Tunisia » History

The party headed by  Habib Bourguiba played a dominant role in achieving independence from France in 1956. Tunisia was made a republic, and Habib Bourguiba was elected as the first president of Tunisia. During his rule that lasted till 1987, he adopted policies that helped in the economic  and social growth. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali succeeded Bourguiba and is the current ruler or Tunisia. 

Longer Historical Perspective

The strategic location of Tunisia is the factor behind its eventful history. Tunisia’s history dates back to 3,000 years. The long history of Tunisia reveals the legacies of different civilizations that ruled Tunisia leaving behind imprints that can be seen today in the art and architecture of Tunisia. Tunisia has been ruled by Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans and French at different point of time in history.

Early history of Tunisia reveals that it was settled by the Phoenicians in the 12th century. They were the founders of the ancient city of Carthage and other North African settlements. Carthage emerged as a dominant sea power, clashing with Rome for control of the Mediterranean. This rivalry led to three Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage. It was in 146 B.C that Carthage was defeated and captured finally by the Romans. The Romans then set about rebuilding the destroyed city of Carthage, which became an important city of the Empire. The Roman Empire fell in 5th century when Tunisia was invaded by Vandals. Carthage was also the capital city of the short-lived Vandal kingdom. Carthage thrived and prospered until the city saw destruction again in AD 698 when the Muslims conquered it. It was then ruled by various Arab, Berber, Turkish dynasties who left their impact on the population and the land of Tunisia. Tunisia became a center of Arab culture traces of which are still evident. After the Arabs, Tunisia came under the rule of Ottoman Turks in 1574, where they ruled for over 300 years.

It was in 1881 that French troops occupied Tunisia and turned it into a French protectorate. A national movement developed against the French rule and it was in 1956 that Tunisia gained independence from France.