
Tunisia Mountains, Rivers and Lakes
According to baglib.com, Tunisia is a small country located in North Africa. It is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. The total area of Tunisia is approximately 163,610 square kilometers (63,170 square miles). The terrain of Tunisia is mostly semi-arid with mountains in the north and a central plateau that slopes gently down to a narrow coastal plain in the east. The highest peak in Tunisia is Jebel ech Chambi, which stands at 1544 meters (5069 feet) above sea level.
The climate of Tunisia is Mediterranean with hot dry summers and mild winters along the coast. Inland areas experience more extreme temperatures with hotter summers and colder winters. Rainfall varies from region to region with some areas receiving very little rain while other parts of the country can experience heavy rains during winter months. In general, rainfall averages around 400 mm (16 inches) annually throughout most of Tunisia.
Tunisia has two major rivers: The Medjerda River flows from Algeria into northern Tunisia before emptying into the Gulf of Tunis; while the Miliane River flows through central Tunisia before emptying into Lake Ichkeul near Bizerte. There are also numerous smaller rivers and streams throughout the country that provide water for irrigation and other uses.
Tunisia has an abundance of natural resources including oil reserves, phosphates, iron ore deposits, lead and zinc ore deposits as well as several limestone quarries. Forests cover about 10% of Tunisian land area but are primarily concentrated in mountainous regions where cork oaks are common trees found growing wild among other types of flora such as olive trees and cactus plants.
Overall Tunisia’s geography offers varied terrain ranging from lush green forests in mountainous regions to sandy beaches along its Mediterranean coastline providing a diverse landscape for tourists visiting this beautiful North African country.
Mountains
Tunisia is a small country located in the northern part of Africa. It is bordered by Algeria on the west and Libya on the south. Its terrain is mostly composed of desert plains, with some mountains along its northern and eastern coasts. The highest mountain in Tunisia is Jebel ech Chambi, located near Kasserine in the northwest corner of the country. It stands at 1,544 meters above sea level, making it the tallest peak in all of North Africa. Other notable mountains include Jebel Zaghouan (1,135m), Jebel Kelbia (1,265m), and Jebel Tebaga (1,004m). These mountains are located within Tunisia’s central uplands region and provide spectacular views of its surrounding landscape.
The mountain range known as the Dorsale Tunisienne stretches along Tunisia’s Mediterranean coast from Bizerte to Gabes and includes several peaks over 1,000 meters high. This range provides a natural barrier between Tunisia’s coastal plains and its interior desert regions. In addition to providing stunning views of both its coastal and interior regions, this range also provides a home for many species of wildlife that are unique to this region. The most notable wildlife found here includes Barbary macaques, Barbary leopards, Barbary sheep, wild boar, red foxes, wildcats, hyenas and jackals.
Rivers
The Medjerda River is Tunisia’s longest and most important river. It begins in Algeria, flows south through Tunisia, and empties into the Gulf of Tunis. The Medjerda is a crucial water source for the country’s agricultural industry, providing irrigation for thousands of acres of farmland. The soil along its banks is very fertile and supports a variety of crops, including cereals, vegetables, olives, dates, and citrus fruits. Its waters are also used to generate hydroelectric power.
The Miliane River is another important river in Tunisia that originates in the Kroumirie Mountains and flows westward towards the city of Béja before joining the Medjerda River near Tunis. This river has been an important source of water for centuries due to its location at the heart of Tunisia’s agricultural region. It has been used to irrigate fields for many years and provides drinking water for many towns along its course.
The Oued Zouara River begins near Kasserine in western Tunisia before flowing eastward towards Gabes on the Mediterranean Sea. This river is known as a major tourist destination due to its beautiful scenery along its banks which includes palm trees and lush vegetation. The Oued Zouara also serves as an important source of irrigation water for local farmers who rely on it to grow their crops. In addition, it provides drinking water for many communities throughout Tunisia due to its high quality.
Finally, there’s the Oued Souf which starts near Sfax before joining with the Oued Zouara near Gabes where it empties into the Mediterranean Sea. This river has historically served as an important trade route between Sfax and Gabes as well as providing drinking water for communities in both cities. It also serves as a vital source of irrigation water for local farmers who rely on it to grow their crops along its banks throughout the year.
Lakes
Tunisia is home to a number of major lakes, each of which offers a unique experience. The largest lake in Tunisia is Lake Triton, located in the northeast corner of the country. It is an artificial lake created by the damming of the Medjerda River and has a surface area of over 400 square kilometers. This lake is known for its rich variety of bird and fish species, as well as its stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Another major lake in Tunisia is Lake Ichkeul, located near Bizerte in the north of the country. This shallow lake is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been identified as an important resting and breeding ground for thousands of migrating birds from Europe and Africa. The lake supports many species including flamingos, pelicans, ducks, geese, and egrets. Further south is Lake Bizerte which was formed by an earthquake in 1856. The lake covers an area of about 40 square kilometers and supports many species including catfish, carp, eels, pike-perch, mullet and sea bass. With its crystal clear waters surrounded by lush orchards it makes for a great spot for swimming or boating activities. Finally there’s Lake Chott el Djerid which lies to the south-west near Tozeur. This large saltwater lake covers an area larger than 10 000 square kilometers making it one of North Africa’s largest lakes. It supports several species such as tilapia fish as well as flamingos that thrive in its saline environment.