Tunisia

   Tunis (Tunisia) - a small Arab country in North Africa, one of the countries of the Arab Maghreb Union. In the west and south-west of Tunisia is bordered by Algeria to the south-east with Libya to the north and east of its territory is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. On the map of Tunisia outlines resemble a bird's wing, so people like to compare the countries of the Maghreb Maghreb all the birds, which forms the body of Algeria, and the wings - Morocco and Tunisia. Tunis area 164.1 thousand square meters. km. Tunisian coast stretches over 1000 kilometers.
  
Population

According to the statistics, the population of Tunisia is 9.2 million people. According to unofficial reports, about 10 percent of the country or has dual citizenship or permanent residence abroad (mostly in Europe), coming home only occasionally.

The vast majority of the population by nationality - Tunisians. In the south, home to quite numerous Berber tribes, there is a small number of African ethnic groups (Tuaregs). In Tunisia, there is also a small Jewish community (about 80,000 people)., Which mainly densely populated island of Djerba.

Language

Official language in Tunisia is Arabic. Tunisian dialect of Arabic is very specific. Thus, carriers of "pure" classical Arabic in Saudi Arabia could hardly understand what is trying to say Tunisian. Tunisian dialect heavily saturated with words borrowed from the French.

Tunisian students study French in compulsory from primary school children. Very often educated in Tunisia during a conversation with each other easily switch from Arabic to French and back, do not even emphasizing the replacement of any such language.

Government

Tunisia - a republic led by a president. Since 1987, the head of state is the President Ben Ali. President has very impressive credentials.

Tunisia is the legislative body of the National Assembly. Tunisia is formally a multiparty system, officially registered 8 games, including a ban until recently the Communist Party of Tunisia. However, the real power in the parliament has the ruling pro-presidential party.

The standard of living in Tunisia is very high for a developing country. Among the African countries, Tunisia is the clear leader in terms of the welfare of its citizens. The minimum wage set by the state, is 317 dinars (220 dollars) a month. Tunisians themselves proud to say that the middle class they have is almost 50 percent.

Islam in Tunisia

Going to Tunisia, you should know that this is the most unique state in the Arab world. Once in this country for the first time and watch the locals, you will surely doubt: Islam whether it Tunisians? The correct answer is: yes, Muslims. About 98 percent of the population are Muslims. However, for many decades, is not without success cultivated "moderate" Islam with a modern face. Tunisians are not of Arab national clothes and beards, most of them are willing to drink alcohol, according to the law they are allowed to have only one wife, a large number of young people not observing Ramadan, and rarely in the mosque, women legislation prohibits wear the veil to allow abortion, and even (in Muslim-then the country!) - legalized prostitution. And there is no trace of Islamic fundamentalists.

Mosques in Tunisia is very small, in the resort areas they are not allowed to build up, and since the French protectorate remained a tradition not to build a mosque in the business district.

If you get bored of Islamic color, go to the "Medina", which is in any city. These are the remains of a medieval Arab city in which you'll probably find the existing mosque. However, remember that to go there Gentile prohibited. There are several mosques, which the tourists are allowed to visit certain times - in the cities of Kairouan and Zeitun.

Tunisian men even half in jest and half seriously called Tunisia a "country of triumphant feminism", which on the contrary - infringed the rights of men. Not only that, since the end of the 1950s, women have equal voting, property rights and the right to education. If the divorce was initiated by a man, a woman is entitled to the lion's share of the property and alimony in the amount of half the income of the former spouse, even if they had no children. Traffic police for violations are not allowed to stop the car, run by a woman.

The flight time to Tunisia is about 4 hours 20 minutes. The main international airports of arrival of direct and charter flights from Russia - Airport TUNIS-CARTAGO (Tunis, Tunisia) and Airport HABIB BURGUIBA (Monastir).
  
The time difference with Moscow in the summer is minus 3 hours in winter - minus 2 hours.

Climate

In most parts of Tunisia mild subtropical and Mediterranean in the south - tropical. Summer in the resorts of Tunisia usually no sweltering heat, and winters are mild, with no sudden changes in temperature. The highest rainfall (1000-1500 mm per year) falls in the winter, the rest of the usually cloudless weather.

Customs in Tunisia quite liberal towards tourists. When leaving the country does not inspect the luggage of tourists. Out of the country can be almost anything. The exception is the national currency, animals, antiques and art. The large amount of foreign currency entering the country must be declared to when leaving no problems with customs.

