Language and religion

Official language of Tunisia is Arabic, along with it, French is used – most of the locals know it. English, Italian and German are also widely spoken.

According to Countryaah, the state religion is Sunni Islam. It is practiced by 95% of the population. Also on the territory of the country you can meet representatives of the Christian and Jewish faiths. During the period of the French protectorate, Jews were considered the most prosperous and influential stratum of the population.

Religion leaves its mark on the life of every inhabitant. A Tunisian is obliged to believe in one God – Allah and offer him a prayer five times a day. Also, every believer must once in a lifetime make a pilgrimage to Mecca. The locals pay a religious tax and often give alms to the poor.

Code of conduct

Tunisia is a Muslim country. While here, the tourist should observe the generally accepted norms of behavior.

Clothing. In the resort areas you can walk in light clothes. Women on the tourist beach or by the pool in the hotel can relax topless. But walking in shorts through the old quarters Tunisia a are unacceptable.

Prayer. If you meet a kneeling person on the street, then go around him at a respectful distance. Try not to look at him during the prayer ritual.

Women. It is unacceptable to consider women in a burqa. You can’t take pictures of her without permission.

Alcohol. Do not drink alcohol from wine and beer bottles on the street.

Communication. During a conversation, try not to speak too loudly, do not make scandals on the street or in hotels.

Greetings. When visiting a hotel or shop, it is customary to say hello to people passing by. You can greet in any language. You will be understood and answered in kind.

Fruits. If you pass by orange, lemon or olive thickets, then you can pick fruits only with the permission of the watchman.

Ramadan. During this religious holiday, refrain from eating, drinking and smoking on the streets of the city. Do not offer Tunisians a drink or smoke – this is prohibited. In restaurants, you can freely consume alcoholic beverages, while you are politely served by a fasting waiter.

Bargaining. In Tunisia, you can bargain everywhere, except for shops with price tags on goods.

Security. Be careful in crowded places – pickpockets are operating here.

Photography. Filming and photographing official buildings is prohibited. Before filming locals, ask their permission.

Prostitution. Tunisia is the only country among Muslims where abortion is allowed, the work of brothels is under state control, and prostitution is legalized.

Men. The male population in Tunisia wears a bouquet of jasmine behind the ear. If the flower is on the right side, then the man is married, if on the left, he is single. Tourists are not recommended to repeat this tradition.

Rules of conduct at the table. You can not look into the face of a person who eats. Eat while standing or walking. In Tunisia, it is not customary to drink fatty foods with water.

Holidays

Tunisia is a country of celebrations. Here, in addition to the main public holidays and religious events, about 340 festivals are held annually. Check agooddir for recent history of Tunisia.

Public holidays:

New Year (January 1)

Independence DayTunisia a (March 20)

Youth Day (March 21)

Martyrs’ Day (April 9)

Labor Day (May 1)

Republic Day (July 25)

Women’s Day (August 13)

Withdrawal Day (August 15)

President Ben Ali’s Assumption Day (November 7)

The days of religious celebrations do not have a fixed date. They are appointed in accordance with the lunar calendar, which is 11 days shorter than the standard one. Specific days are calculated and announced by the Grand Mufti in advance.

Religious holidays:

Ramadan is a holy month. The celebration lasts 29-30 days

Laid Sgid – the day of the end of Ramadan

Laid kebib – on this day sacrifices are made, celebrated 2 months and 10 days after Ramadan

Ras El Aam – New Year’s Eve

El Muled – Birthday of Muhammad (prophet)

Miaraj – Ascension Day

Most of the holidays and festivals are held between July and October.