Government

Tunisia is an Islamic republic with a democratically elected president and legislature. President Zine El-Abedine Ben Ali is currently serving his third elected term. He came to power in 1987 in a peaceful constitutional transition called "La Changement." [History]

Tunisia's government has worked hard to provide high quality education and health services, and leads Africa and the Arab World in women's rights. The effectiveness of the government's policies is demonstrated by the existence of a large and robust middle class in a region more commonly characterized by poverty.

Another characteristic of Tunisian government is a strong constitution which guarantees its citizens many rights. Noteworthy is the freedom of religion guaranteed by the constitution. Tunisia has been quite successful at tolerating various religious beliefs while at the same time avoiding the threat posed by Islamic Fundamentalism.