Telephone communication

Most uneconomical way to call home - this is from my hotel room, or call office property. Thus the call will cost you - 4-5 USD per minute.

This is 4 times more than you would pay when calling from a payphone. In Tunisia, all payphones have access to the international line (you need to dial "00"). Call to Russia from a payphone will cost you about DT 1 minute. Call Shops in the city is easily recognized by the signboard TAXIPHON INTERNATIONALE, payphones have a blue color. Items run from 8.00 to 22.00. Exchange of money can be made from the employee negotiating points. Remove the tube, drop one dinar coin, wait for the long beep, and dial 00 (international line) - 7 (Russia) - the code of your city (Moscow 495, 8482 Togliatti, Samara 846) - phone number. During the conversation, watch the display, which will show the amount you lowered into the machine during the conversation it will be reduced. You'll see when it will be necessary to end the conversation or lower value.

Help phones

Background - 12 or 120.
Tunisian National Department of Tourism - 341-077.
The international airport of Tunis-Carthage (Tunis-Carthage) - 288-000, 236-000.
Russian Embassy - 882-757, 883-446.

Emergency services

Police - 197.
Fire Brigade - 198.
Ambulance - 190 or clock 846, 767.
Night Ambulance - 717-171.

Water

Tunisians are proud of its ecology and love talking to foreigners boast that Tunisia can drink water from the tap. Most Tunisians do it it always does, but it should be to experiment on their own health and not to follow the locals. Because of the unusual composition of the water, there may be as mild intestinal disorders, as well as more serious diseases. Local mineral water has a wonderful taste and is not expensive. The best mineral water Tunisians consider water "SAFIA", which is a bottle of DT 0.500 at the store and from DT 0.800 to DT 1.500 in the restaurant.

Car

Rental price subcompact car will be about DT 70 - 90 per day if you use the known system rolled BUDGET, AVIS or EUROCAR. Discipline local drivers on the road very, very high, the roads are very good, especially in the north. Special restrictions on movement in the country to foreigners not. Not recommended without notification officers of the National Guard, but still alone drive on the roads in the desert in southern Tunisia (for reasons of your own safety). Claim against the person rents a car: Age - 21 years old. Driving international standard, older than 1 year ago.
The cost of gasoline is quite acceptable and is $ 1 for 3 liters. In the capital, is often a problem with parking, and against those who violate parking rules traffic police not hesitate to use the forced evacuation to the penalty parking.

DUTY FREE stores operate in Tunisia only at the airport, and payment of purchases can only be made in foreign currency, the Tunisian dinars are not accepted. Do not worry if you are flying home overnight flight: very often Tunisian special duty-free shops open before flying Russian flights at night: the sellers know the ease with which the Russian split in DUTY FREE with remaining money before flying home.

Photo and video

For all its liberality and tolerance, Tunisians unexpectedly strongly related to shooting and recording of military installations, government and people with weapons and in shape. This is sometimes a cause of frustration for the tourists when it turns out that some beautiful frame can not "catch" only because the field of view camera gets some "important" object. For example, on the ruins of Carthage can not shoot in the north, where there is a residence on the hill of the president of Tunisia.
When you visit some museum wishing to use the camera may be asked to purchase a ticket costing DT 1 for the right to shoot. However, if you do not advertise your camera at the entrance, then, as a rule, can shoot inside is completely free since then include checking tickets is not performed.

Favors
If you want to bring out something typically Tunisian trip as a gift to friends and acquaintances, the choice you have is not particularly large. Tunisia souvenir shops crammed with objects from ancient African masks and statues to the German helmets and parts of uniforms Rommel's army of occupation during the Second World War. But actually Tunisian souvenirs you'll find a little bit.
  
Discharge of trifles can bring figures of the gods of the ancient Carthaginian or bust Carthaginian commander Hannibal. Suitable as Carthaginian coins, very likely treated "antique".

You can please friends souvenirs that are full in any Arab country: chasing, artistically decorated hookah, wooden figurines of camels.

Very expensive gift can be a hand-woven rug, crafted in the world famous city of Kairouan carpet shops. The cost of such a carpet of DT 200 and almost indefinitely - depending on the size and number of knots per square meter.

Beautiful "edible" gifts for friends are great Tunisian dates, considered the best in North Africa, or a kilo of anise bulbs (sometimes jokingly referred to as "African apple").

Attractions

Narrow streets, mosques, markets and shops of the medina - the main attraction of the city. The top of the Medina, close to the Kasbah ("Citadel"), is the government area, around which are institutions of state power, the most colorful building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Dar el-Bey (Bey's house).

