Tunisia celebrates the anniversary of its Independence from France every 20th day of March.

Tunisia observes its Independence Day with programs and speeches on the bravery of the guerrilla forces during the Tunisian War of Independence.

Leaders lay wreaths in cemeteries and memorial parks as tribute to those who perished in the fight for independence.

Tunisia’s population is approximately nine million Throughout its history, Romans, Vandals, black Africans, and Arabs, have invaded or settled in the region that is now called Tunisia. Tunisians, however, are essentially of Berber lineage. Arabic has become the language of the Tunisian people, who have come to consider themselves Arabs.

Site of ancient Carthage and a former Barbary state under the suzerainty of Turkey, Tunisia became a protectorate of France under a treaty signed on May 12, 1881. The nation became independent on March 20, 1956, and the monarchy ended the following year. Habib Bourguiba, an independence leader, served as President until 1987, when he was replaced by his Prime Minister, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Tunisia has a diverse economy, ranging from agriculture to mining, manufacturing, petroleum products, and tourism. It has one of Africa and the Middle East’s highest per-capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The agricultural sector accounts for 11.6 percent of the GDP, industry 25.7 percent, and services 62.8 percent. The industrial sector is mainly made up of clothing and footwear manufacturing, production of car parts, and electric machinery.

We congratulate the people and government of Tunisia led by Their Excellencies, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi, and its Philippine Consulate headed by Consul Alex Ngo, on the occasion of their National Day. We wish them success in all their endeavors.