Tunisia  

The Tunisian economy is performing under its potential capacity given that the unemployment rate is at 14%, ranking Tunisia 86th on this variable. Inflation rates are, however, moderate at 3%. While a low interest margin of 3.3 percentage points indicates some banking efficiency, there is a high loan default rate of 17%. The ratio of export revenues compared to the cost of imports is near the global average and Tunisia displays a lower than average dependence on raw material exports, ranking the country 42nd on this variable. Domestic savings and household expenditure are both equivalent to a quarter of Tunisia’s GDP, ranking the country 53rd and 61st, respectively, on these variables. Tunisian workers benefit from average levels of capital stock, such as factories, machinery, and offices. At only 5% of GDP, levels of foreign direct investment are moderate, ranking Tunisia 47th on this variable.

Tunisia’s internet connectivity and access to computers are limited, with approximately 23 secure internet servers per 10 million people, and just over six personal computers per 100 people, ranking Tunisia 70th and 66th on these variables, respectively. In terms of bandwidth, the country ranks 62nd, worldwide. Tunisia has achieved exports of around 5% in the ICT sector and 7% in the high-tech sector, both ranking above international averages. Barriers to entry, in terms of procedures required to set up a business, are near the global average, and consequently 6,675 new businesses were registered in 2007. Royalty receipts are also above the international average, demonstrating Tunisia’s ability to capitalise on intellectual property, while R&D expenditure ranks moderately, with a value equivalent to 0.4% of its GDP. Value added in the service industry stands at 61% of GDP.

Tunisians cannot participate freely in political processes, express views, or have affiliations or associations without fear of persecution. Power is spread amongst the elite, who only compete against each other for power, making Tunisia an anocracy, and ranking the country 85th on this measure of democracy. There is no system of political checks or balances, meaning those in power are able to change legislation arbitrarily, and according to personal preference. The office of the executive is designated by the ruling elite, and not through open political elections. Similarly, though opposition parties are permitted to compete in elections for the legislature, their chances of gaining power is generally considered unlikely. The judiciary is not independent of the government, and thus is subject to inteference from political actors. The last change in the political system took place over 20 years ago, ranking Tunisia 45th on this variable of regime stability.

In Tunisia, the primary enrolment rates is moderate at 96%, but falls to 85% in secondary school and drops significantly to 31% at tertiary level. At primary level the teacher to student ratio is one to 19, suggesting moderate class sizes, and 104 girls are enrolled in schools for every 100 boys. Tunisian workers, on average, benefit from high levels of secondary education, but a lower number of years in tertiary education, compared to international standards. With less than $2,000 spent per student, the Tunisia ranks just above the international average on education expenditure.

The numbers of Tunisian health care professionals and hospital beds per 1,000 capita are both below the international average. Tunisians have a health-adjusted life expectancy of 62 years and with only 3% of the population undernourished, Tunisia ranks exceptionally well globally, but underperforms on other health variables. Infant mortality is at 20 deaths per 1,000 live births, and although 85% of the population has access to improved sanitation facilities, only 54% of Tunisians are satisfied with the quality of their water supply.* Despite approximately 30% of the population reporting debilitating health problems and considerable pain, a high 85% of people were satisfied with their personal health.* However, less than two-thirds of the population reported feeling well rested, ranking Tunisia 76th on this variable.*

Tunisia faces some security challenges related to internally displaced persons and refugees, social groups with a history of discrimination, and human flight, but ranks above average, globally, on all three variables. However, security issues posed by state- sponsored political violence against citizens are more serious, ranking Tunisia 66th on this variable. Homicide figures are among the 20 lowest, internationally, and for instances of theft, the country ranks 26th, globally. Occurrences of assault and theft are also below the global averages.* Three out of four Tunisians feel safe walking alone after dark, ranking the country in the top 25 on this variable.*

The rule of law is generally enforced fairly, ranking Tunisia 41st on this variable. The Tunisian government is moderately effective when carrying out governmental objectives, ranking the country 39th on this variable. More than nine out of 10 people have confidence in the judicial system, the fourth highest proportion, internationally.* However, the quality of regulation in economic and commercial sectors is more moderate and while only 46% believe in widespread corruption throughout the government, 77% of Tunisians believe that local businesses are corrupt.* Despite citizens’ limited rights to self determination, 89% of respondents believed in electoral honesty, the fifth highest rate, worldwide.* A majority of 96% of the population have confidence in the nation’s military, ranking Tunisia within the top three countries, globally.*

Tunisians have little or no freedom of movement, religion, and speech, ranking the country 87th on this variable. Despite this, 80% of respondents were satisfied with the freedoms afforded to them in their daily lives.* Tolerance of ethnic minorities is the lowest of all countries, with only 19% of Tunisians believing that their area is a good place for ethnic minorities to live.* Tolerance for immigrants is much higher, ranking the country 63rd on this variable.*

In Tunisia, only 69% of respondents believe that they can rely on friends and family, ranking the country in the bottom five on this variable.* Only 16% of the Tunisian population donates money and 6% volunteers, placing Tunisia 88th and 99th on these variables, respectively.* However, a surprisingly high 63% offered help to strangers, the seventh highest rate, internationally.* Tunisians rank in the top half on self-assessed religiosity,* suggesting a strong religious support network. No data were available for indexes of social trust, importance of friends, or group membership.

* Data taken from the Gallup World Poll

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