Data collected as part of the most recent Tunisian census show a slowdown in population growth and an improvement in the standard of living of the population. The census took place on April 28, 2004. The previous census took place ten years ago.
Demographics:
The total number of Tunisia’s population on April 2004 was slightly more than 9.9 million.
The ratio of the population that is 14 years or younger has decreased from 33.8 % to 26.7 % between 1994 and 2004, while the proportion of the population between 15 and 59 years of age increased from 56.9 % to 64% during the same period. The rate of urban population stands at near 65 %.
Literacy:
The overall rate of literacy is near 80% today. The rate of illiteracy has continued to decrease. From 84.7 % on independence in 1956, and then 46 % in 1984, it was lowered to 22.9% in 2004. For those in the population between 10 and 29 years of age, illiteracy has come down from 24.8 % in 1984 to 6 % in 2004.
Unemployment has also decreased from 15.6 % in 1994 to 13.9 % in 2004.
Home ownership and access to commodities: there is surplus of 15% of houses that are vacant while nearly 80% of the people own their homes. Access to modern amenities increased during the same ten-year period reflecting a general improvement in the standards of living of Tunisia’s largely middle class society.
Virtually all households have access to drinking water and electricity. The ratio of households owning a car has increased from 15.7 % in 1994 to 21% this year. No less than 46% of households today own a portable phone line, 81 % a refrigerator, 90 % a television set and 34.5 % a laundry machine.
Very interesting numbers I think. Especially the part about home ownership. I can’t believe 80% of Tunisians own their homes although the first and most important goal for a Tunisian is to own a house.
Oh well, I’m still one of the 20% who still dream of owning a home.
[Source: Tunisia Online]
