Tunisia carries some unique attributes in being a small territory with relatively liberalized economy and homogenous population. With a majorly Arabic-speaking and Sunni Muslim Population, it has a history of encouraging socioeconomic freedoms among women. Women enjoy equal citizenship rights and serve in the military and many professions (Arieff and Humud 4). Tunisia overthrew the dictatorial regime led by Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011. The country enthused uprisings across the North Africa and the Middle East that became known as the Arab Spring. The country has maintained relative stability and held several rounds of elections as well as written a new constitution. The secular Nidaa Tounes party led unity government includes Islamist groups. Still, the country has won acclaims for its successful transition to democracy. However, the recent attacks by the Islamic State have been a blow to Tunisia’s new democratic political system (Daniel 2015). These strikes are likely to continue and what is disturbing for the country is that more than 3,000 Tunisians have joined ISIS. Tunisia was considered a leading non-oil-exporting countries in the Middle East and displayed a strong annual growth. However, masked inequalities in the distribution of wealth led to low-skilled and low-paid Tunisians as well as underemployed highly educated Tunisians. The Tunisian economy suffered a steady decline ever since the Jasmine Revolution. There was a drop in the number of tourists by about 40%, and the growth fell from5% to 1% in 2011(Becheur 5). Tunisia’s economy depends heavily on tourism. However, what adds to its advantage is its strategic geographical location that is considered an asset to boost the tourism industry. The economic downturn in the European Union, perceptions of political instability and declines in tourism and foreign investment have been particularly damaging. Financial stabilization support has been provided by International Monetary Fund and bilateral partners. Tunisia requires deep reforms such as the restructuring of the banking sector, liberalization of labor laws and reforming investment regulations reforms to promote growth and allow greater private sector competition (Arieff and Humud 12).
Works Cited
Arieff, Alexis, and Carla E. Humud. "political Transition in Tunisia." Current Politics and Economics of Africa 7.4 (2014): 497. WebDaniel Zisenwine."ISIS Strikes Tunisia”. Foreign affairs. 2015. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
Mohamed, Becheur. "The Jasmine Revolution and the Tourism Industry in Tunisia." University of Nevada.1.1 (2011): 1-36. Print.
