Number: RS21666
Title: Tunisia: Current Issues
Authors: Carol Migdalovitz, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Tunisia has a stable, authoritarian government led by President Zine ben Ali, who was elected to a fourth term on October 24, 2004. Ben Ali's Constitutional Democratic Rally party controls parliament, state and local governments, and most political activity. There are significant limitations on human rights but marked advancements for women and girls. Tunisia has experienced occasional attacks by Islamist terrorists, and Tunisian expatriates have been arrested in Europe, North America on terrorism-related charges. Tunisia is a non-oil-exporting, middle-class country with a diverse, growing economy, and high unemployment. It has long enjoyed good relations with the United States.
Pages: 6
Date: March 11, 2008