[too-nee-zhuh, -shuh, -nizh-uh, -nish-uh, tyoo-] 
| a republic in N Africa, on the Mediterranean: a French protectorate until 1956. 9,183,097; 48,330 sq. mi. (125,175 sq. km). Capital: Tunis. |
Tu·ni·sia (tōō-nē'zhə, -shə, tyōō-)  (click for larger image in new window) A country of northern Africa bordering on the Mediterranean Sea. Settled in ancient times by the Phoenicians and dominated after the 6th century B.C. by the Carthaginians, the area later fell to the Romans (2nd century B.C.), Vandals (5th century A.D.), and Byzantines (6th century) before being conquered by the Arabs in the 7th century. Tunisia was taken over by the Ottoman Turks in the late 16th century and, as one of the Barbary States, was used as a base by pirates raiding ships in the Mediterranean. It became a French protectorate in 1881 and achieved full independence in 1956. Tunis is the capital and the largest city. Population: 10,300,000. |
Republic in northwestern Africa, bordered by Algeria to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east, and Libya to the southeast.
Note: In the sixth century b.c., Tunisia became the center of power for the city of Carthage.
Note: Tunisia was a French protectorate from 1881 to 1956, when it achieved independence.
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