- a republic in North Africa, on the Mediterranean: a French protectorate until 1956. 48,330 sq. mi. (125,175 sq. km). Capital: Tunis.
- a republic in N Africa, on the Mediterranean: settled by the Phoenicians in the 12th century bc; made a French protectorate in 1881 and gained independence in 1955. It consists chiefly of the Sahara in the south, a central plateau, and the Atlas Mountains in the north. Exports include textiles, petroleum, and phosphates. Official language: Arabic; French is also widely spoken. Official religion: Muslim. Currency: dinar. Capital: Tunis. Pop: 10 835 873 (2013 est). Area: 164 150 sq km (63 380 sq miles)
