📖 About Sousse

Sousse is Tunisia's third-largest city and a major Mediterranean resort destination. With approximately 270,000 residents, this ancient coastal city combines a UNESCO-listed medina with modern beach tourism infrastructure. Known as the "Pearl of the Sahel," Sousse has been an important port since Phoenician times.

The well-preserved medina, ribat (fortress-monastery), and Great Mosque showcase Islamic architecture. The modern zone features resort hotels along sandy beaches. Nearby Port El Kantaoui is a purpose-built tourist complex. Sousse represents Tunisian tourism—ancient heritage, Mediterranean beaches, and affordable sun-and-sea holidays.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Tourism drives Sousse's economy—hotels, restaurants, and tour services employ many residents. The port handles commercial traffic. Olive oil production and food processing are significant. Textile manufacturing exists. The economy suffered from security concerns but continues to rely heavily on European tourists.

Tunisian Arab culture predominates—Arabic is universal, French widely spoken. Islam shapes daily life. The medina maintains traditional commerce and crafts. Food features couscous, brik, and Mediterranean seafood. The culture blends ancient heritage with modern tourism—historic medina life coexisting with beach resort zones.

📜 History

Phoenicians founded Hadrumetum here around the 9th century BC. Rome made it an important city. Byzantine rule preceded the Arab conquest (7th century). The Aghlabids built the ribat, mosque, and walls (9th century).

Various North African dynasties ruled. French protectorate (1881-1956) brought modernization. Post-independence tourism developed from the 1960s. Today Sousse balances heritage and tourism—UNESCO medina, beach resorts, and Tunisia's premier Mediterranean destination.