Tunisia: Introduction

The document outlines Tunisia's trajectory from independence in 1956 through the 2010 Freedom and Dignity Revolution and the subsequent democratic transition. It highlights a recent period of democratic regression since 2021 under President Kaïs Saïed, alongside deteriorating economic conditions characterized by rising public debt, high youth unemployment, and stalled IMF negotiations. The text notes that while Tunisia has a skilled labor force, its development is hindered by structural weaknesses and the impacts of climate change on water security and agriculture.

• Since 2021, Tunisia has undergone a democratic regression marked by President Kaïs Saïed suspending parliament, dismissing the government, and implementing a new constitution that increases presidential authority.
• Tunisia's economic state is deteriorating, with rising public debt, high unemployment (particularly among youth), and inflation. Efforts to secure financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have stalled due to disagreements over fiscal austerity and subsidy reform.
• Climate change is negatively impacting Tunisia's water security and agricultural sector, adding to the country's existing economic and political challenges.
• Despite having a skilled workforce and a history of institutional reform, Tunisia underperforms economically due to an underdeveloped private sector, limited investment, and structural weaknesses.

APA

Ngundu, M. (2026). Tunisia: Introduction. Institute for Security Studies. https://futures.issafrica.org/geographic/guide.pdf?geography=TN&topic=01-introduction

Chicago

Ngundu, Marvellous. Tunisia: Introduction. Institute for Security Studies, 2026. https://futures.issafrica.org/geographic/guide.pdf?geography=TN&topic=01-introduction.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Ngundu |first1=Marvellous |title=Tunisia: Introduction |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=15 June 2026 |url=https://futures.issafrica.org/geographic/guide.pdf?geography=TN&topic=01-introduction |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{ngundu2026tunisia, author = {Ngundu, Marvellous}, title = {{Tunisia: Introduction}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {2026}, month = jun, url = {https://futures.issafrica.org/geographic/guide.pdf?geography=TN&topic=01-introduction}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }