Tunisia: flag, capital, currency and history

Flag of Tunisia

Download the flag of Tunisia as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇹🇳.

History of Tunisia

Phoenician settlers are traditionally said to have founded Carthage around 814 BC, and the city became a major Mediterranean power until Rome destroyed it in 146 BC. Roman, Vandal and Byzantine rule followed before the Arab conquest of the seventh century, when Kairouan was founded as a base. Tunisia later passed under various dynasties and became part of the Ottoman realm in the sixteenth century. France established a protectorate in 1881. Independence was achieved in 1956 and a republic was proclaimed in 1957. A popular uprising in 2010 and 2011 led to major political change.

Key dates

1. c. 814 BCCarthage is traditionally founded by Phoenician settlers.
2. 146 BCRome destroys Carthage at the end of the Third Punic War.
3. 670Arab forces found the city of Kairouan.
4. 1574The Ottomans take control of Tunis.
5. 1881France establishes a protectorate under the Treaty of Bardo.
6. 1956Tunisia becomes independent from France on 20 March.
7. 1957The monarchy is abolished and a republic is proclaimed.
8. 2011A popular uprising ends the long-standing government in January.

A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.

Currency of Tunisia

Tunisia uses the Tunisian dinar (TND, د.ت). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.

Frequently asked questions

Neighbours of Tunisia

AlgeriaAlgiersLibyaTripoli

More countries in Northern Africa

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