South East Tunisia
South East Tunisia is the region located at the south east of Tunisia which assembles three of the following states: Tataouine, Medenine and Gabes.
Geography
The region has an arid climate with 99% of its area desert. It measures 55222 kilometers square. The area makes more than a quarter of the total Tunisian territory with a population of slightly less than a million (963.600) in 2010 according to the INS.[1] The south east of Tunisia has the lowest demographic density.
Economy
The economy of the south east is mainly based on commerce with neighboring country Libya, tourism (Mainly the Island of Djerba) and petrol industries in both Tataouine and Gabes. Due the geographical nature of the area, agriculture is an abandoned activity. The region remains quite impoverished and marginalized in comparison to the north and the coast.
Culture
The south east of Tunisia has maintained an image of moderate conservatism unlike many other regions (North and coast) which have embraced a European-like lifestyle. Inhabitants of the south east have their unique accent, social norms and a distinctive folklore.