U.S. Relations With Tunisia

More information about Tunisia is available on the Tunisia Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-TUNISIA RELATIONS

The U.S. Government is proud to support Tunisia in its transition to democracy. In this effort, one of the United States’ priorities is to help Tunisia provide a secure environment conducive to the development of democratic institutions and practices, and to inclusive economic growth. The United States also supports Tunisia as it lays the foundation for political stability and economic prosperity, including efforts to strengthen civil society, empower youth, support economic reform, and create jobs.

The United States was the first major power to recognize Tunisian sovereignty and established diplomatic relations with Tunisia in 1956 following its independence from France. On January 14, 2011, a popular revolution began a process of democratic transition that is still underway. A Constituent Assembly charged with drafting a new constitution was elected in October 2011 in elections that were considered to be free and fair. Tunisia now faces the challenges of strengthening the country’s nascent democratic institutions; facilitating constructive popular participation in the national political process; creating jobs, especially for youth, women, and college graduates; countering the threat of transnational terrorism and spillover from conflicts in neighboring countries; and managing increased demands on the national security forces.

U.S. Assistance to Tunisia

Since the January 2011 revolution, the U.S. has committed more than $1.4 billion to support Tunisia’s transition. U.S. assistance to Tunisia focuses on an array of targeted areas that include ensuring and enhancing internal and external security, promoting democratic practices and good governance, and supporting sustainable economic growth.

In 2019 the US and Tunisia signed a five-year bilateral Development Objective Agreement for USAID to provide up to $335 million to support increased private sector employment and democratic consolidation.

Bilateral Economic Relations

The United States strongly believes that private sector growth and economic opportunity are keys to Tunisia’s prosperity and long-term stability. The United States and Tunisia signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement and agreement to implement the Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act in 2019, a Science and Technology Agreement in 2014, a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) in 2002, a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) in 1990, and a Tax Convention in 1989. In addition, the two countries launched a high-level Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in 2016. The U.S. Government continues to support Tunisia’s efforts to attract foreign investment. The best prospects for U.S. exports and investments in Tunisia are in the information and communication technology, energy, security, agriculture, franchising, healthcare, and tourism sectors.

Tunisia’s Membership in International Organizations

Tunisia and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Tunisia also is a member of the League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and the African Union.

Bilateral Representation

Principal embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List.

Tunisia maintains an embassy in the United States at 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 (tel. 1-202-862-1850).

More information about Tunisia is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

CIA World Factbook Tunisia Page 
U.S. Embassy
USAID Tunisia Page 
History of U.S. Relations With Tunisia
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics 
Export.gov International Offices Page 
Travel Information