Tunisia
Tunisia
- Capital
- Tunis
- Population
- 11,818,618
- Region
- Africa
- Languages
- Arabic
The city of Matmata features unique underground dwellings known as troglodyte houses, which were carved directly into the sandstone to protect residents from the intense desert heat. This otherworldly landscape became famous globally when it served as the filming location for Luke Skywalker's childhood home in the Star Wars film franchise. Many of these traditional homes are still inhabited today, and some have been converted into hotels where visitors can sleep in the cool, subterranean chambers. This architectural style reflects an ancient Berber adaptation to the harsh North African climate that has persisted for centuries.
Currency
The official currency is the Tunisian Dinar, identified by the ISO code TND. It was introduced in 1958 to replace the French franc and is unique because it is divided into 1,000 milimes rather than the standard hundred subunits. It is a criminal offense to import or export the physical currency out of the country, making it a closed currency system.
Flag symbolism
The flag of Tunisia is dominated by a red field, a color traditionally signifying the blood spilled by martyrs during the struggle against oppression. In the center, a white circle represents the sun and peace, containing a red crescent and a five-pointed star which are historic symbols of Islam. The design is heavily influenced by the flag of the Ottoman Empire, reflecting Tunisia's historical period as an Ottoman beylic. Unlike many other Arab nations that adopted the Pan-Arab colors in the 20th century, Tunisia has maintained this specific design since 1827, making it one of the oldest national flags in the world.
Emblem history
The national coat of arms of Tunisia features a golden shield divided into three distinct sections, each representing a core value of the republic. A Punic galley sailing on the sea occupies the top portion, symbolizing the nation’s ancient origins and maritime heritage dating back to Carthage. The lower sections display a black balance for justice and a lion brandishing a sword for order, all situated beneath the national motto 'Liberty, Order, Justice.' A recent 2023 update to the emblem ensures the central circle containing the crescent and star remains prominent, signifying the state's enduring connection to its cultural and religious roots.