Religious Freedom World Report
Prepared by the International
Coalition for Religious Freedom
Tunisia
Tunisia has a population of 8.7 million and is governed by a parliamentary
democracy. The nation’s current leader initially took power through a bloodless
coup in 1987 and was subsequently elected to office. Islam is the state
religion, but the Government permits the practice of other religions. The
Government controls
mosques, appoints the personnel, and pays the salaries of the prayer
leaders.
The Government regards the Baha'i faith as a heretical sect of Islam
and its adherents are permitted to practice their faith only in private.
The Jewish community, numbering 1,300, is the country's largest indigenous
religious minority. The Government assures the Jewish community freedom
of worship. The Christian community, estimated at about 2,000, and composed
mainly of foreigners, holds church services and operates a small number
of schools.
The Government views proselytizing as an act against "public order."
Authorities ask foreigners suspected of proselytizing to leave the country
and do not permit them to return. Tunisia hosted a visit in April by the
Pope in a gesture toward tolerance and ecumenism.
2003 US State
Department International Religious Freedom Report on Tunisia
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