Tunisia

IV

Economy

The Tunisian economy was dominated by agriculture and mining, but has become increasingly diversified. Tourism is important, and manufacturing is expanding. State control of the economy was reduced during the late 1980s, with the increasing privatization of trade and commerce, simplification of the tax system, and a cautious approach to foreign debt. Economic growth averaged 4.2 per cent from 1991 to 1995, and inflation has been moderate. In 2004 Tunisia had a GNP of US$26,308 million (World Bank figure), or US$2,970 per capita. In 2006 the estimated annual national budget showed US$9,116 million in revenue and US$8,919 million in expenditure.

A

Agriculture and Fishing

Annual agricultural yields in Tunisia fluctuate because of the frequency of drought and the lack of extensive water resources for irrigation. The leading crops in the fertile plains of the north include wheat, of which an estimated 1,251,000 tonnes were produced in 2006, vegetables and watermelons (2,122,897), cereals (1,646,131). On the Cape Bon Peninsula, the growing of oranges (101,000) is particularly important. Among other major crops are olives (475,000), grown in the semi-arid central regions, and dates (84,000), grown in oases in the Sahara region. About half the productive land is used for grazing, and, because of drought, the livestock industry is also subject to fluctuations. In 2006 the country’s livestock included about 7.21 million sheep, 1.43 million goats, 686,320 cattle, and 231,000 camels.

A growing fishing industry exists along the coast of Tunisia. In 2005 the catch stood at nearly 111,818 tonnes. The catch includes sardines, pilchards, tuna, and whitefish.

B

Mining

Although not as rich in petroleum as its neighbours, Libya and Algeria, Tunisia does have several substantial deposits. Production of crude oil in 2004 totalled 27.4 million barrels. The country is also a major world producer of phosphates (2.40 million tonnes in 2004). Other mining products in 2003 included natural gas (2.15 billion cu m, or 75.9 billion cu ft), iron ore (128,500 tonnes), and zinc (31,000 tonnes).

C

Manufacturing

The Tunisian government has encouraged the development of export-oriented industries. Major industries include a sugar refinery at Bajah (Béja), a petroleum refinery at Bizerte, a steel plant at Menzel-Bourguiba, and phosphate-processing and cement-making plants. Other manufactures are sulphuric acid, textiles, forest products, and processed agricultural and fishing products.

D

Tourism

Tourism is an important source of foreign exchange in Tunisia, and the government has done much to expand and improve the country’s tourist facilities. In 2006 6.55 million visitors generated around US$410 million for the Tunisian economy. Among the country’s attractions are its fine beaches and its archaeological sites, including the site of the ancient city of Carthage.