Nearby is the Souk El Attarin - the most exotic city block, who grew up on the site of a medieval market incense. Here and now sell a variety of perfumes and spices. Kept trimmed and painted polychrome marble palaces Dar Othman (XVII c.) To the Museum of Applied Arts and Dar Ben Abdallah (XVIII-XIX centuries.) From the city museum of art and folk traditions. Among the other historic buildings attract attention Yusuf Bey Mosque (1616) and Hamouda Pasha (XVII c.), Mausoleum Hasanidov Turbet El Bey Mosque and Mausoleum of Sidi Mahreza (Abu Mohammed Mahreza EU-Sadiq), Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul, and the oldest building in the city - Dar al-Haddad. Medina of Tunis in 1981, has been included in the World Heritage List of the UN.

One of the main attractions of the capital - the National Museum Alaun (Bardo Museum) in the palace of Dar Hussein (Bardot) near the Tunisian Parliament - it is the largest museum of the Maghreb with the world's largest collection of Roman mosaics, as well as extensive collections of archaeological finds of all ages. The public library of the city - the largest (after Cairo) in the Islamic world repository of Arabic literature, and the University of Tunis almost as age famous Oxford.

The central street of Tunis, picturesque Avenue Habib Bourguiba, is the gate of Bab al-Bahar ("French doors", XIII c.) Medina to Lake El Bahira. One should visit the vast indoor market with all the attributes eastern commercial life, many small markets in the Medina area, Belvedere Park, which is located on the territory of a zoo and amusement park Dah-Dah, and a small Salammbo Oceanographic Museum in the suburbs of the capital.
North of La Goulette respectable, at 35 km. of the capital, are the ruins of ancient Carthage (founded in 814 BC. e.) - the capital of one of the great nations of antiquity. It was a center of Phoenician trading empire, which included almost all the Mediterranean trade routes converged here through the Sahara and West Asia, where the famous battle thundered Punic wars and the great empire flourished.

Still serves on the slopes of a hill Beers, the ruins of a term of Antoninus Pius - one of the largest resort complexes of the time, inferior in size only therms of Trajan in Rome, numerous Roman villas, remnants of the Capitol, an amphitheater for 50 thousand spectators, reservoirs and 70 -mile aqueduct that runs in Carthage from the Temple of Water in Zigvane, the ancient cemetery on the site of the temple of Baal and Tanita (Ammon), and numerous ancient port facilities, which stretch along the coast.

You can also visit Zaghouan (40 km. From Tunisia), with its ruins of the temple Water Forum, the Capitol, the market, the temple of Mercury and terms.
   
Roman antiquity lovers will be interested in a set of ruins Tuburbo-Maius with the remains of the Roman city, forums, Colosseum, temples, thermal baths and gyms.

Pearl Tunisian town called Sidi Bou Said, whose shelter at the foot of the cliff houses are painted in dazzling white, and blue, on a cliff towering "Ribat" (fortress), and from the observation deck at the lighthouse on a rock (by the way - built from wreckage of Fort IX.) offers stunning views of the capital and its surroundings. This is a delightful place to walk in the narrow cobbled streets lined with old stone slabs. Charming as the Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Church, built by Russian sailors in 1939

Kelibia - not yet absorbed the tourism industry in a small sleepy town 50km north of Hammamet. The town itself is not of particular interest except the picturesque Byzantine fort overlooking the small harbor. By the way, the feeling of sleepiness Hammamet very wrong. It operates a small but important sea port with international status. In the summer here ferries from Italian Trapani.

On the northern coast are rocky beaches "Coral Beach", surrounded by cliffs, reefs and historic ruins. Tabarka ("place, covered with bushes"), located at the foot of the mountain massif Krumiriya - an ancient Phoenician port Genoese fortress (XVI c.), Picturesque rocks, which earned its name form "Needles", and an ideal place for diving and fishing catching. At 105 km. south-west of Tunisia is an ancient Dougga (Tugga) - the grandest Roman ruins of Tunisia. Here, in the valley Medjerda, discovered Arch of Alexander Severus, the ruins of the Forum to the Capitol (166 AD. Uh.) And the temple of Saturn, mosaic area of the Winds, the sanctuary of Juno Celeste, well-preserved temple portico of the Capitol, Punic mausoleum Atebana (III-II c. BC. e.) terms, the House of Dionysos, House of Ulysses with beautiful mosaics (on display at the Museum of Bardo) and crashed into the side of the theater (188 AD. uh.) by 3.5 thousand people.

