Tunisia is a North African country in which borders Libya and Algeria. Arabic is the official language, but Tunisian Arabic (known as Derja), French, and a form of Berber called Shelha are also spoken. The terrain includes mountains, deserts, and plains. Because of the distance between Northern and Southern extremes of the country, climate is highly variable. Animal species include moussier’s redstarts, Cuvier’s gazelles, and cheetahs. Mainstays of the economy include exports, agriculture, mining, and tourism.

The medina in Sfax is a traditional, local neighborhood with a great souq and the Grande Mosqu├®e, which sports a 9th-century minaret. El-Ghriba, on Djerba off the mainland, is the oldest synagogue in North Africa and has an appropriately ancient Torah. In Tozeur, check out the huge desert oasis at Palmeraie, which contains about half a million date palms, fig and pomegranate trees, and canopied gardens.

Wheat is probably the most common starch, made into bread, couscous, and other pastas. Barley, potatoes, and rice are also eaten. Typical vegetables include tomatoes, eggplants, bell peppers, squash, and turnips, which can all be stuffed. Lamb, beef, chicken, and fish are popular. Couscous, the national dish, usually consists of wheat in grain form, vegetable layers, meat, butter, and sauces and flavorings such as the pepper paste called harissa. Try a poisson complet or whole fish, which is often grilled and served with potato chips and either mild or spicy tastira, a traditional pepper-and-egg condiment.

There are a few rare entries from the world of health food, including organic, macrobiotic, and gluten-free options. Vegetarians can sometimes get an appropriate meal at an Italian restaurant. Eat some festive desserts if you get a chance and are inclined. Assidat zgougou is a large trifle-like pudding made of ground Aleppo pine grains, cream, orange flower water, and almonds. This exotic dish is served on Muled to celebrate the birth of Mohammed.