Tunisia has a rich history, starting from the Phoenicians and leading to the French. The Arab traders arrived in Tunisia during the seventh century after the fall of the Romans. Soon, Tunisia became an important centre of Arab learning. It was assimilated into the Ottoman Empire before the French lay claim to it in 1881. Tunisia played an important part in the Second World War, serving as the base for the attack on Sicily. Tunisia gained independence in 1956, but still maintains close cultural, economic and political ties with France.

Tunisian culture is a rich blend of Arab and Islamic heritage and French romance. While the big cities are vibrant and modern, showing off French elegance, the interiors are rich with colourful traditions. Tunisia is an Islamic country; religious influences can be seen on art and architecture across the nation.

Tunisia is situated on the Mediterranean coast in North Africa. Geographically, the country has the Atlas Mountains in the north, the coastal plains in the east and the Sahara desert in the south. Tunisia shares boarders with Algeria and Libya.