"The Holy City" Kairouan is situated 60 km. south-west of Sousse. Kairouan in the Islamic world, is considered the fourth holiest site after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. In the Maghreb countries believe that sevenfold pilgrimage to Kairouan equivalent to Hajj in Mecca.
At 24 km. south of Sousse is Monastir (Rus Phoenician Penn later - Roman Ruspenna), the ancient religious capital of Tunisia and modern international holiday center. The main historical attraction in Monastir - remains Hartema Rabat, defensive structure VIII., Later to become part of the casbah-mighty fortress, the gates of Bab al Sur and Bab al-Darby (XIII c.), The vaulted mosque (IX-X 1 c.) adorned with four domes Mausoleum of the first president of independent Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba, 45 km. south of Monastir is an ancient Punic port and the capital of Tunisia in the era of the Fatimids.

Djerba Island is known since antiquity. Even Odysseus, first visited the island, called it "an island of lotus-eaters" (lotus eaters). Even today, this resort is connected to the mainland of the ancient Roman road. In addition to good beaches with clear water, island attractions are one of the oldest synagogues in the world and a place of pilgrimage for Jews from all over the world - Fungus (VI c. BC. E.) In Riyadh (where the scrolls are kept one of the oldest in the world of Torah and rests one of the authors of the Talmud - Shimon Bar Yaskhan). Also of interest are Fort Borj el-Kebir ("big tower", XIII c.) In Houmt Souk, National History Museum in the mausoleum of Sidi Zitouni, and many mosques, among which are the Jamaa El Gorba Oh Sheikh Jamaa Ettruk belonging different directions in Islam. In the maze of the medina Houmt Female lurk dozens of homes "Menzeli" with domes in traditional Arabic style of architecture, and in the cliffs, as they say legends, hidden a huge treasure of the legendary pirate Droguta Reis.

Beach Resorts

All beaches in Tunisia municipal. For some hotels secured some stretches of beach that are diligently protected, and the local population is hardly seen. In most cases, the hotel provides leisure loungers and umbrellas (the "three-star" hotels - extra charge, and 4-5 "stars" are usually free). All the beaches are sandy.

Monastir

Located on the coast 24 kilometers south of the resort town of Sousse. From the north to the adjacent resort area of Monastir Skanes, next to which is the main international airport in the region. The nightlife here is not as rough as the resorts of Sousse and Hammamet.
   
The nature of travel: calm, unhurried, and they say, "presentable."

Skanes stretches along the coast for 6 km and is an almost continuous chain of hotels. Enjoy easy access to the center of Monastir (4 km) and to Sousse (8 km). Cruising along the coast "tourist train" (travel costs 2-4 TND depending on the distance). Cafes and discos in Skanes outside hotels that's true - in this sense, a resort area depends on the nearby towns of Monastir and Sousse.

By the number of hotels in Monastir and Sousse, Hammamet inferior. The most comfortable hotel located on the beach of Skanes.

Most of the restaurants, shops and discos are concentrated in the center of Monastir. Cheap and quality restaurants: seafood restaurant La Grotte, a restaurant with a kitchen tunicskoy Les Sportifs.

Monastir is yacht club, diving center (at the coast resort is not particularly interesting from the point of view of the underwater world of wealth), a golf club and riding school in Skanes.

Sousse - not so long ago, between the capital and Sousse was built highway. The resort center - "Marina" - was built in the style of ancient Mediterranean towns with an artificial harbor, surrounded by small houses, which are fish restaurants, shops and apartments, with the city "strengthening" and the row of stalls. The resort is famous for its vibrant nightlife, discos and casinos.

About 10 km north of Sousse successfully implemented ambitious tourism project - from scratch built a complex of Port El Kantaoui with an artificial harbor. Bay can accept both 300 yachts and offshore boats. In essence, this is totally self-contained resort with a full set of facilities for entertainment and recreation, although formally Port el Kantaoui, considered one of the resort area of Sousse. It is linked to Sousse convenient transportation system, which includes the "tourist train" (fare 2-3 TND, depending on the distance), taxi (2,5-3 TND depending on time of day) and a new mode of transport for Tunisia - "tuk-tuk" (a scooter with a small indoor passenger cabin for 6 persons (2-4 TND depending on the distance).

Sousse beaches are among the best in Tunisia and inferior in quality sand beaches only Mahdia.

