Tunisia

Republic of Tunisia

Arabic, French Tunisian Dinar (TND) Mixed: French civil law, Islamic law
AU, Arab League, AfCFTA, WTO
Tunisia is a diversified North African economy with strong manufacturing, tourism, and agricultural sectors. The country has a well-educated workforce and close economic ties to the European Union, particularly France, Italy, and Germany. Tunisia is a major manufacturer of auto parts, electronic components, textiles, and olive oil (world's fourth-largest producer).

The country's proximity to Europe (2 hours by air to major EU cities) and competitive labor costs make it attractive for nearshoring. The offshore sector benefits from a preferential tax regime. The Tunis Stock Exchange (BVMT) is one of North Africa's most active bourses.

Since the 2011 revolution, Tunisia has faced economic challenges including fiscal deficits, high youth unemployment, and political uncertainty. Relations with international lenders (IMF) are complex, with a $1.9 billion loan program stalled over reform conditionality.

Snapshot

Population~12.4 MWorld Bank WDI
GDP (current USD)$59.1 BIMF WEO
GDP per Capita$3,900IMF WEO
GDP Growth2.30%IMF WEO
Inflation (y/y)~7.80%Central Bank / IMF
Policy Rate (BCT key rate)8.00%Central Bank
Unemployment16.40%ILO / National Stats
Internet Use~78.00%World Bank WDI
Electrification~100.00%World Bank WDI
CPI Score (Rank)40.0/100 (#87)Transparency Intl
HDI (Rank)0.732 (#97)UNDP HDR
Credit RatingCCC+ (Fitch) / Caa2 (Moody's)S&P / Moody's / Fitch
MarketTunis Stock Exchange (BVMT)

Focus Sectors

Manufacturing (textiles
auto parts
electronics)
Tourism
Agriculture (olive oil
dates)
Phosphates
Energy
Financial Services
ICT
Aeronautics
Healthcare
Education

Regulations & Taxes

Corporate Income Tax15% standard (25% for banks/telecom/energy)
VAT / Sales Tax19% standard (13% and 7% reduced)
Data Notes: Population, GDP, and GDP per capita are latest IMF WEO / World Bank estimates. Inflation is year-over-year. Trade data from UN Comtrade/OEC (2023). Tax rates from PwC/KPMG country guides. CPI from Transparency International. HDI from UNDP Human Development Report.
Narrative last updated: April 8, 2026.