Although only about the same size as England, the country is geographically diverse. Tunisia includes parts of the three major regions described for Algeria; in the north a narrow coastal strip backed by mountains; a central and western district of mountain and plateau or 'tell' country; and a low-lying region in the south which is either steppe or desert, the fringe of the Sahara.

In recent years Tunisia has developed a large tourist trade, taking advantage of a Mediterranean climate with mild to warm, sunny winters and hot summers that are almost completely dry. The coastal regions, particularly in the north, and the northern mountains have a typically Mediterranean climate with moderate winter rainfall. Occasional rain may occur in the early summer and autumn and this can take the form of heavy but rare downpours. Summers are fine and hot.

The climate becomes progressively drier towards the south of Tunisia and summer temperatures can rise very high inland, since this area has a virtual Sahara climate. Rainfall can occasionally be heavy in spring and autumn although days with rain are rare.

Daily sunshine amounts are high everywhere, ranging from between seven and eight hours in winter to as much as twelve hours in summer. On average, Tunisia has more than 300 days of sunshine per year.