Tunisian Society
Tunisia is a land of contrasts and surprises. Those who arrive with stereotypes about Arab countries will quickly be proven wrong.
Identity: Arab, Berber, Mediterranean
The Tunisians are a mixed people: Berbers (the indigenous people), Arabs, Andalusians (Muslim refugees from Spain), Turks, sub-Saharan Africans, and European influences have blended over centuries. The result is a society that sees itself as Arab but has a strong Mediterranean and Berber identity.
The Tunisian dialect Derja reflects this diversity: Arabic as a base, interspersed with French, Berber, Italian, Spanish, and Turkish words. An Egyptian or Lebanese person hardly understands Derja — conversely, Tunisians understand other dialects thanks to films and television.
Religion: Moderate Islam
Tunisia is 99% Muslim (Sunni), but practices a distinctly moderate Islam. Alcohol is readily available, many women do not wear headscarves, and the call of the muezzin is perceived by many more as cultural heritage than a religious duty. At the same time, religious festivals (Ramadan, Eid) are social highlights, and mosques are full on Fridays.
The Ibadite minority on Djerba and the Jewish community (one of the oldest in the world) are integral parts of Tunisian society. Religious tolerance has a long tradition in Tunisia.
The Role of Women
Tunisia is the most progressive Arab country regarding women's rights. Since Bourguiba's reforms of 1956:
- Polygamy is banned
- Women have the right to divorce
- Equal inheritance rights (possible since 2018)
- Compulsory education for girls and boys alike
- More women than men in universities
- Women active in government, economy, and public life
This does not mean everything is perfect: In conservative rural areas, traditional roles are more prevalent, and violence against women is an issue. But compared to neighboring countries, the status of women in Tunisia is exceptional.
