Tunisia

E

Energy

In 2003 the electricity-generating facilities of Tunisia had an installed capacity of 1.5 million kW and generated 11.6 billion kWh of electricity a year. Almost all (99.2 per cent) of the country’s electricity was generated in thermal plants.

F

Currency and Banking

The monetary unit of Tunisia is the Tunisian dinar of 1,000 millimes (1.242 dinar equalled US$1; early 2008). Currency is issued by the Central Bank of Tunisia (1958; Banque Centrale de Tunisie).

G

Commerce and Trade

The annual foreign trade of Tunisia usually shows a deficit. In 2003 exports totalled US$7,354 million and imports, US$10,147 million. Principal exports include petroleum, clothing, fodder, olive oil, and phosphates. Other important exports include wine, citrus fruits, iron and steel, and lead. Among the leading imports are machinery, petroleum products, iron and steel, electric machinery, and food. Tunisia’s principal trading partners are France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the United States.

H

Labour

Of the economically active Tunisian population, about 22 per cent works in agriculture and fishing, 34 per cent in industry, and 43 per cent in services. Unemployment and underemployment are chronic national problems. Unemployment, which exceeded 16 per cent in the mid-1990s, was 13 per cent in 1996. The major trade union organization, the General Union of Tunisian Workers, has about 330,000 members in 23 affiliated unions.

I

Transport

In 2004 Tunisia had a road network of about 19,232 km (11,950 mi) connecting important commercial centres; about 66 per cent of the roads were paved. There were around 83 passenger cars per 1,000 people. The country is also served by about 1,909 km (1,186 mi) of railway track. Tunisia has four major ports—Tunis, Bizerte, Sūsah, and Sfax. A fifth port, as-Sukhayrah, specializes in petroleum bunkering. A modern port is also being constructed at Gabes (Qābis). The country has six international airports, two of which serve Tunis. The national carrier is Tunis Air.