Country explorer: Tunisia

Tunisia has experienced a complex economic trajectory, marked by moderate growth in GDP per capita, fluctuating levels of unemployment often exceeding regional averages, and variable inflation rates, reflecting broader challenges faced by many lower-middle-income countries in achieving sustained economic stability and growth.

Tunisia has experienced a gradual demographic transition characterized by stable population growth, a significant positive net migration, a declining fertility rate, and an increasing life expectancy, reflecting broader trends consistent with moderate economic development and improving healthcare similar to its North African peers.

Tunisia has demonstrated consistent and notable progress in basic needs—achieving universal access to electricity, high levels of access to clean cooking fuels, and considerable improvements in safely managed drinking water and sanitation facilities, reflecting broader societal and infrastructural development that aligns with or surpasses many of its lower-middle-income peers.

Tunisia has demonstrated significant progress in human development, marked by improvements in education, a reduction in child mortality, and increased literacy rates, positioning it favorably among lower-middle-income countries.

Tunisia has demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability through a gradual increase in forest area and a focus on renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, positioning it as a proactive nation in the MENA region in terms of embracing renewable energy and conserving natural resources.

Tunisia has shown significant growth in internet usage and mobile subscriptions, consistent R&D investments relative to its GDP, and a pronounced increase in scientific publications, indicating a robust engagement with technology and innovation, reflecting broader societal and economic transformations akin to global developmental trends.

Tunisia has experienced notable societal transformations, marked by a slight increase in the foreign-born population, fluctuations in life satisfaction with a trend towards improvement in recent years, significant progress in reducing gender inequality, and a gradual increase in the age dependency ratio, positioning itself as a nation working towards greater inclusivity and facing demographic shifts common among developing countries.

Tunisia has experienced significant governance transformations, notably becoming a regional exemplar of improvements in rule of law, press freedom, and political civil liberties following the Arab Spring, even as challenges persist in combating corruption and maintaining these gains.