The small north African nation of Tunisia is a hot, heady place, full of exotic and historic sights.

Bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Libya, Tunisia has a long coastline and a population of just over ten million.

It is the smallest country in North Africa, but the architecture throughout Tunisia reflects its rich past, from Roman ruins to Islamic medinas, the buildings and ruins from each period will fascinate visitors.

The strategic position of Tunisia means that it has been claimed by many to be one of the most important empires in the world, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans and French.

First settled several hundred thousand years ago, the country was established as a trading post for the Phoenicians in 1100 BC and a series of ports grew, the largest and most famous of which was Carthage, the legendary enemy of Rome.

Carthage grew in importance over hundreds of years until the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage destroyed the city and its people. Refounded as a Roman city in 44 BC, Carthage and the area that now forms Tunisia became an agricultural state of Rome until the Vandals arrived in the fifth century, followed swiftly by the Byzantines of Constantinople and Arab armies in the seventh century, who claimed it as part of the vast Islamic empire.
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North Africa was taken by a group of Berber Shiites in 909 and the region declined under their rule until the Ottomans took Tunis in 1574, holding onto it until the 19th century when the French gained power. Independence was finally granted to Tunisia in 1956 and the country has since battled against Islamic fundamentalism and dissent against the various regimes that have held power.

Home to an array of attractions in a relatively small area and consisting mainly of hot, dry central plain, with mountains to the north and some impressive beaches. Film fans will enjoy visiting the sets of the Star Wars films and shopping in traditional bazaars is a must for tourists.

Archaeology and history buffs will delight in the spectacular ruins, particularly the Roman sites at Carthage, Sufetula and El-Jem. Highlights of the sites of Carthage include the fascinating museum, Antonine baths, Punic ports, Roman amphitheatre and the Sanctuary of Tophet.

The Cap Bon Peninsula, with its seaside resorts such as Hammamet and Nabeul, and rich wildlife is a favourite destination. Those looking for a beach break will delight in the crystal waters and soft sands of Tunisia's coast, while water sports enthusiasts can choose from an array of activities, including windsurfng, sailing and diving.

The Lake Ichkeul National Park is an important bird sanctuary and a Unesco world heritage site, with a dazzling number of different breeds of waterfowl.

The city of Tunis is bustling, loud and colourful, with a delightful medina, growing old town and a number of good museums and attractions. The nearby town of Tozeur is a particularly favourite for tours, with a charming old town, interesting museum, palm forest and merchant houses.

Tunisian food tends to be excellent and very reasonably priced, with plenty of exotic spices and flavours. Most major resorts, towns and cities have a number of good restaurants, often with attractive views. Accommodation in the main tourist centres is comfortable and modern, while smaller towns and sites have good, independently run hotels.

Northern Tunisia experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, while the mountains get some snow and the south remains hot and dry year round.

Regular flights are available from across the UK to Tunisia all year round and a host of travel companies offer package deals, ranging from beach holidays to treks around the historic sites.