Part of the shopping can be done in a large shopping center Soula Center (prices are fixed, and visitors do not have to haggle to exhaustion).

Cheap and quality restaurants in Sousse: fish restaurant Le Pacha, a seafood restaurant Mediterrannee, Tunisian cuisine restaurant La Caprise. Arab popular cafe for tourists where you can smoke shisha and drink local drinks are located in the tourist area of Port El Kantaoui. Most popular in Port el Kantaoui pub with its own brewery - Brau.

In Sousse, a popular "home ice" Casa Delgelata (there are always on sale - more than 100 varieties of ice cream).

Entertainment: The vast majority of restaurants, shops and discos are concentrated in the new center of Sousse, as well as in the tourist area of the resort of Port El Kantaoui.

Places to visit: the medieval fortress Ribat with extensive catacombs (the length of the underground galleries of over 5 km) from the early Christian burials, ancient "medina" from the city walls (there are souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes). Also - the entertainment bowling complex, a golf club, thalassotherapy center in the hotel Abou Nawas Bou Jaafar, Botanical Garden Oasis Park El Kantaoui in Port El Kantaoui (over 25,000 of aromatic, medicinal and rare plants, the cost of admission - 2 TND).

Popular discos: Bonapart, Marokkana, Rediguana, disco Hotel Orient Palace, disco Maracana in the holiday region of Sousse (next to Tej Marhaba complex near the sea), disco Samara King, located near the hotel Samara, also in the center of the resort. Casino Caraibe two steps away from the disco Samara King.
Entertainment complex Hergla Park - 25 km from the town of Sousse Hergla. It combines a kart race track and amusement park. There are separate areas for karting for children, teens and adults. There are numerous restaurants, cafes and bars. From here you can reach Sousse by taxi and a shuttle bus with the words "Hergla", the schedule of which is available in every hotel. In Port El Kantaoui, close to the Hotel Hannibal Palace, a water park (entrance - 6 TND).

Mahdia

Located 45 km south of the town of Monastir, on a small promontory jutting out into the sea. It is the southernmost (after the island of Djerba) resort Tunisia. Tourist infrastructure is not as much as, for example, in Sousse, and the hotel is much smaller. The resort is best suited for the supporters of a peaceful, secluded vacation.

"The historical part of the" resort, Medina - a medieval town surrounded by walls. Mahdia scenic waterfront with numerous shops, cafes and restaurants - a favorite place for walking tourists.

Beaches with magnificent white sand - the card of Mahdia. It is not surprising that most of the hotels are right on the coast.

Hammamet

Very green and picturesque resort of Tunisia, famous for its sandy beaches, always sunlit. In the early 60's on the Gulf of Hammamet, there were first hotels, now they can take up to 42,000 visitors. It is ideal for a beach holiday. Modern thalassotherapy centers - the pride of Hammamet.

Hammamet - more calm and conservative compared to the resort of Sousse. The majority of tourists (and especially - tourists) coming here to combine a traditional beach holiday with intense wellness and anti-aging treatments.

The vast majority of restaurants, shops, discos are concentrated in the old and new centers of Hammamet (Medina), as well as in the tourist area of the resort "Jasmine Hammamet."

Popular discos: Manhattan, Kaligula, Eurobar, Las Vegas at Nahraves, entertainment complex in otele Sol Azur.

Cheap and quality restaurants Hammamet seafood restaurant Les Trois Moutons, seafood restaurant Il Pomodoro, restaurant with Tunisian cuisine Le Barderousse, network of inexpensive restaurants L'Olivier. Arab popular cafe for tourists where you can smoke shisha and drink local drinks are located in the old center.

Medina Hammamet - the main historical attraction of the city, is a quadrangular castle by the sea, with the Grand Mosque (X c.) And the market. City buildings are designed in a traditional Arabic style with harmonious arches and domes, and even a pair of identical buildings is not found - each of them has its unique architectural form. Near the Medina is the former tomb of Sidi Bou Hadid, and designed with the elements of the picturesque ancient home of George Sebastian, in the garden is an annual International Arts Festival. It is interesting to visit the children's amusement park "Fabilend" park "1001 Nights" and a water park, or the largest golf club of the country - "Golf Citrus", explore the many luxury hotels set among trees and gardens, and spend time on the beautiful beaches of the city stretching almost 14 km. or correct health in the best thalassotherapy centers in the country - "Bioazur", "Royal Thalassa" (the largest in the Mediterranean) and "Nahraves Sentry."