World Happiness Report for Tunisia 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Tunisia: 115
- Happiness Score Tunisia:4.422
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Tunisia. TN.
Tunisia is
- It is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party system.
- Notable cultural aspects include its diverse mix of Berber, Arab, and European influences.
- Its economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing industries.
Tunisia – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History and Ancient Civilizations
Tunisia’s history dates back to ancient times when the Berber people inhabited the region. The Phoenicians established settlements along the coast, including the city of Carthage, which became a major naval power in the Mediterranean. The Carthaginian Empire flourished until its defeat by the Romans in the Punic Wars.
Colonial Period
Tunisia fell under Roman rule in the 2nd century BC and later became part of the Byzantine Empire. In the 7th century AD, the Arabs conquered the region, bringing Islam and initiating a period of Arab rule that lasted for several centuries. Tunisia was later incorporated into the Ottoman Empire until the French established a protectorate in 1881.
Independence and Modern Era
Tunisia gained independence from France in 1956 and became a republic under the leadership of Habib Bourguiba. The country experienced political stability and economic growth in the early decades of independence. However, in 2011, the Tunisian Revolution sparked the Arab Spring, leading to the overthrow of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and the transition to a democratic system.
Current Political Situation
Tunisia is a semi-presidential republic with a democratic system of government. The President serves as the head of state, while the Head of Government is the Prime Minister. Recent elections have seen a power-sharing arrangement between various political parties, reflecting the diversity of the political landscape.
International Relations
Tunisia maintains close ties with Europe and has been an important partner in the fight against terrorism. The country is a member of the Arab League, the African Union, and the United Nations. Tunisia has also sought to strengthen economic and trade partnerships with countries in the Middle East and Africa.
Human Development and Economy
Tunisia has a diversified economy with significant sectors including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The country has made considerable progress in human development, with improvements in education, healthcare, and gender equality. However, challenges such as unemployment and regional disparities remain.
Cultural Highlights
Tunisia is known for its rich cultural heritage, influenced by Berber, Arab, and European traditions. The country boasts stunning ancient ruins, such as the El Jem Amphitheater and the Carthage Archaeological Site. Islamic architecture, including mosques and medinas, is a prominent feature in many cities. Tunisian cuisine is renowned for its blend of Mediterranean and North African flavors.
Challenges and Opportunities
Tunisia faces ongoing challenges in consolidating its democratic transition, addressing economic disparities, and promoting sustainable development. However, the country’s strategic location, well-educated workforce, and commitment to modernization present opportunities for continued progress and regional influence.
Main facts
Location
Tunisia is a country located in Northern Africa, situated between Algeria and Libya. It borders the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert, with its northernmost point, Cap Blanc, being the closest point in mainland Africa to continental Europe.
Map References
Tunisia is a part of the African continent, located in the northernmost region of the great Sahara Desert.
Area – Comparative
Tunisia is slightly larger than the state of Georgia (USA).
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Tunisia shares land borders with the following countries:
Coastline
Tunisia has a coastline of 1,148 km along the Mediterranean Sea. Notable coastal features include the Gulf of Gabes in the southeast and the picturesque Cap Bon peninsula in the northeast.
Maritime Claims
Tunisia claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles
- Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of continental margin
Climate
Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate in the north, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The southern regions have a hot desert climate with very little rainfall.
Terrain
Tunisia’s terrain is predominantly flat and semi-arid, with mountains in the northwest and a Mediterranean coastline in the north and east. The Sahara Desert covers much of the southern region.
Elevation Extremes
- Highest point: Jebel ech Chambi, 1,544 m
- Lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah, -17 m
Natural Resources
Tunisia’s major natural resources include petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, and salt.
Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Tunisia include:
- Mediterranean Sea
- Chott el Djerid (shared with Algeria)
- Chott el Fedjadj (shared with Algeria)
- Chott el Gharsa
Natural Hazards
The primary natural hazards in Tunisia include:
- Droughts
- Occasional floods
Geography – Notes
Tunisia’s geography is characterized by its location at the intersection of the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert, creating a unique blend of coastal and desert landscapes. The country’s diverse terrain, ranging from fertile plains and rolling hills in the north to the vast Sahara Desert in the south, has shaped its history, culture, and economy.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 6.80%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 29,937. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 64.80%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 33.8869179.537499.
- Capital: The capital of Tunisia is Tunis
- Major Cities:
- Tunis – population: 1,056,247
- Sfax – population: 330,440
- Sousse – population: 271,428
- Kairouan – population: 186,653
- Bizerte – population: 142,966
- Population: 11,694,719
- Area(Km2): 163610
- Population Density( P/Km²):76. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:216
- Official Language(s):Tunisia is Arabic 100%.
