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Landscape variations in Tunisia are pretty varied. They range from mountains to coasts, with plains, rivers, lakes, woodlands, cultivations of grapes and olives, oases, salt-plains and deserts thrown in between. It contains two salt lakes - the Sebkha-elSejumi, which is also a marsh, and the Lake of Tunis.
Located in the north of the continent of Africa, Tunisia is a land strip dividing intruding between the countries of Libya to the southeast and Algeria to the west and southwest. The north and east proper of Tunisia is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, with the Strait of Sicily lying to its northeast.
Climate of Tunisia :
Tunisia has a climate typical of the Mediterranean regions. So, summers are hot and relatively dry and winters are pleasant and wet. However, in the interiors of the desert, temperature variations are stark. Moreover, the temperature is higher too. The summer months last from the month of May to the month of September. Winter sets in from mid-September and lasts until March. It is in these months that precipitation is at its highest.
Flora and Fauna of Tunisia : Tunisia has diverse varieties flora across the country. This variety ranges from oaks to esparto grass, due to the variations on land and soil forms. Other flora species include cork oak, pines, jujube, and gum. As far as fauna goes, the animals of Tunisia are gazelles of various species, jackals, sleeved mouflons and wild boars. In the parts of Tunisia that fall in the Sahara region, scorpions and snakes like the horned viper are to be found.
People of Tunisia :
Given its eventful past, Tunisia is one country that can boast of a multicultural populace. In the country are to be found people of Arab-Berber descent - who form the majority. Europeans, Jews, Frenchmen and Italians make up the remainder of the population.
Arts, Culture and Music of Tunisia :
Art : having a rich cultural heritage, one can see the effects of it reflected in the traditional arts and crafts of Tunisia. Traditional artistry is of several types. One of them is the making of silver jewellery; the Berber style is the most famous of the lot. Then there are also jewellery fashioned out of glass beads, coins and Coral. Some types of jewellery are used as charms and have symbolic significance. In the department of ceramics and pottery too art ranges high. One can easily pick up brightly colored hand-painted platters, bowls, jugs, oil jars and water jars. Brass and copper artifacts are other displays of Tunisian artistry. These wares are not just pieces of art but also items of utility as well. They are fashioned in various ways like embossing, engraving, chasing/grooving or even enameling. Carpet making is a national art form and is made from natural wool, camel hair or silk. Wall hangings and other decorations are another specialty of Tunisia. These wall decors are either woven - out of wool or silk - or hand painted.
Culture : Tunisia has a rich and chequered history, replete with invasions, conquests and influences. The most important part of its history is the fact that despite modernization, Tunisia still retains its past which is proudly etched it its landscape, architecture and most importantly in its people.Of the innumerable ethnic races that set foot on the soil of Tunisia are the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Vandals, the Byzantines, the Turks, the Spanish and finally the French (in historical sequence).
In fact, the renowned ancient city state of Carthage lies in Tunisia.
Music : Tunisia's chief musical tradition is that of the 'Malouf'. This genre of music is Andalusian in origin; and the direct result of Spain's invasion and conquest. The Malouf is performed to the accompaniment of several musical instruments such as the violin, drums, lutes and also the sitar - which is an Indian musical instrument.
Economy of Tunisia :
Tunisia has several sectors from which its economy benefits equally. One of these significant contributors is Tunisia's industrial sector which engages in the manufacture and processing of products like petroleum, textiles, footwear, food, beverages. Mining of petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc and salt also falls under the industrial division as most of them feature in the list of export commodities. The list of exported goods also includes textiles, mechanical goods, agricultural products and hydrocarbons. The agricultural sector too is a major contributor to the economy in Tunisia. The produces includes olives - both fruit and oil - and grain. Aside of these, there is also the tourism industry that plays a crucial role in enhancing the country's economy.
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