Tunisia
Tunisia is a country in northern Africa that shares borders with Algeria and Libya. Its capital is Tunis and the country has a total population of roughly 12 million people.
Due to its geostrategic importance, the country has always been an important player in the Mediterranean. Following the end of French rule in 1956, Tunisia was led by a pro-secular government that supported women’s liberation and the abolition of polygamy. Tunisia’s economy is built on three pillars: agriculture, industry, and services.
SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Tunisia since 1983.
Children are at risk
A quarter of Tunisia’s population is below the age of 15, making it a very young country in terms of demography. Seven per cent of the country's gross domestic product is spent on education. Although Tunisia has a very high primary school enrolment rate of 98%, many students drop out every year because their families struggle financially, which makes it hard for them to keep their children in school. Young people in Tunisia also face high unemployment rates. This negatively affects their chances of finding a job and living a fulfilled life
38%
Of young people can’t find a job
High unemployment
Tunisia has an overall unemployment rate of around 17%. A high unemployment rate means that the economy is unable to produce sufficient job opportunities. High unemployment worsens social problems and causes family suffering.
Young people are especially affected by unemployment: 38% of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 cannot find a job. Woman and people with university degrees are particularly affected.
47%
Of children and young people achieve minimum skills
Education is lacking
47% of children and young people who attend primary school achieve at least a minimal competency level in reading and mathematics at the end of primary school or lower secondary school.
Achieving literacy skills is more than just being able to read and write: it can empower people and enable them to participate fully in society.
17
Children (per 1,000 live births) die before the age of five
Children die young
Even though Tunisia’s under-five mortality rate has steadily declined over the past years it still remains relatively high: 17 children (per 1,000 live births) die before the age of five.
The under-five mortality rate also reflects the social, economic and environmental conditions in which children live. This includes the access of children and communities to things like basic health care, vaccinations and adequate nutrition.
Together we can make a difference for children in Tunisia
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470
Families
Can stay together
1,810
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
200
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
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130
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
