Children

Children are the center of special attention in Arab cultures, and the children of Tunisia are no exception. Doted on by family and friends; even casual a bypasser might stop to greet a child, stroke her hair, or offer him a piece of candy. Children are safe on the streets of Tunisia in a way we scarcely remember in our western cities.

With 50% of the population under the age of 19, children are everywhere. Education is mandatory for all Tunisian kids but the number of schools has not kept up with the population. To maximize the use of the existing buildings, students go to school in shifts. Thus at practically any hour of the day children will be seen going to or from school.

The birthrate in Tunisia is quite moderate relative to most other Arab or African countries. The government actively encourages family planning, and abortion is both legal and common.

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