tunisia
GOVERNMENT: Federal parliamentary republic
POPULATION: 248 million
RELIGION: Islam (official and majority Sunni; Shia minority)
LANGUAGE: Urdu (national), English (official); Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and others
CURRENCY: Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
CLIMATE: Mostly arid to semi-arid; temperate along coastline, cold in mountainous regions
Pray that God encourages the youth who are disillusioned and uncertain about their future. Ask God for believers and ministries that will boldly share the love of Christ in ways that resonate with their longing for peace and purpose.
Pray with us
Pray for the unreached regions. Ask God to cover the southern cities of Sfax, Gabes, and Gafsa, all spiritually dark places with few Christians. Pray for courageous leaders who will learn the language needed to reach these people groups.
Pray for the Berber people, especially those on the island of Djerba, where there are virtually no believers. Ask God to rekindle their ancestors’ faith-filled, spiritual heritage.
THE REALITY
Tunisia was perceived as one of the most open and progressive countries in the Arab world until 2010. Since the Arab Spring uprisings, the country has become increasingly closed and restrictive. Islamic fundamentalism has gained influence, the country has become more unsettled, and constitutional changes have given an oppressive leader more power. With a population made up of 99% Muslim and less than 1% Christian, converts face harsh persecution from the government and rejection from their communities.
This land holds rich Christian history too, one that dates back to the early Church. But centuries of foreign invasions, internal division, and the rise of Islam have led to Christianity’s decline. There are a few hundred known indigenous believers, with only a small number of them gathering for worship in secret. After decades of prayer and faithful presence by missionaries, spiritual openness is slowly appearing. As Islamic authorities become more restrictive, the young generation is seeking hope and freedom in all aspects of life.
Along the Mediterranean coast, surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding are steadily gaining popularity and fostering a welcoming culture for locals and visitors. Skateboarding is also attracting more youth in urban centers like Tunis and La Marsa, where DIY skateparks, the street and Tunisia’s first concrete skatepark are gathering places for those with a common passion. These growing action sport communities are positive signs of people opening up and getting involved in creative outlets. Opportunities to build meaningful community and intentionally share the Good News of a loving God are evident across the country.
