking: Banks are open at 7:30 in the morning and close at 11 am. during the summer. In the winter the hours are 8 am to 11 am and 2 pm until 6 pm Monday through Thursday with Friday afternoon hours from 1 pm until 3 pm.

Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TD)

Money Exchange: Best to do at banks. Travelers checks are best in US$ or UK Pounds.

Credit cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club