- Currency: TND
Main Economic Indicators
Tunisia has a diverse, market-oriented economy that experienced steady growth following its transition to a democratic political system. Despite its relatively small size, Tunisia’s economy boasts a well-diversified industrial sector, a burgeoning tourism industry, and a thriving agriculture sector. However, the country faces considerable economic challenges, including high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, and regional disparities in development. Key economic policies focus on promoting investment, liberalizing trade, and reducing bureaucratic barriers to business.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2022: 8.2% (Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2023)
2021: 6.2% (Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2023)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BB- (Stable)
Moody’s: B3 (Negative)
Standard & Poor’s: B (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 10.3%
Industry: 24.4%
Services: 65.3%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agriculture: Olives, olive oil, grains, tomatoes, citrus fruits, beef, dairy products
Industry: Petroleum products, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore), textiles, footwear, agri-food, beverages, tourism
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 4.192 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 89th in the world
Current Account Balance
2022: -$4.82 billion (Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2023)
2021: -$3.57 billion (Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2023)
Comparative Ranking: 166th in the world (2022 est.)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $20.8 billion (2022 est.)
Key Export Partners: France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Libya
Main Exports: Insulated wiring, crude petroleum, clothing and apparel, olive oil, dates
Imports: $29.9 billion (2022 est.)
Key Import Partners: Italy, China, France, Germany, Turkey
Main Imports: Refined petroleum, crude petroleum, automobiles, wheat, natural gas
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $8.08 billion (December 2022 est.)
Gold Reserves: 6.8 tonnes (December 2022 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$38,797,709,924. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 21.10%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 60.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.73. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.47. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 16.02%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Nationality: noun – Tunisian(s), adjective – Tunisian
2. Ethnic Groups
– Arab 98%
– European 1%
– Jewish and other 1%
3. Religions
– Muslim 99.1% (official; Sunni Muslim 99%)
– Other 1% (includes Christian, Jewish, Shia Muslim, and Baha’i)
4. Age Structure
– 0-14 years: 23.19% (male 1,518,741/female 1,446,744)
– 15-64 years: 68.55% (male 4,400,869/female 4,387,353)
– 65 years and over: 8.26% (male 460,263/female 595,677) (2020 est.)
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 45.9 (2020 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 33.8 (2020 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 12.1 (2020 est.)
6. Median Age
Total: 32.8 years
Male: 32.4 years
Female: 33.2 years (2020 est.)
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity rate: 26.9% (2016 est.)
Alcohol consumption: 0.8 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2016 est.)
Tobacco use: 26.3% of adults (2016 est.)
Fertility rate: 2.18 children born/woman (2020 est.)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 76.5. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 84.2%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:17.56. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:8. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 2.1. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 64.4%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 8,099,061. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):39.80%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Tunisian Armed Forces consist of four main branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Guard. The Army is further divided into several specialized units, including airborne forces, commando groups, and an armored brigade. The National Guard serves as a paramilitary force responsible for maintaining internal security and border protection.
Military Expenditures
Tunisia’s military spending as a percentage of GDP:
- 2021: 2.6%
- 2020: 2.7%
- 2019: 2.7%
- 2018: 2.5%
- 2017: 2.3%
Tunisia ranks 73rd globally in military expenditures as a share of GDP.
Personnel Strengths
The Tunisian Armed Forces have a total active-duty military personnel strength of approximately 48,000, with the following breakdown:
- Army: 27,000
- Air Force: 8,000
- Navy: 6,000
- National Guard: 12,000
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Tunisia’s military equipment includes a mix of domestically produced and imported hardware. The Army’s inventory includes M60 and M1 Abrams main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery systems. The Air Force operates F-5 fighter jets, C-130 transport aircraft, and various helicopters. The Navy’s fleet consists of patrol boats, missile-armed corvettes, and minesweepers. Tunisia is modernizing its military equipment through acquisitions like T-6C trainer aircraft from the United States.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Tunisia has a mandatory military service obligation for men aged 20-23. The service period is 12 months for those without higher education and 9 months for those with a university degree. The government has implemented voluntary military service programs to supplement the conscription system.
Military Deployments
Tunisia has around 1,600 troops deployed as part of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Additionally, Tunisian forces are involved in border security operations along the country’s frontier with Libya.
Strategic Military Notes
Tunisia’s defense strategy prioritizes border security, counterterrorism, and regional stability. The military plays a key role in addressing threats from extremist groups and preventing the spillover of instability from neighboring countries. Tunisia is a member of the NATO Partnership for Peace program and maintains close military cooperation with European and Western partners.
- Armed Forces Size: 35800. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 1.3
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 46.10%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.