| Economy - overview: | Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural, mining, energy, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Governmental control of economic affairs while still heavy has gradually lessened over the past decade with increasing privatization, simplification of the tax structure, and a prudent approach to debt. Progressive social policies also have helped raise living conditions in Tunisia relative to the region. Real growth slowed to a 15-year low of 1.9% in 2002 because of agricultural drought and lackluster tourism. Better rains in 2003 through 2005, however, helped push GDP growth above 5% for these years. Tourism also recovered after the end of combat operations in Iraq. Tunisia is gradually removing barriers to trade with the European Union. Broader privatization, further liberalization of the investment code to increase foreign investment, improvements in government efficiency, and reduction of the trade deficit are among the challenges ahead. |
| GDP - per capita | $7,600 (2005 est.) |
| GDP - real growth rate (%) | 4.9% (2005 est.) |
| Agriculture - products | olives, olive oil, grain, dairy products, tomatoes, citrus fruit, beef, sugar beets, dates, almonds |
| GDP - composition by sector (%) | agriculture: 13.8%, industry: 30.7%, services: 55.6% (2005 est.) |
| Industries | petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore), tourism, textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverages |
| Economic aid - recipient | $114.6 million (2002) |
| Debt - external | $18.91 billion (30 June 2005 est.) |
| Population below poverty line (%) | 7.6% (2001 est.) |
| Labor force - by occupation (%) | services 55%, industry 23%, agriculture 22% (1995 est.) |
Environment, Land use / Resources, Economy, Population / Demographics, Infrastructure, Health -- CIA World Factbook, 2005
