I am an American who has been living in Tunisia for the past 5+ years and I LOVE it here!!
The mountain region is breathtaking! There are fantastic views and an the atmosphere is reminiscent of an old town in Switzerland. Absolutely gorgeous! The coast is marvelous. The Sea is clear and picturesque. The midland and south are terrific because they offer you the chance to peek into a forgetten society - one that holds fast to tradition. I have been all over Tunisia and have visited most cities and have loved everyone because they each have their own special charm.
The people are so warm and hospitable. They instantly welcome you as one of their own and treat you like family. Tunisia is also a very safe place. There are not many places in this world where a women can walk the streets alone in the middle of the night without fear. Yet I often take late night walks and have never had any problems and have never felt fearful.
I wrote an introductory blog about Tunisia on my 360 page
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-5ksVjU47eqs_12qDwPwirmLXqHA-?cq=1&p=764 Here is a little bit of what I wrote:
Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, it is the northernmost African country, and the smallest of the nations situated along the Atlas mountain range, bordering Algeria, to the west, and Libya to the south east. The capitol city is Tunis. That is located about a 2 hour drive north from where I live, in Monastir.
Tunisia is a land full of culture, historical significance, and beauty. It has been under the rule of Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Berbers, Ottomans, Beys, and French. Tunisia gained her independance from France in 1956 and elected it’s first president, Habib Bourguiba in 1957. Bourgiba placed strong emphasis on economic and social development, especially education, the status of women and the creation of jobs. In 1987 Bourguiba was deposed by his prime minister, Zayn al-Abidin bin Ali (Ben Ali), who is still the current president.
The food is very delicious in Tunisia! A combination of traditional Berber, Middle Eastern, and French. From the urban "baguette" to the unleavened country bread "tabouna", baked in a clay domed oven, each region boasts its own specialty. Freshly baked bread is available throughout the day and no family meal is complete without it. Tunisians' pride themselves on their fine taste buds. Seafood is a mainstay of the Tunisia diet. Tunisian meals are social events and the longer the better. While most Tunisians like their food hot and spicy, restaurants and hotels prepare their menus considering the tastes of their visitors and serve harissa separately. This condiment is made of crushed dried red peppers, garlic and spices and adds a definite zest to any meal. It is a mainstay of many dishes and can be toned down by a touch of olive oil.
The official language is Arabic, with French being the official language of commerce. English is also very widely spoken, and in the tourist areas you will find people who speak German, Spanish, and Italian.
Here's two links to photo albums I have on Tunisia. Feel free to look at any others I have if you want.
Monastir (where I live) - a Sea coast city
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jamie_hassen/album/576460762326455859 Hammam Bourguiba - a Mountain city
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jamie_hassen/album/576460762326464997 If I can be of any other assistance, or if you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me.