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Tunis

Capital of TunisiaTunis is in north-eastern Tunisia, at the south-western edge of the Gulf of Tunis. The city sits behind the Lake of Tunis, which a canal links to the sea at the port of La Goulette.

Why it's the capital

Tunis began to lead the region after the Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu'min took it in 1159, and in the 13th century it became the capital of the Hafsid kingdom. It kept that role under Ottoman and French rule, and after independence in 1956 the constitution put the parliament and the presidency in Tunis.

Fun facts

  1. The Medina, the old town at the heart of the city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
  2. The Zaytuna Mosque in the Medina was founded in the late 7th century.
  3. The ancient city of Carthage was built just north of Tunis on the coast, and Carthage is now one of its suburbs.

Finding it on the globe

Find the big bay on Tunisia's north-east coast, between Cape Farina and Cape Bon, across the sea from Sicily. Tunis is at the bay's south-western corner.

Sources: Wikipedia: Tunis, Wikipedia: Gulf of Tunis