Tunis / Tunisia

Fashionable Tunisia

Masaki Nishimura / Carthage Power Company

Tunisia is a small country with a population of 9.5 million located at the northern edge of Africa. This area used to be known as Carthage. It is where the Phoenicians traded in earlier times and then prospered while opposing Rome around time of the birth of Christ.

Later, it became a French colony in the nineteenth century and was dominantly influenced by France. Most of its laws, systems and customs as well as urban planning were created in this period and have continued to this day.

Travelers are first amazed to see that this country is orderly and beautiful. Streets unified with Art Deco style facades, cafes under the shade of roadside palm trees and parks with much green are among the scenes that are worthy of pictures by themselves.

Tunisians are very fashion-conscious and a great many stores selling clothes and shoes can be found in the towns, indicating the high level of interest in clothing by the citizens. You may be a little surprised at first to see that all the men working in offices are well dressed in their suits and ties even during the summer. As is always the case with local Japanese firms, the driver makes a better figure than the Japanese sitting in the backseat of the car.

This doesn't apply only to how they dress. Tunisians always stress their overall appearance. Their mode of behavior at events including international conferences is splendid. The other day, a member of the business mission visiting from Japan expressed his impression, "Conferences here demonstrate unsurpassed elegance that exceeds that of other countries."

In addition, they have a strong interest in their belongings, such as cars and mobile phones, along with places for dining out, including restaurants and cafes. This tells us that they have found great value in a fashionable and comfortable life.

Presently, it is said that 80% of the Tunisian people are part of the middle-class. The gentle and realistic personality of the people, I sometimes feel chagrined to find no passionate ambition to surpass European countries. However, as they have sustained their own country and life after overcoming numerous difficulties through time, it is certain that they will create a new Tunisia while maintaining their stylish manner of life.

Shady cafes are always crowded with people enjoying their breakfast of crescent rolls and cafe au lait.

The famous, Cafe des Nuttes A back street of Sidi Bou Said A driver in the morning The full view of Rades Power Plant