Tunisia: environment

How serious is water scarcity in Tunisia?

Tunisia withdrew 98.1% of its available renewable freshwater resources in 2022, according to FAO data published by the World Bank. This is the UN measure of water stress, used for Sustainable Development Goal 6.4.2.

The indicator compares total freshwater withdrawals with renewable resources after environmental flow requirements. A value above 100% would mean withdrawals exceed renewable supply, drawn for example from fossil groundwater. Environmental policy is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment.

Official sources: World Bank: Level of water stress, Tunisia

What are the CO2 emissions of Tunisia?

Tunisia emitted 2.62 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person in 2024, excluding land use, up from 2.56 in 2023, according to the World Bank. Total greenhouse gas emissions were 44.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024, according to the same source.

The figures come from the EDGAR database. Renewables made up 11.6% of final energy consumption in 2021, according to the World Bank.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions per capita, Tunisia · World Bank: Total greenhouse gas emissions, Tunisia · World Bank: Renewable energy consumption, Tunisia

What is the air quality like in Tunisia?

People in Tunisia were exposed to an average of 18.9 micrograms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) per cubic metre in 2023, down from 22.4 in 2022, according to the World Bank. The WHO annual guideline is 5 micrograms.

The figure is a modelled, population-weighted average combining satellite data and ground measurements. Both desert dust and human sources, such as traffic and industry, contribute. Environmental policy is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment.

Official sources: World Bank: PM2.5 air pollution, Tunisia

What are Tunisia's CO2 emissions per person?

2.6 tonnes: that is carbon dioxide emissions per person in Tunisia for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. The peak was 2.7 tonnes in 2015 and the low 2.3 tonnes in 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 3.6 tonnes; Tunisia is 13th highest of 22. Worldwide: 90th of 186.

How much greenhouse gas does Tunisia emit?

44.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent: that is total greenhouse gas emissions in Tunisia for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 103 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and Tunisia placed 16th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 85th of 186.

How much renewable energy does Tunisia use?

The IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO puts the renewable share of final energy use in Tunisia at 11.6% in 2021. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 4th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 3.4%. Of 191 countries with 2021 data, 137th highest.

How much of Tunisia is forest?

4.4%: that is forest area as a share of land in Tunisia for 2024, according to the FAO. The peak was 4.5% in 2015 and the low 4.4% in 2005. It is 7th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 1.6%. World rank, highest first: 167th of 190.

How polluted is the air in Tunisia?

According to the Global Burden of Disease study, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Tunisia was 18.9 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 22.4 micrograms per cubic metre; its low point was 2017, at 16.5 micrograms per cubic metre. It is 19th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 40.3 micrograms per cubic metre. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 91st highest.

How much of Tunisia is in national parks and reserves?

According to the UN Environment Programme, the share of land in protected areas in Tunisia was 7.9% in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2013. It is 12th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 9.8%. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 153rd highest.

Is Tunisia short of water?

The FAO puts water stress in Tunisia at 98.1% in 2022. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 14th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 116.7%. World rank, highest first: 17th of 175.