Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Nejib HACHANA chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850 FAX: [1] (202) 862-1858
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador designate Robert F. GODEC embassy: Zone Nord-Est des Berges du Lac Nord de Tunis 1053 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [216] 71 107-000 FAX: [216] 71 107-090
Flag description:
red with a white disk in the center bearing a red crescent nearly
encircling a red five-pointed star; the crescent and star are
traditional symbols of Islam
Economy Tunisia
Economy - overview:
Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural, mining,
energy, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Governmental control of
economic affairs while still heavy has gradually lessened over the
past decade with increasing privatization, simplification of the tax
structure, and a prudent approach to debt. Progressive social
policies also have helped raise living conditions in Tunisia
relative to the region. Real growth slowed to a 15-year low of 1.9%
in 2002 because of agricultural drought and lackluster tourism.
Increased rain helped to push GDP growth to an average rate of 5% in
2003-06. However, a recession in agriculture, weak expansion in the
tourism and textile sectors, and increasing import costs due to
rising world energy prices cut growth to 4% in 2006. Tunisia is
gradually removing barriers to trade with the EU. Broader
privatization, further liberalization of the investment code to
increase foreign investment, improvements in government efficiency,
and reduction of the trade deficit are among the challenges ahead.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$87.88 billion (2006 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate):
$32.95 billion (2006 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
4% (2006 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$8,600 (2006 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 12.8% industry: 31% services: 56.2% (2006 est.)