Population of Tunisia

Tunisia has an estimated 2026 population of approximately 12.4 million people, ranking 79th worldwide. The nation maintains a moderate annual growth rate and is characterized by a high level of urbanization, with the majority of the population concentrated along the Mediterranean coast. Recent data shows a steady demographic transition with lower fertility rates and higher life expectancy compared to many of its regional neighbors.

The population of Tunisia has been shaped by a long history of migration and settlement, from the ancient Phoenicians and Romans to the Arab-Muslim conquest and Ottoman rule. Following independence in March 1956, the country underwent significant demographic shifts driven by the government's social policies. The introduction of the Code of Personal Status shortly after independence led to major reforms in women's rights, education, and family planning, setting Tunisia apart from many other countries in the region.

The population is currently growing at an annual rate of 0.63%, a figure that has significantly decreased since the late 20th century. This trend is driven by a falling fertility rate, which current estimates place at 1.8 births per woman. This shift reflects broader societal changes, including increased urbanization and the higher educational attainment of women, which have contributed to delayed marriage and smaller family sizes. Future projections suggest that Tunisia will continue to experience a slow growth trajectory, leading toward a stabilizing population with an increasing proportion of older citizens. According to recent data, life expectancy has reached approximately 77 years, reflecting improvements in the national healthcare system and overall quality of life over the last several decades.

The estimated 2026 population density is 80 people per km² (207 per sq mi), with the highest concentrations found in the coastal governates and the capital region of Tunis.

Approximately 70% of the population resides in urban areas, a high level of urbanization that reflects the ongoing migration toward economic centers and the industrialization of the coastal regions.

Tunisia is currently ranked 79th globally and 31st within Africa for its total population. Within the Northern Africa subregion, it holds the 5th position out of 6 countries. Its demographic profile differs from neighbors like Algeria and Libya due to a lower fertility rate and a higher urbanization percentage. While its population size is smaller than several of its neighbors, its density of 80 people per km² (207 per sq mi) is significantly higher than the regional average, largely due to the concentration of residents in the northern and coastal plains.