Tunisia: Difference between revisions

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'''Tunisia''' is a North African nation on the Mediterranean coast, covering 163,610 km², renowned for its ancient Carthaginian ruins, vibrant souks, and coastal tourism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tunisia |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/tunisia/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> With a population of approximately 11.85 million, its official language is [[Arabic]], and its economy, driven by agriculture, tourism, and phosphates, yields a GDP per capita of about $3,800 (2023 estimate).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tunisia |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/tunisia/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> The [[Catholic Church]], with approximately 25,000 Catholics (0.2% of the population) as of 2023, is a minor religion in a country where Islam dominates (99%).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archdiocese of Tunis, Tunisia |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/tuni0.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Introduced in the 2nd century AD during Roman times, Catholicism has a historic legacy tied to [[Saint Cyprian of Carthage]], the patron saint, and the [[w:Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul|Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul]] in [[Tunis]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Tunisia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Tunisia |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-04-29 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Despite legal restrictions, the Church fosters interfaith dialogue and charity, drawing on the legacy of early martyrs like [[Saint Perpetua]] and [[Saint Felicity]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tunisia, The Catholic Church in |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/tunisia-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2021-02-15 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> (Word count: ~250)

== Social and political influence ==

Guided by [[Catholic Social Teaching]], the Church influences Tunisia through schools and clinics, led by [[Sisters of St. Joseph]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tunisia, The Catholic Church in |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/tunisia-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2021-02-15 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> [[Archbishop Ilario Antoniazzi]] promotes interfaith dialogue, earning respect post-2011 revolution.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Tunisia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Tunisia |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-04-29 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> [[Caritas Internationalis]] supports migrants, aligning with Tunisia’s role as a transit hub.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Tunisia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Tunisia |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-04-29 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> These efforts foster social cohesion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Catholic Church in Tunisia: a transliminal institution |url=https://puretest.port.ac.uk/en/publications/the-catholic-church-in-tunisia-a-transliminal-institution |publisher=University of Portsmouth |date=2020-06-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> (Word count: ~350)

== References ==

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